How to Fix Hardware Problems with Software

Windows provides tools for updating hardware drivers and eliminating software conflicts.

Hardware problems can cause your computer to become unstable, reduce overall system performance and make it impossible for you to perform necessary computing tasks. The circumstances regarding your hardware problems will determine the troubleshooting method you use. For example, problems with recently installed hardware may be due to an incorrect installation, while a recent problem with a hardware component installed long ago may indicate software incompatibilities. Unless the hardware is faulty or has been physically installed incorrectly, you must use software to fix the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Administrator access

Instructions

Use Device Manager

1. Click on “Start,” then “Control Panel.” Click on “Classic View” in the left column, if applicable.

2. Double-click “System.” Click on “Device Manager” in the left column in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Click on the “Hardware” tab, then select “Device Manager” in Windows XP.

3. Double-click any hardware devices that show a yellow exclamation point or a red “X.” Read the information listed in the Device Status section, and follow the instructions.

4. Double-click on the problematic hardware device, otherwise. Examine the Device Status section. Read and note any error messages listed. Click on the “Driver” tab if the Device Status section shows no useful information.

5. Click on “Update Driver.” Click on “Search Automatically.” Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the driver update, if applicable.

6. Click on “Uninstall.” Verify the device's removal, then restart the computer.

7. Reinstall the drivers when Windows boots up and redetects your hardware device. Install the most recent drivers for your hardware.

Use Built-in Diagnostics (Windows Vista and Windows 7)

1. Click on “Start.” Type “performance” in the “Start Search” field. Select “Performance Information and Tools.”

2. Click on “Advanced Tools” in the left column.

3. Click on “Generate a System Health Report.”

4. Note any warnings, and follow any instructions Windows provides.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to use a second diagnostic tool, you may opt to install a third-party utility, such as SiSoftware Sandra or Belarc Advisor.

References

• Microsoft: Troubleshooting Device Conflicts with Device Manager
• Microsoft: Update a Driver for Hardware That Isn't Working Properly
• Microsoft: Built-in Diagnostics

Resources

• Download: SiSoftware Sandra
• Download: Belarc Advisor