Why do you need drivers for your computer? What is a driver and why is it needed? How to install and remove drivers correctly. What to do if you can't install the driver
I would like to touch on a very important topic, the topic of drivers. Because, having no understanding of what is a driver, a novice user may encounter problems. It will not be possible to start a printer, for example, or a scanner, a copier, or any device connected to a PC. In general, in this note, read about where to download, how to install and remove drivers.
What is a driver and why is it needed?
The driver is link between the computer and an external device. Driver (from English driver) - computer program, with the help of which the operating system gains access to the hardware of a device and subsequently has the ability to manage it.
Drivers are needed for all external and internal devices PC. Video card, sound card, printer, scanner, etc. need drivers (in slang they need firewood) For example, we bought a scanner, connected it to the PC, a message appears in the lower left corner of the screen saying that such and such a device was detected and even the manufacturer was identified. But as soon as we try to scan old photographs, for example, nothing will happen. The computer does not know how to interact with this scanner. This is where the driver of this scanner comes to the rescue. If the system does not have a sound driver, it will be impossible to listen to music. It’s the same with video; you won’t be able to adjust the screen resolution; it will be impossible to play games.
Some drivers are already available in Windows OS. We don’t need to specifically install a keyboard driver; mice, even simple web cameras, no longer require drivers. Well, if you have a fancy mouse with a bunch of additional buttons or a keyboard with buttons for multimedia, then you can’t do without additional firewood.
Where are the drivers stored?
IN Windows drivers devices are stored in the directory C:WINDOWSSYSTM32. Driver files can have the following extensions: *.vxt, *.drv, *.sys, *.dll, also *.inf - the file contains installation information.
Where to download
In general, as a rule, a disk is always attached to the device, which contains all the necessary firewood. Upon purchase motherboard A disk with the necessary set of these is always included. The same goes for video and sound cards if they are purchased separately. If you purchase a system unit, be sure to check the availability of disks: on the mat. board, video card ( if it is not built into the mat. fee). The same applies to the sound card if it is built into the mat. fee, then required driver is on the disk for the motherboard, and if the card is installed separately, then the disk must be separate.
With disks, everything seems to be clear as 2x2, but what to do if the disk is lost, damaged, or something else. For example, they gave me an old, unnecessary, but working printer, but there was no disk for it. Or there is a need to preinstall the OS, but there are no disks at all, you can’t find them. So think about it how to install sound driver, where to get drivers for a printer, video card or laptop. In this situation, those who have Win7 installed are lucky (my opinion about this system), after installation on the PC it will connect to the Internet itself ( provided there is an Internet connection of course) and downloads all the missing firewood. In any case, I haven’t installed a driver from a printer disk for a long time. Everything happens by itself. But for XP you will have to look for it yourself. Although it also seems to have a download function, but how many times have I tried it to no avail. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, please tell me...?
To download, you first need to know everything about the device. necessary information. This can be done, for example, using the program ( this concerns the video card). Another useful thing is that this program will help you find out information about the motherboard, and about the video card too.
You can also find out by following the path 6 Start - Control Panel - System - Hardware tab - Device Manager. In the Device Manager window that opens, you can select the required device and obtain information about the manufacturer and driver of this device.
We get information about the video card.
After you have received information about the device, you can safely go to the Internet and look for the necessary driver.
You can find, download and then install drivers by following these proven links:
How to install the driver
After everything is downloaded you need install the driver correctly. If from a disk, then just insert it and wait for it to start automatically. If auto startup does not work, then open the disk through my computer and look for the setup.exe file. The same applies to the downloaded driver, run setup.exe. It seems like everything is simple. But what to do if no way Can't install driver. I had a case when I could not reinstall the driver for sound. At the same time the following message was displayed: realtek hd audio driver installation failed .
I also encountered such a dirty trick when the scanner driver from the disk did not want to be installed in any way, or rather did not want to be installed in a standard way- this is when I inserted the disk and ran setup.exe. Just for no reason the installation stopped in the middle and completely froze. Requires you to plug the cord into the USB and even if you crack it. A solution to the problem was found, so I’m sharing it :)
We insert the disk, after auto startup, close the installation window and go to the already familiar device manager. It should appear there unknown device with a yellow question mark.
Next, right-click on this device and select update driver, and there you can select automatic search the system itself will find it on the disk. In general, I read somewhere that all firewood needs to be installed this way. I don't know how true this is. But this is how I connected my scanner with my computer.
