Tips for Fixing Computer Device Driver Problems

Your computer needs a driver to communicate with every device that is connected to it. The device driver is the software that tells the computer, (more specifically, the Operating System) how to use what is connected to it.  Unfortunately, drivers often cause problems that may render your computer inoperable.  As programs and hardware equipment change, the associated drivers will also need to be updated so that your computer can run optimally and trouble free.

In most cases, the operating system will come preinstalled with drivers to support a large number of devices.  However, these drivers may not be the latest version.  In such cases, users must ensure that they download an install the latest drivers manually, or allow the Operating System’s automatic update feature (such as Windows Update), to install the latest version. If the OS doesn't have the driver you need, you can usually find it on the manufacturers website, or on a disc that came with the device you want to use. In any case, all drivers must be compatible with the version of the OS you are using.

Whether you had recently installed the device or it came preinstall, you will definitely have problems if the right driver isn’t installed, or it has become corrupt.  Here are some of the things you can try, in order to resolve a driver related issue:

• Restart the computer – Before you do anything, try a simple restart of the computer.  Sometimes the computer freezes or gets overwhelmed, and restarting the machine may resolve the problem.  Also bear in mind that most operating systems require that the computer be restarted after a new installation; otherwise the connected device will not work properly. 

• Disconnect and reconnect the device – Especially if the device is connected via a USB (universal serial bus) port disconnect it and then plug it in to a different USB port. This will allow the operating system to automatically resolve problems related to minor resource conflicts. If all goes well, the OS will detect the device (assuming it is plug-and-play) and install the correct drivers.

• Check if an updated driver is available - Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest version of the driver, or use your operating system’s automatic update feature to check for updates.  Installing the latest driver doesn’t only ensure that your device will work properly, but it will improve the device’s performance as well. 

• Check your driver’s compatibility – Ensure that your driver is compatible with the operating system and other hardware on your computer.  For example, Windows Vista drivers are unlike to work on Windows XP.  If the device is not compatible, you will need to go find the correct driver. The first place you should check for the correct driver is the installation disk that came with the device or hardware.  If you don’t have the installation CD’s, you may need to check the manufacturer’s support page.

Especially if the automatic update feature is not resolving the driver problem you are having, you may need to manually install the drivers from Device Manager.  Follow these steps to resolve a driver problem manually:

1. Open Device Manager by clicking the System Icon, in the Control Panel. You can also open the Device Manager by right clicking My Computer, then click Hardware, and then click Device Manager. You may need administrator permission to enter this part of the Operating System, depending on security settings configured by the administrator.
2. In Device Manager, locate the device, and then double-click the device name.
3. Click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver.
4. Use the Hardware Update wizard to browse the computer or software disk to find and install the correct driver.
5. Click OK, and then click Next to install the driver.