Setting Up New Hardware

As you use your computer, you may find that you want to add new components to your system. For example, you might purchase a digital camera or scanner, or you might add a recordable DVD or CD drive. As another example, you might add one of the many digital music add-ons, such as an MP3 player or other portable music devices.

tip

To add fonts you have downloaded, you usually copy the fonts from the download location to the Fonts folder. Don't add too many, though, because it can slow your system down.

In any case, setting up new hardware can be straightforward. In the best-case scenario, you simply attach or install the new device, and Windows XP sets it up automatically. If that doesn't happen, you can always install the device manually. Both methods are covered in this section.

Setting Up New Hardware Automatically

To set up hardware automatically, simply follow the installation instructions for your particular device. For some add-on components, you simply connect the device to an available port. For example, most scanners plug into a USB port. (USB is short for universal serial bus, and it is a type of port found on most computers. You can connect devices to these ports by plugging in the USB cable to the USB port on your computer.)

For other hardware, you may have to turn off your computer and remove the system case. For instance, to install network or modem cards, you have to turn off the power, remove the case, and then plug the cards into slots inside the system unit.

In either case, if Windows XP recognizes the new hardware, it automatically starts the Add Hardware Wizard and queries the device for setup information. It then installs the appropriate driver file and alerts you that the device has been found and installed. You should see alert messages in the system tray as this process is completed. You can then use your device.

Using the Manufacturer's Install Program

Usually, a hardware component comes with a disk with its own driver and installation routine. A driver is a special type of file that tells Windows XP the details about a particular hardware device.

If your component came with a disk, use this disk to install the new hardware. Usually, you connect the device and then insert the disk to start the installation process. Follow the specific instructions for your particular hardware component.

Installing New Hardware Manually

If Windows XP does not find and start your new hardware device automatically, or if you do not have a driver from the hardware maker, you can use the Add Hardware Wizard to manually set up the device. You can then have Windows search for and install the new device. Otherwise, you can select the device manufacturer and product from a list. Windows XP includes drivers for many popular hardware components.

Follow these steps to run the Add Hardware Wizard:

1.	Click Start and then Control Panel.
2.	Change to Classic view by clicking the Switch to Classic view link in the task pane. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add Hardware. Or In Category view, click Printers and Other Hardware. Then, in the See Also list in the task pane, click Add Hardware.
3.	Click Next to move past the welcome screen. You are then asked whether the device is already connected.
4.	You should have connected the device before starting the wizard, so click Yes, I Have Already Connected The Hardware. Click Next to move to the next step. You'll see a list of all the devices that are already installed (see Figure 19.13). Figure 19.13. To add new hardware, select the last option in the list of hardware devices.
5.	Select Add a new hardware device. (Scroll to the end of the list to find this option.) Click Next. You have the choice of letting Windows XP search for the new device and set it up automatically or setting up the device manually. Try searching first.
6.	To have Windows XP search and install, select this option. Windows XP then searches for new devices. If the device is found, Windows XP installs the new device. Follow the onscreen prompts to install and set up the device. You can skip the remaining steps listed here. caution If your device type is not listed, click Show All Devices. Or If the automatic method did not work or if you want to use the manual method, select this option. You'll see a list of common hardware categories (see Figure 19.14). Figure 19.14. Select the type of device you are adding.
7.	Select your device type and click Next. You are then prompted to select the manufacturer and model of the device you are installing (see Figure 19.15). Figure 19.15. Select the manufacturer and model of the device from these lists.
8.	Scroll through the list of manufacturers until you see the manufacturer of your device and then click it. You'll see the available models from this manufacturer in the Model list. Click the model and then click Next.
9.	Follow the onscreen instructions for completing the installation of your device. You can then use your new hardware device.