Driver problems
Drivers are an integral part of the computer software package, but sometimes there are also a lot of problems with them. It happens that drivers conflict. consequences: Blue screens, device malfunctions. In both cases, you need to either reinstall, update the device driver, or, if problems started after the update, roll back, as can be seen in the screenshot above, the button Rollback. Often blue screens arise due to problems with vidyakha firewood. The subsequent update solves the problem.
In general, the topic of drivers is quite extensive and I did not stupidly copy texts from other sites. I described what I experienced, tried it more than once, so that’s all, if I didn’t finish anything, I apologize, I also don’t know everything yet, I’m just learning Bye, good luck and less problems with firewood.
As a rule, the device comes with a disk containing all the drivers and programs necessary for operation. Sometimes there are several such disks. In this case, look for a disk labeled: “Driver” or “Driver”.
If you have such a disk, then this will not be a problem for you. You just need to find the driver on the disk and install it. The process of installing drivers is no different from installing regular programs.
If the disk is lost, you will have to look for drivers on the Internet. It is best to immediately go to the manufacturer’s website. On the site, find the section with drivers or use the site search to find drivers for your device model. Be careful when searching for drivers. You need a driver specifically for your device, otherwise problems may arise during operation.
Very often, users do not know the manufacturer and model of the device. Of course for external devices You can always look up information on back cover. But if we are talking about a device that is installed inside the case, then finding out the exact model name will not be so easy.
I receive a lot of letters with questions like this: “What are drivers, why are they needed and how to install them?”
And although about such concepts as driver I wanted to talk to you a little later, but I see that the topic is quite relevant. Therefore, let's not delay long box and let's take a closer look at this concept.
The computer you are currently working on consists of many components.
If you have a personal computer, then this is a separate system unit (often called a processor, which is not entirely true), a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, maybe also a printer, a video camera, speakers and a microphone. Maybe something else. And all these components of a personal computer are connected by wires.
Among the devices invisible to us (hidden in the system unit) are the video card and sound card, to which the monitor, speakers and microphone are connected.
If you have a laptop, netbook or all-in-one, then all of the listed components (well, almost all) are compactly combined into one case. But in any case they are components computer.
So here it is. In order for each of these components to work and function correctly, it is necessary special programs, which allow these devices to function.
For example, a special program installed for a video card allows you to admire the screen of your monitor, the pictures on which have 32 million color shades and the flicker of the monitor does not irritate your eyes.
Moving a physical mouse, which is in your hand, across a table or mat causes the mouse pointer to move across the monitor screen in the same direction in which you move the physical mouse. And these manipulations are also controlled by a special program.
When you press a key on your keyboard, the exact character that is “drawn” on the key is printed on the monitor screen. And this symbol is printed exactly in the place you specified. And this is also done by a special program installed on your computer.
And all these special programs are called drivers or device drivers . Essentially this is device management programs .
So, two answers to the question, "What are drivers, Why are they needed?, I hope we got it. Now it remains to find out how to install them.
I would rephrase this question a little. Do I need to install drivers on your computer? And if necessary, then how?
In most cases To you personally There is no need to install drivers on your computer and here's why.
If you bought a computer in a specialized store, then, as a rule, all the necessary drivers for your computer’s devices are already installed and installed correctly (i.e. they provide correct operation of your devices).
Even if you have to reinstall the operating system, you shouldn’t have too many difficulties with drivers. The operating system distribution kit (installation CD/DVD disk) contains almost everything standard drivers. And during installation, the operating system itself will determine what equipment is installed and install it itself necessary programs.
The latest versions of operating systems are generally simpler. If after installation it turns out that the distribution does not have the necessary driver, then the operating system goes online, downloads the necessary driver and installs it. True, there is one subtlety here. The network must be configured and the Internet connected, i.e. drivers for network card should already be installed.
But in any case, when purchasing a personal computer, a disk with the necessary drivers. Well, if it's a laptop, then installation files to restore the operating system and drivers are usually recorded on a protected hard section disk.
But, of course, there are situations when you yourself will have to install the drivers manually.
Here are a couple of examples. You have decided to change your video card (in personal computer it's quite simple) to a new sophisticated one with some of the latest graphics accelerator for professional work with 3D graphics. Or bought a new MFP ( multifunctional device- copier, scanner and printer - all in one).
