Device drivers are software that make your operating system, such as Windows, work with hardware and other components (i.e., devices).

If you have Windows 2000, 2002 (ME), or XP and are making a purchase, such as a scanner or camera to attach to your computer, keep in mind that the Universal Serial Bus (USB) or IEEE 1394 (also known as FireWire or iLink) feature makes hardware easier to install. When you can attach a peripheral to your computer using a USB or a IEEE 1394-compliant port, the device software is generally updated automatically.

If hardware connected via USB device has problems, disconnect the cable and power cord while your computer is on. After a bit, plug back in the cable and cord. If you are still having troubles, two pieces of hardware on your system may be incompatible. To check for incompatibility in Windows 98, 2000, 2002 (ME), and XP, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Click Programs.
  3. Click Accessories.
  4. Click System Tools.
  5. Select System Information.
  6. Click the plus sign next to Hardware Resources.
  7. Select Conflicts/Sharing.
  8. Review the list for the device(s) causing you problems.
  9. If there is a problem, check with the hardware manufacturer for more information.

You can check on your drivers in Windows 95, 98, or 2002 (ME) by following these steps:

  1. Right-click the My Computer icon.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Click the Device Manager tab.
  4. Review the information that is displayed. An exclamation point (!) or yellow circle indicate a problem.
  5. Error messages with numeric codes provide troubleshooting tips. Common codes include:
    Code 3 = Replace the driver.
    Code 7 = Reinstall the driver.
    Code 6 = Update the driver.

You can check your drivers in Windows 2000 and XP by following these steps:

  1. Right-click the My Computer icon.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Click the Hardware tab.
  4. Click Device Manager.
  5. Expand your device category by clicking the plus sign, and the devices currently installed are displayed.
  6. Right-click a device.
  7. Select Properties.
  8. Review the information to determine whether the device is working. An exclamation point (!) or yellow circle indicate a problem.
  9. Click the Driver tab for more information to review.