How to Build Your Own PC - Save A Buck And Learn A Lot  9  Chapter 10: Configuring Windows XP

Installing Other Drivers 1 Missing Drivers

Hardware won’t work properly if it doesn’t have proper driver software installed. It is quite common to experience driver-related difficulties when you build a new PC, so let’s take a look at some ideas for how to deal with them.

In general, if your device needs a device driver or an .inf file, see if a CD or disk came with the device. If it didn’t or it doesn’t work, see if you can find the manufacturer’s website using google.com. Most manufacturers have free drivers online for their products.

It’s good for the computer to know the exact model and make of your monitor before you install non-generic video drivers, because some video drivers might try to operate the monitor at a faster refresh frequency than the monitor can handle. If this happens, your screen will go very fuzzy or blurry. Prolonged time doing this can damage the monitor. A hissing sound from the monitor is especially bad. If this happens, restart the PC immediately in “Safe Mode” and temporarily disable the hyped-out video driver until the proper monitor information is provided.

Installing Other Drivers 1 Missing Drivers