In this case, a disk with the necessary drivers must be included with the video card or printer. The disc is inserted into the CD/DVD drive. The program automatically starts with a “beautiful” menu with offers to install drivers and related software. Select the necessary programs and applications. Start the installation. After some time, the operating system will inform you that the drivers and necessary programs and applications are installed.
Okay, this is new equipment. How can I see what equipment is already installed and whether there are any problems with the drivers? Are all drivers installed and, if not, how to install them?
In order to see what equipment is installed on your computer and in what state it is, you need to “call” device Manager.
I will show how the device manager is called using examples for two popular operating systems from Microsoft - Windows XP and Windows7.
For Windows XP:
For Windows 7:
IN Device Manager window You see a description of the devices installed on your computer. If opposite the description you left-click on the “plus sign” (Windows XP) or “arrow (Windows 7)”, a description of which specific hardware model you have installed will open.
It is from this window that device drivers are installed or updated.
If your list is “clean”, that is, without yellow exclamation marks and red crosses, then all your drivers are installed and working correctly.
It’s a little worse if you see exclamation marks against the devices against the background of yellow circles.
This means that the driver is not installed entirely correctly and conflicts with another device. In this case, you need to remove this driver and restart the computer so that it detects the device again and installs the driver again. If exclamation mark and after that it remains, then you will have to look for the latest updated driver version for this device on the Internet.
And it’s really not good if there’s a red cross next to the device.
This means that the operating system does not have a driver for this device in its arsenal. This means you need to look for the driver on the Internet, download it and install it.
A reasonable question may arise: how, what and where to look, if we have the most general idea about these same drivers.
For this purpose on the Internet there are so-called forums, where you can ask a question you are interested in and will definitely receive an answer.
Forums are usually thematic. And the forums have thematic sections. Find a section with a “rough” topic for your problem, describe your problem in the words you can describe it. You will definitely receive an answer. Maybe not right away. Maybe there will be a couple or three clarifying questions.
Beginner PC Users Forum - https://www.linux.org.ru/forum/talks/12412862
That's all for today. Good luck and creative success to everyone.
For blog updates Beginner computer users and be the first to know about new articles and lessons.
With respect to all my readers and subscribers
Oleg Ivashinenko
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6 comments on this post
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At the very beginning of my training on a PC, I decided to connect a printer that I had bought for my daughter a long time ago, but she practically never used it. There was a need to install drivers. Experts I knew gave me these, but the Phaaser 3210 copier refused to respond. I had to turn to a friend. Indeed, the drivers for the specified model turned out to be incompatible. The latter told me that if the copier is Japanese, then its “Brains” are Samsung. And exactly. The printer works perfectly (they used to do it well). Why is this story? To the fact that “Learning is light, not learning, darkness.” Thank you Oleg for the Lessons. | |
The main parts of a computer are the system unit, monitor, keyboard and mouse. In addition, so-called computer peripherals can be connected to it. This includes a video camera, microphone, speakers and, of course, a printer. For correct operation Each of these components requires special programs - drivers.
For example, in the composition system unit video card included. Specific program for it allows the computer user to see on the monitor pictures consisting of 32 million colors.
A driver is a program with which the operating system gains access and control of any component. For easier understanding, the driver can be compared to a translator that helps people who speak English understand each other. different languages. In this specific case the “interlocutors” are a computer and a printer.
Another clear comparison is the instruction manual. When buying, for example, a new photo or video camera, the first thing you need to do is figure out how they work. Each model has its own buttons and corresponding functions. To do this, you must read the operating instructions. So the driver is such an instruction for the computer operating system. It tells you what signals are needed to perform certain actions.
After purchasing and connecting a printer to a computer, its operating system does not know how to work with the new device because it does not have specific instructions. To fill this gap, you need to install a driver. For the vast majority of manufactured printers, manufacturers write their own programs and attach them to the device on disk. It must be inserted into the computer's disk drive and then follow the instructions of the installation wizard.
This is interesting. The smallest printer in the world was invented by Swedish engineer Alex Breton in 2000 quite by accident while developing a new stamp for one of his customers. It is called Printbrush and weighs only 250 g. The printer is capable of printing images captured by the built-in camera on any surface.
Why update drivers?
So, the printer driver is installed and the computer copes with the task of sending documents or graphic images for printing. However, this does not mean that the problem is completely solved. The printer may experience certain problems. Errors in printing do not always mean a malfunction of the device itself. The reason may be in the driver.
