How Do You Update a DVD-ROM Driver for Windows XP?

Windows XP operating system has built-in drivers that control internal and external devices on your computer. Windows will automatically install a driver for a new device if it's located in the driver library. You can update a DVD-ROM driver from within Device Manager and manually install the driver. Or, visit Microsoft's website via the Internet and download a new DVD-ROM driver from Windows Update.

Instructions

1. Click “Start” on your taskbar to open the menu list. Right-click “My Computer” and select “Manage” from the shortcut drop-down menu. You can also right-click “My Computer” if the icon is displayed on your desktop.

2. Select “Device Manager” in the “Computer Management” pop-up window. Navigate through the list of hardware devices until you find “DVD-CD/ROM Drives.” Click the + icon next to it and right-click the DVD-CD ROM device name.

3. Select “Properties” from the shortcut drop-down menu. Click the “Driver” tab button located at the top of “Properties” pop-up window box.

4. Click the “Update Driver” button. The “Hardware Update Wizard” pop-up window will appear on your desktop. Select the “No, not this time” option and click the “Next” button.

5. Select the “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)” option and click the “Next” button.

6. Follow the “Hardware Update Wizard” instructions. If the wizard says, “Cannot Continue the Hardware Update Wizard,” click the “Back” button and select another option. Then, pick the search and install option that you want to use. You may need to have Windows XP installation disc available to copy the DVD-ROM driver onto your computer.

7. Restart your computer to finish updating the DVD-ROM driver and installation process.

Tips & Warnings

• You can avoid the possibility of installing harmful DVD-ROM drivers for Windows XP from nonreputable websites by downloading the drivers from Microsoft's website. This is the easiest and fastest way to see if an updated driver is available for your DVD-ROM drive.

• If you plan to install a DVD-ROM driver from Microsoft's website, you will need to use Internet Explorer to download the new driver from Windows Update. Microsoft recommends using IE version 5 or higher and a high-speed Internet connection. Microsoft's Windows Update will scan your computer system and download the necessary drivers for Windows XP. Keep in mind that using another web browser may not direct you to Windows Update webpage.

References

• “PC Troubleshooter Resource Guide”; Tech Republic; 2004

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Microsoft Update: Welcome To Microsoft Update
• Microsoft Support: Finding Driver Information
• Microsoft Windows XP: Windows XP Help and How-to