Driver Updates for PC

Articles and technical help with driver issues

Windows 7 Driver Support - Part 2

Will my devices be compatible?

Windows 7 engineering offers some level of relief to device manufacturers in developing new drivers. The upshot is that more drivers will be available for more devices. However, if you are using devices more than 3 or 4 years old, it is best to check first. Microsoft gives you two places to check device compatibility on its website. The first is the Windows Logo’d Products List.

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Many Windows 7 compatible devices found in a search of this page should operate on plug in, because drivers may already be included on Windows 7 install. If you find that they are not, it is a near guarantee that you will find the driver on the device manufacturer’s website. The site is friendly enough to allow you to search by manufacturer and device type to quickly locate your devices.

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The second place to check is the Windows Compatibility Center for Windows 7. This site will allow you to determine whether your devices are compatible with the new operating system, whether or not they bear the Windows 7 logo.

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If the device listing indicates that it is compatible, you may be directed, via hyperlink, to the manufacturer device driver download page. You may also see either a red “X” indicating that it is not compatible or a grey question mark indicating that the status is unknown. Your next step would be to go to the device manufacturer website directly to see if they have a Windows 7 solution. Many experts recommend that the hardware manufacturer website is the best first step.

How do I install my devices?
The fast answer to this question is that you may not have to do a thing. Windows 7 device recognition and plug and play advancement make many devices simply install by themselves. For those with drivers which you must download first, print out the manufacturer website directions and follow them. You also have some assistance on the Microsoft Help and How To page for Windows 7

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The following topics can be found on the page covering the installation of new hardware .
- USB devices
- Printer Installation
- Improperly Installed Device Troubleshooting
- Managing Printers and Other Devices
- Automatic Driver Updates
- Sound Card Installation and Removal
- Hard Disk Installation and Removal
- Driver Installation System Safety

Back to Part One

Continue to Part Three

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