Driver Updates for PC

Articles and technical help with driver issues

Windows 7 Driver Support - Part 3

What do I do if devices don’t work properly?

The same chant that Windows users have heard for years applies here, too. First, try restarting your computer. Although it might take a few minutes more, it is best to shut it all the way down and “cold start” it. Try your device again or look for messages indicating that the installation did not properly complete. Next, try uninstalling the device and then reinstalling it. If this doesn’t solve the problem, then add the first solution to it and check again. This all assumes that your computer seems to tell you that the device is installed properly, but you find that it doesn’t work as advertised. At this point you want to seek additional wisdom on the device manufacturers website and on Microsoft’s website. It is possible there are known issues with the hardware you are trying to use. The pages you find on the subject may lead you to workaround steps or additional downloads to try.

While device manufacturers and Microsoft endeavor to provide as complete and updated driver support as possible for Windows 7, there is worthwhile intelligence in other places on the internet. Perform a search for your device and Windows 7 to see if there are bulletin board discussions created by and contributed to by those who have beta tested the new operating system. For example, there have been reported problems with some display and DVD devices. Some will be addressed in the final release of Windows 7, others in an inevitable service pack. If your level of technical prowess is not at the advanced or expert level, be cautious about just trying solutions you see on a discussion board. Look for the same solution to appear on several websites, especially if it involves manipulating hardware or uninstalling/reinstalling software. Also, be sure to check the dates of postings and the build of Windows 7 that was being used.

Refrain from downloading driver solutions from websites other than Microsoft or the device manufacturer. Should you choose to ignore this device and proceed with an “off brand” compatibility solution, it is always wise to avoid installing it directly from the site. Save the file to your hard drive and scan it with your virus software. Of course, you’ll want to be sure your virus software is compatible with Windows 7 and updated with the most recent virus information. After installing the fix, scan your system to insure that nothing uninvited and malicious has been installed.

Conclusion
Although some driver problems are expected with the release of Windows 7, it is not expected to be the rocky road that Vista was. Many more manufacturers have come on board with updated devices and device drivers that take advantage of the improved engineering in Windows 7. The ability to beta best Windows 7 was very accessible in the months leading up to it s release. This means that many users of varying levels of experience were able to shake out bugs and escalate problems to Microsoft before its release. Many of the changes that Microsoft has made to Windows 7 are the kind that makes hardware manufacturers want to go along, rather than fight the change.

Back to Part Two

 

 

 

 

 

 

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