Installing Computer Components without the Disk
When installing any new diskless (if that's a word) component on your computer, the first thing you should try is the Add New Hardware option located in the Control Panel. Select the component in question and see if your system will recognize it. Windows has many proprietary and generic drivers stowed away for just this occasion, and will likely have the files required by most common brand name peripherals. Windows will then self-install the component and no further action will be required.
If such is not the case, don't throw up your hands yet, the search has just begun. Assuming that you have internet access, (oops, that's another assumption isn't it?) use a search engine to locate the home site of your component manufacturer. Most offer free downloadable drivers, upgrades, patches, and software for each of their particular models. Be sure to have the correct model number of the component in question as drivers can be very specific in nature, i. e. not all Hewlett-Packard Printers use the same driver, and they are not interchangeable. When you find the correct driver, save it to a floppy disk, jump drive, or whatever is handy. If you save it to the hard drive, take note of where it is being saved so you will be able to find it later. Go back to the Add New Hardware option in the Control Panel and when the installation program asks for the disk, just select the drive or file where the driver was saved. Windows does the rest.
If the manufacturer is for any reason not available, there are many sites in operation that specialize in drivers and various types of installation software. The process will then be identical to the above procedure once the appropriate driver is located.
If at this point, your quest has been unfruitful, you may need to resort to more drastic measures. Keep in mind that a vast majority of situations will be resolved by the first three scenarios. As I said, some diligence may be required. If you are still left with a lifeless component, check back with the Goodwill store, yard sales, friends, or flea markets. Many have bins full of unwanted installation disks donated or discarded by previous owners. You may just luck out. Lastly, it may become necessary to procure the disk directly from the manufacturer via snail mail or contact them using their toll-free number.
If you have exhausted all of these options, chances are that the component was not such a good deal after all, and you might be better off just trashing it and buying another more cooperative model. In any case, 99.9% of driver related issues can be overcome by one of the methods listed above. It may take more time and patience than you wish to spend, but can be a worthwhile pursuit. Happy hunting!
Related Tags: software, computer, cd, hardware, components, disk, peripherals, drivers, control panel
You can find E-sword and other great resources HERE!
Ferrel Kenda is an Internet author and webmaster specializing in Internet marketing and promotion
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Free Internet Security Software from Google
Selecting the internet security software for your computer can be a daunting task for most home user - Home Key Logger - Track Computer Activity
What goes through your mind when you think about a home key logger? Do you think about a rogue progr - Computers and Electronics Have Changed The Way We Live
You push the on button and your monitor screen springs to life. Next, you use your mouse to bring up - What PacketShaper Can Do For You?
What is PacketShaper?It is an application-intelligent traffic management system which delivers predi - Key Logger Software for Your Computer
One thing that many of us are concerned about is the safety of our children and what happens when th - Keep Your PC Healthy With Computer Tips & Tricks
Everybody just has to have a computer these days. Life without a computer is unimaginable. I am sure - Antivirus - What is a Computer Virus?
Before understanding what a computer virus is, it is necessary to understand what a virus in when it - Gibberish Spam Email - Why Do Spammers Send It?
We have all seen many spam emails that just make no sense. They contain pure gibberish in the subjec - Your Children And The Internet - 5 Tips To Keep Your Children Safe While They Are Online
If your children are on the Internet you may be concerned about their safety. We hear stories regula - How To Compare Residential VOIP Offerings
Many people are turning to VOIP phone for several different reasons, the biggest reason being cost.
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Experience the new Microsoft Zune and Future Technology with Bill Gates at CES Keynote
After the demonstration of Windows Vista by Bill Gates at the CES keynote, Robbie Bach, President of - Internet Connection Sharing in Windows XP
This articles explains in detail how to set up a small network at home so you can share your Interne - Nortel VPN Client Overview
The Nortel VPN Client creates the secure connection for VPN users into a private network. Once you l - Computer Phobias
Years ago around the end of January I would develop Chinophobia (fear of snow). Maybe it was becaus - iPod Stuff: How To Set Your iPod's Alarm Clock
The good thing about the iPod alarm clock feature is that you can wake up with the tune of your favo - CCTV: the story continues
CCTV – Closed Circuit Television – for some time at least has been used by various gover - Why Someone Stole My Mobile Phone
Not so long ago my mobile phone was stolen. I kept asking why I was the one who got targeted, especi - Office printers: introduction to technology and types
With every bit of information transfer and manipulation going digital these days, almost the entire - Computer hardware simplified
Computer Hardware is a comprehensive term which refers to all the physical parts of a computer inclu - A to Z of Mac Parts
The Mac OS: Mac OS runs smoothly. That's what I noticed first off. There's very little waiting, very
