Here’s a quick guide that will supply you with all you need to know about computer drivers and keeping them error free.
What are device drivers?
Device drivers are software programs that help your operating system communicate with your hardware devices such as the keyboard, printer, web cam, video card, etc. A device driver controls a particular type of hardware device. When you buy a new computer, many device drivers are built into the product. These integrated drivers have the capability to support a variety of hardware devices. However, you will need to install drivers manually for those hardware devices that are released after your operating system.
What are common causes of driver errors?
Generally, driver errors occur when any of the following conditions hold true:
- The required device driver is missing.
- Your device driver is outdated.
- Your device driver files are corrupt.
- Entries related to your device drivers in the registry are missing or invalid.
How to fix common driver errors
Listed below are steps that allow you to fix most driver errors.
Step 1 – Install the missing driver
In case the driver error you are receiving is occurring due to a missing driver, install the required driver to fix the issue. You can install a driver either by using the driver CD or DVD that came with the hardware device or by downloading the required driver from its manufacturer’s website.
Step 2 – Update your driver
If you already have the required driver on your system, then ensure that it is up to date.
There are two ways through which you can update your device drivers. You can either use a driver update tool to automatically download the latest driver updates or install new updates manually. You can read the Driver Finder review here to understand how driver update programs allow you to update all installed drivers in just a few minutes.
In case you want to update your drivers manually, you can either use a built-in utility called the Device Manager or download the new updates directly from the driver manufacturer’s website.
Windows 7 and Windows Vista users can perform the following steps to update their drivers via the Device Manager:
- Click the Windows button.
- Click Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel window, locate and double-click Device Manager.
- Double-click the hardware device whose driver is reporting an error.
- Double-click the faulty device driver.
- Click the Driver tab.
- Click the Update Driver button.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to install the new driver.
Step 3 – Scan your computer for infections
Update your protective software with the latest malware definitions and run a thorough malware scan on your computer. In case the scan results show the presence of malware, quarantine or delete them immediately by using your protective software.
Step 4 – Scan your registry
If the above steps fail to resolve the error, then chances are that information related to your drivers in the registry is incorrect or missing. To ensure this is not the case, scan your registry by using reliable registry repair software.
When there is a virus on your computer then the driver problem simply occurs and it can be solved by scanning your computer and registry.
I actually have a problem with one of my drivers right now. My problem is with my video driver. I think I can fix it know because of these tips.
Seriously, never learned about Drivers in any guide till yet, and good to discover a new How to blog 😀
Thanks for bringing this new and useful post…this post helps me in fixing most of drivers errors
Great post friend. There is so much to learn about drivers from your post. Nice share indeed.
Wow, there’s really so much to learn out there and one can get overwhelmed but when you know where to focus, it’s really all worth your time. Enjoyed your post!
I specially have to face problem when I look for a driver for linux.
this article helps me alot in fixing most driver errors..thanks emily
@ sitakanta: I completely agree with Praveen, Kaspesky is the best, I have never had any problems with viruses…besides I want to advise you such program as Total Commander…it can show the hidden viruses that may not know Kaspersky … but I advise to read the instructions before using, so as not to disrupt the system files))
@ emily: Thanks for the useful and informative post. great instructions for the newbies in computers))
Try these softwares,
* Unhackme.
* Trojan Remover.
These things will fix registry errors caused by Virus.
Coming to Antivirus Kaspersky is the best 🙂 .I have been using it for past 4yrs. Only one time I faced worm attack in this 4yr.
In my case one of the viruses has modified the registry information and is not allowing the updates to be installed. I use Avast anti-virus but even that is failing to recognize the virus. What should I do?
good post. rather useful too. thanks