help! how do I install drivers onto xp????

[TJ Hooker]

ok so I used a program (my drivers 3.11) to save all my drivers onto both data cd and on my external usb hard drive because I cannot find the original driver disc that came with the computer I bought from future shop 5 years ago.

so, after I erase and restore windows xp,

how do I install the drivers?

will I have to install each driver separately?

will my freshly restored pc read the data cd I burnt or the external hard drive with the drivers on it?


keep in mind, Im really not good with computers so please explain this to me like you where to a 5 year old. lol

thanks a million!!!

t

[Paul Komski]

If prompted just point the new hardware wizard to the CD and let windows search automatically. If necessary point to the specific sub-folder on the CD. For any problem devices in Device Manager RClick and choose Upgrade Driver; then follow the same new hardware wizard.

If not simple enough or need further elaboration just post back.

[TJ Hooker]

ya i don't really get what you mean, will I have to install each driver this way separately?

[Paul Komski]

First off you have the drivers as backed up by My Drivers on both CD and External Drive. It shouldn't make any difference which one you use later on though the new hardware wizard sort of expects to find them on a floppy or CD.

Windows XP will install some or all the drivers from its own collection during setup. Only those that WinXP doesn't have the drivers for will show up in Device Manager with yellow punctuation Marks. Any such uninstalled hardware will need to be pointed at one or other of the devices you saved the drivers to.

[awaj]

When I used Driver Genius, it could back up the drivers as a .exe and I could run it and the drivers would "magically" install themselves. how does my drivers 3.11 back the drivers up? are they .exe, or are the other formats?

[TJ Hooker]

ok got it paul thanks,

now my drivers saved most the files as .dll .DIY

is this correct, shall I go a head with restoring?

[Paul Komski]

Driver packages can contain all sorts of files but they just about always have an .inf file that normally controls the installation once any upgrade is initiated; either directly or via Device Manager.

The attached pic shows the files as backed up by My Drivers 3.11 for a RealTek Audio device.