How Do I Reinstall a CD/DVD Driver in Windows XP?

Reinstall the drivers required to run a CD/DVD drive.

All hardware installed on a Windows XP computer system needs some sort of driver installed. This driver informs the system of exactly how to use the hardware. Typically, the driver is installed via a driver installation CD. If you are using a CD/DVD drive, you must install them (or reinstall, if the drivers have been removed) via an Internet download.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

1. Open the Internet browser and head over to the manufacturing website for the CD/DVD drive. If the drive came installed with the computer, go to the computer's manufacturing website.

2. Choose the "Support" option, usually located at the top of the page. Click on "Drivers and Downloads."

3. Search the computer type you are using, then the kind of hardware you need a driver for (CD/DVD drive). Select the actual model number of your computer or drive, and choose "Windows XP" as the operating system. The driver downloads now appear on the screen.

4. Click the download link. The drivers will download directly to the computer. Double-click the downloaded file to load the installation wizard. Follow the prompts to completely install the drivers. You may be asked to restart the computer.

References

• Computer Hope: Computer Drivers