Ask Me Solution

If the device is a new installation, Windows should detect the device at startup. One of three things can happen:

1. Windows will already have the required software device drivers and configure the system with or without user prompts

2. Windows will prompt the user for the OS installation CDs to retrieve the required drivers

3. Windows will prompt the user to provide the location for the required drivers supplied by the device manufacturer.

This would be your cue to insert the manufacturer’s CD that came with the device and point Windows to the correct driver installation file for the OS. Alternately, the manufacturer’s installation guide may provide a different method for installation.

Example: most USB devices require that you install the software first before connecting the device.

If Windows recognizes the device but you don’t have the manufacturer’s
CD, there is a good chance that you can enable basic
functionality by using the default Windows drivers. See the section
Installation of non-Plug and Play Devices on how to tell Windows to use
the default Windows drivers.