Finding Drivers For Windows Vista

When searching for drivers for Windows Vista. It is best to try Windows Update for the latest releases. With over 31,000 drivers already at their disposal, it is more than likely you will find what you are looking for. Actually, for the best results, set up Windows Update to automatically search for the latest updates for your Windows Installation. Here's how to set this up:

1. Click the Windows button>> All Programs>> Windows Update
   
2. Select Change settings from the left pane.
   
3. Select the option that you would like to perform.
   
4. Select Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates checkbox under the Recommended updates category.
   
5. Click OK.
   

Note: You may receive a prompt for an administrator password.

When searching for specific drivers in Windows Update, some of them may be marked as "Optional". Because of this Optional setting, they will not automatically download or install automatically. So, periodic checks are recommended.

To install "Optional" updates:

1. Click the Windows button>> All Programs>> Windows Update.
   

1. Select "Check for updates" from the left pane. Windows will now search for the most current updates for your Windows installation.
   
2. If no current updates are found, you can click "View available updates".
   
3. Select any of the optional updates listed and click "Install".
   

Note: You may receive a prompt for an administrator password.

It is important to note that in some cases, an updated driver may not be available yet at Windows Update. In these cases, you are dependent on the hardware manufacturer for current drivers. At most manufactures web sites, the updated drivers will be located in the "Support" section and are usually listed my the product model. Once you've found the driver that you need, you'll need to download it to your computer. Here's how:

1. Be sure that you are logged in as Administrator, then click the Windows button>> Control Panel>> System and Maintenance>> Device Manager.
   
2. With Device Manager open, locate the device that you would like to update.
   
3. Double click the device.
   
4. Click the "Driver" tab.
   
5. Click "Update Driver".
   

If, as an example, you are updating a driver to receive better performance but upon installation of the new driver the device fails to function. It is possible to revert back to the old driver. Here's how:

1. Be sure that you are logged in as Administrator. Then, click the Windows button>> Control Panel>> System and Maintenance>> Device Manager.
   
2. With the Device Manager open, locate the device that has the driver you would like to revert back to.
   
3. Double click the device.
   
4. Select the "Driver tab.
   
5. Select "Roll Back Driver".
   

Note: If there is no driver available to revert back to, the roll back option will not be available.

When should you update a driver manually?

If you've visited a manufactures web site and you notice a driver available for a certain device installed on your system. In some cases installing the driver update can have ill effects on the device. So, a good rule of thumb is to update the driver only if you are having trouble with the device. However, this is only a recommendation.

Worried about installing Windows Vista because of driver fears?

Many people are worried that if they install Windows Vista, some of their devices will not work. This is a valid concern, so Microsoft has made available a tool that will scan all of the components of your Operating System to determine if there are drivers available. Visit the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx