How to Install Vista Device Drivers
A device driver is a software package designed for a specific operating system that instructs the operating system how to utilize a particular hardware device. Devices such as video cards, graphics, cards, Ethernet adapters and modems must each have their own device drivers. Hardware manufacturers often create updated device drivers to eliminate bugs or increase efficiency, so periodically installing new device drivers is helpful to keep a computer running as fast as possible. Under Windows Vista, it is possible to install drivers automatically, or they can be downloaded and installed manually.
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Instructions
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Searching for Updates with Device Manager
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1
Click "Start," "Control Panel" and then "Device Manager."
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2
Search through the list of devices by clicking the plus signs next to different categories to expand lists of installed devices.
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3
Right click on the device you wish to install drivers for and select "Update Driver Software..."
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4
Select "Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software." Windows will then search online and install any relevant diver updates it finds. You will have to restart your computer if you install a new driver.
Downloading and Installing Drivers
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5
Go to the device manager list as described in Section 1, right click on any device and select "Properties." Write down the name of the device and the device manufacturer. You can also find information on current drivers in the properties menu.
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6
Go to the official website of the manufacturer of your device and search for device driver updates. Hardware manufacturers often release updated device drivers that don't come up on Window's automatic driver updates. Make certain you search for drivers for Windows Vista, as drivers made for Windows XP or other operating systems may not work properly.
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7
Download a new driver and double click the diver installation file. This will begin an automatic install process, after which you will be prompted to restart your computer. Agree to restart, and your new driver will be ready to use.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you purchase a new piece of hardware for your computer, it should come with a CD that can be used to install basic drivers for Windows Vista.
Some drivers are designed to work with Windows Vista 32 bit, while others work with Vista 64 bit. To determine what version of Vista you have, click "Start," then right click "Computer" and select "Properties." Under "System Type," it will list if you are running 32 or 64 bit Vista.