Printer manufacturers regularly release updated versions programs for them. The new drivers eliminate errors and failures of previous programs. In addition, the operating system of any computer is also regularly updated, but it must be able to work with the same printer. Developers of new drivers take all this into account. They are necessary to maintain the performance level and proper functioning of the printer. Ultimately, maintaining the functionality of the printer and extending its service life depends on three factors: timely prevention, proper operation and use latest versions drivers.
Friends, today we will talk about some of the most important elements any computer system– these are drivers for Windows (xp, 7, 8, 10). Probably, each of you at least once in your life independently installed a driver on your computer. To solve any problem, you must first deal with subject area. In this article, I suggest you decide what drivers for Windows are, what they are needed for and what functions they have.
Driver(from the English driver - a driver who controls something) is software that allows you to organize communication between the operating system and the hardware connected to the computer. When connecting any piece of hardware to a PC, the system requires an appropriate driver. Even the same device requires different drivers when running on different operating systems.
Although hardware manufacturers and OS developers do not work on the same team, we, the buyers and users, unite them computer equipment. This means that it is vital for them to “be friends,” i.e. look for solutions for the compatibility of new devices and operating systems.
For example, Windows has its own “default” driver base. Having purchased new video card and having connected it, the operating system will try to establish contact with it and install a standard VGA driver. The system will boot and you can continue to use your PC.
This indicates that the OS has found a suitable driver in its database. The basic functions of the device will be available – there will be an image on the screen. But all the capabilities of the video adapter, such as 3D functions, will not be available. For full-fledged work With a new device, you will need to install the “native” driver from the equipment manufacturer.
Purpose of the driver for Windows
The main purpose of drivers is to establish interaction between hardware devices and operating system. But that's not all. In addition to performing their basic functions, drivers have a number of settings that have a significant impact on the performance of the system as a whole.
You can change the device's operating parameters in the driver management window. Click “ Start” –> right-click on the item “ Computer” –> select the “Management” item in the menu that opens –> in the right part of the window that appears, select “ device Manager”(or we find Windows search) –> find in the list required device and double-click on it –> go to the “ tab additionally” and make the necessary settings.
Here you can also update them by searching on your computer (downloaded in advance) or on the Internet.
Attention! I will introduce the particular importance of drivers for the operation of the OS and their impact on the overall performance of your computer; I advise everyone to regularly update their drivers. Equipment manufacturers regularly post fresh updates on their website that contain bug fixes and additional features.
Three types of drivers
Drivers for all devices can be divided into three types.
- 1. Special software (drivers) for system devices . This group of drivers includes programs that are responsible for interacting with computer components such as the processor, various controllers, data and clock buses, in general, almost everything that is located directly on the motherboard.
Without this group of drivers, the PC cannot function. I’m sure you understand how important they are for your computer, hence the conclusion that we will not configure anything in these programs. Application incorrect settings can lead to the collapse of the entire system.
- 2. Software for external devices. Everything is simple here, this includes everything that we connect to our computer with outside: keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, USB flash drives, web cameras, all gadgets, and everything that is connected via USB.
Many of these devices install automatically. The system has a default driver, i.e. these devices will be able to function. For some, the system will require you to find the driver yourself and indicate the source for installing and configuring the equipment.
- 2. Expansion Card Software. I think you guessed that we are talking about video adapters, TV tuners, sound cards, network adapters and other components that expand the basic functions of the system and provide us with additional features interaction with a computer.
This is the most important group of programs for us, since it is here that the developers provide a lot of opportunities for fine customization appropriate adapters. By making changes to the values of the relevant parameters, it is possible to increase the speed and quality of equipment operation. Don't forget to update them.
Alternative drivers for Windows (xp, 7, 8, 10)
There are many people on the Internet who are developing “their own” drivers for devices or modifying “native” ones. There are communities that post on general access good solutions, competing with the device manufacturer, and sometimes significantly surpassing it.
The only “BUT” is the absence of any quality guarantee alternative drivers. The user selects and installs them at his own peril and risk.
Alternative drivers, as a rule, are developed mainly to expand the functionality of devices such as video and sound adapters:
- Overclocking the video card (increasing adapter performance);
- Increasing the number of device settings to obtain the required quality of work (for example, a sound card);
- Adding other languages to the device management program;