Top 5 Ways to Locate Missing Drivers

We've all seen it: Windows can't locate a driver for the device you're connecting to your computer and you realize you're going to have to hunt for the right driver file. Drivers are small applications that enable hardware devices to talk to your PC's Windows operating system. Usually, you'll find a driver disk included in the box with whatever peripheral you're trying to use. Typically, you'll most often see this warning message when you're connecting a new device for the first time.

Note: If you've successfully connected this device in the past, or never disconnected it and it's showing you this warning message, it could be that the device in question is dying a slow death. Additionally, the existing device driver could have been corrupted or affected by other file or program installs. In either case, you're going to have locate the correct, up-to-date driver file. Read on to find out how!

Windows does its part to try and help you find a driver that will work for you, including going online to search Windows Update for an acceptable file. More often than not Windows will be unable to locate the right file, or worse yet download and install an old or incorrect version.

Often then the hunt is on - you can follow the steps below to locate the driver you need to make your device work correctly (for those not technically inclined you may want to skip to the last tip):

1. Check the manufacturer's website for updated driver files.

These will often be in the Support or Downloads section of their website. You'll need to know the specific model of your device as well, so be sure to note the model number, most likely listed on the serial number sticker on the hardware component itself. If you've found the correct driver on the manufacturer's website, be sure to pay close attention to the installation instructions provided prior to the download link. Often drivers need to be installed in a specific order to make them work properly. Also, the driver download package may include drivers for multiple operating systems and the folders may be poorly labeled. You'll need to pay close attention to the installation instructions on the vendor's site to make sure you point Windows to the correct downloaded folder.

2. Check the CD or Diskette that came in the box with the device.

Often, there's more than just instruction manuals on that CD or disk. Manufacturer's typically include driver files and associated software for the device for each of the more common operating systems. Again, the specific order in which you plug the device in, install the software, and reboot the computer should be heeded to ensure the driver installation goes smoothly and your device works properly at the end of the install and/or reboot. It's important to note that the most recent device driver is unlikely to be included on the CD from the vendor. After you've got your device working properly from the initial hardware install, be sure to watch for abnormal behaviour or performance on your PC. If you notice something's not quite right, or you're missing features you expected to find, check the manufacturer's website for updated driver files.

3. If you still have no luck finding a workable driver, let Windows have a look.

Depending on whether you're running Windows XP (and in turn, which service pack of Windows XP you're running) or Windows Vista, likely some form of device drivers are included in your operating system. To try this method, run the Add Hardware Wizard found in the Control Panel. Windows then goes out and looks for devices that are missing driver software. After it runs, tell Windows to find a workable driver file. You'll have better luck if you allow Windows the option to check online for updated driver files, and if you insert the manufacturer's CD containing the original driver files. After that, Windows will do it's best to find you a driver that works.

4. If Windows automatic driver search fails, select 'I'll specify which driver to install'

Occassionally, even if Windows isn't successful in identifying a perfect driver for your hardware, a generic, all-purpose driver could be used. This is often the case with printers as they all use similar communication protocols to connect the computer to the print device. Unfortunately, a lot of newer printers will require specific drivers.

5. If all else fails, you can always run an automatic driver update utility and have it look for a correct driver.

Automatic driver download and update utilities can save you a ton of time and stress, as they scour your hardware, querying against a database on their archive servers to locate an updated driver file for your specific hardware configuration and your Operating System. These are the tools most technicians use to skip searching for each individual driver they need when working on customer's PCs. Get more details in our Driver Tools Downloads area, take a look.

We hope these driver location tips are useful!