Device Drivers

Device Drivers

• Software that interprets between the OS and the device


• Information needed for driver installation contained in an INF file


• The actual driver is a SYS or DLL file or a combination of files
  

Update a Driver

• Find device in Device Manager and double-click it


• On Driver tab, click Update Driver button


• Follow the prompts
  

Signed Drivers

• Used in Windows XP to ensure driver integrity


• Warning appears if unsigned driver is attempting to install


• Look online for updated, signed drivers when possible


• Install an unsigned driver only as a last resort
  

Identifying a Resource Problem

• Look for exclamation point icon in Device Manager
  
• Double-click device to find out what’s wrong with it

Disable a Device