How to Download a Driver for a CD-DVD ROM
A driver is a software needed by the operating system to communicate with each of the hardware devices installed on the computer. If you do not have a driver for your CD-DVD ROM or you have accidentally uninstalled it, there is no need to fret, as the Internet is sprawled with free drivers that can easily be downloaded in a flash.
Instructions
-
-
1
Check your computer's CD-DVD ROM version by clicking on the "Start" Menu, and then heading to the "Control Panel." Select the "System" icon, click on the "Hardware" tab and finally "Device Manager." Under "Device Manager" you should see DVD/CD-ROM Drives. Click on the plus sign (+) to view and take note of the version of the driver attached to your computer.
-
2
Connect to the Internet and look for the CD-DVD ROM driver that should be compatible with your existing CD-DVD ROM. The best site to look for updated firmware is the manufacturer's website.
-
-
3
Right-click on the download link for the appropriate CD-DVD ROM driver and save this on your computer. The driver is usually a small file with a ".exe" file extension. Unzip the file(s) if the driver has a .zip extension.
-
4
To install, follow the specific instructions included in the CD-DVD ROM driver that you have downloaded. A reboot is most likely required after the installation process to update files and folders on your computer.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
1. Manufacturers update drivers to either improve the device's performance and functionality or fix errors/bugs. Updating your driver will not only enhance your computer's performance but will also help avoid major problems like hardware failures, conflicts and complete system crashes.
2. Sometimes, drivers may not be available on the manufacturer's website, especially if the driver is that of an obsolete version of a CD-DVD ROM. Websites such as Driverzone.com and Driverstock.com may help you find the driver that you need.
If you have a new operating system (Windows Vista, Windows XP, Linux, etc.) installed and you have to download a CD-DVD ROM driver, check for compatibility issues first to avoid any conflicts. The file size of CD-DVD ROM drivers may also vary, so make sure you have enough disk space before proceeding with the download and installation.