Add Hardware

The Add Hardware applet is used to install new devices as well as troubleshoot hardware-related problems. The ability to disable or remove hardware devices has been relegated to the Device Manager (see the System applet later this chapter).

In general, Windows XP detects new hardware during bootup. If drivers are not located automatically (typically only for nonPlug-and-Play devices), you'll be prompted for a location to search (such as floppy, CD, or the Windows Update site). Once drivers are located, they are installed and the device is activated. In some cases, you'll be prompted to reboot the system for the new hardware to be fully functional. Sorry, even under Windows XP, hardware level device drivers often require a reboot. Think of it as changing a rung on the ladder you are climbing; it's always a good idea to step off of it while the repair is being made.

The Add Hardware applet is for use when the manufacturer does not supply an installation tool and when the installed device is not automatically detected during bootup. If you meet these criteria, you can use the Add Hardware applet to install the device drivers for your new equipment.

When you first launch the applet, it attempts to locate new hardware by performing a system scan for yet unidentified devices. If none are found, you'll be asked if the hardware has already been installed or is it still outside the computer (in other words, not installed). If you select that the hardware is not yet installed, the wizard informs you that you must install the hardware to continue with the installation. I always knew Microsoft could develop a sense of humor.

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The System applet is used to fine-tune device settings (such as IRQ and port) and updating devices and drivers. The Add Hardware applet is only for adding hardware. Also, note that there are other locations throughout Windows for installing some devices, such as printerswhich can be installed from the Printers folderor modemswhich can be installed from Phone and Modem Optionseven though the effect is the same as using this applet.

It's always a very good idea to read the manufacturer supplied manual for installation and operational procedures. If none were provided, check the vendor's Web site. If you still can't find any guides for installation, go ahead and try the Add Hardware applet.

It's always a good idea to save your work and stop any applications when performing driver installations or upgrades, or when making configuration changes to hardware. It is possible for a new driver to crash the system, but under Windows XP this is a rare occurrence.

For non-Plug and Play hardware or for Plug and Play stuff that, for some reason, isn't detected or doesn't install automatically, you need to run the applet. The typical scenario is as follows:

1.	Launch the Add Hardware applet.
2.	Click Next. A search is performed for new hardware.
3.	If none are found, you are asked whether the hardware is already installed. If not, you'll be asked to install the hardware in order to proceed.
4.	A list of installed hardware is presented. To install new equipment, scroll down and select Add a new hardware device. Otherwise, select an existing item to troubleshoot. Click Next.
5.	If you elected to troubleshoot an existing item, you'll see a status report and a message stating that clicking Finish will launch the troubleshooter for this device.
6.	If you selected the Add a New Hardware Device item, you'll be asked where the system should search again for the device, or you may manually select the device from a list.
7.	There is only a slight chance that the second automated search will detect the new device. In most cases, you'll have to proceed with the manual method.
8.	The manual installation method requests that you select a general type of hardware or the Show All Devices item. Click Next.
9.	A list of manufacturers and device models is displayed. If your product is listed, select it, and then click Next. Otherwise, click the Have Disk button.
10.	The Have Disk button opens a dialog box where you provide the path to the new device drivers.
11.	From this point you'll need to follow the prompts as they appear, because each type of device has different requirements. Some need no additional settings while others require the defining of ports, IRQs, and so on. You may also be prompted to provide the Windows XP distribution CD, so keep it handy.

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In some cases, you are given the option of adjusting settings after the hardware is installed and possibly adjusting your hardware to match. (Some legacy cards have hardware settings [via dip switches or jumpers] or software adjustments that can be made to them to control the I/O port, DMA address, and so forth.) You may be told which settings to use in order to avoid conflicts with other hardware in the system.

If, for some reason, you don't want to use the settings the wizard suggests, you can manually set your own. You can do so using the Device Manager (from the System applet). See "System: Device Manager" later in this chapter for coverage of the Device Manager.

CAUTION

In general, be cautious about configuring resource settings manually. When you change settings manually, the settings become fixed, and Windows XP's built-in device contention resolution is less likely to work. Also, if you install too many devices with manually configured settings, you might not be able to install new Plug and Play devices because no more settings are available. In the worst-case scenario, the system might not even boot if conflicts occur with primary hardware devices such as hard disk controllers or video cards. If you decide to use manual configuration, make sure you know what you're doing, and have in hand the specs for the hardware in question.

When the wizard detects a conflict, you are alerted upon finishing the wizard. You then have the option of bailing or continuing despite the conflict. You could also back up and choose a different model of hardware, one you think is compatible with what you're attempting to install.