Lab 14.3: Installing a Plug-and-Play Device

Most devices today support Plug and Play, which simplifies configuration. As you add or upgrade hardware with any PnP operating system, the OS should automatically recognize the device and install drivers to support the device. Most of the time, the driver you get will be adequate; however, you may still want to search the Internet for the latest and greatest driver for the device. This way you will be able to take full advantage of the device’s features.

This lab has you install a new device and watch the PnP features work. You will then go into Device Manager to update the driver. If you do not have a new device to install, remove an existing device like a sound card, modem, or NIC. Once you’ve removed the device, boot the computer and follow any screen prompts to remove the device drivers

Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to:

• Install and configure a Plug-and-Play device

• Change a device driver

Set Up

For this lab, you will need the following:

• A computer running Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP

• A new device for installation

• Device driver CD or floppies

Exercises

Before you remove the device, make sure that you note all configuration settings for the device, including the current location of the device driver.

Installing a PnP Device

1. Turn off the computer and remove the cover.

   Warning

   Remember to safeguard all of your components. Follow the safety procedure listed earlier in the book for ESD.

2. Install the new device in an empty slot. Secure the device using the installation screw.

3. Replace the cover and boot the computer.

4. Once you have logged in, the computer should automatically detect the new device and begin searching for a suitable driver.

5. If a driver is not located on the hard drive automatically, you are requested to provide the location of a suitable driver. A window opens in which you tell the computer where to look for the driver. Put the CD or floppy in the appropriate drive and tell the computer to search for the driver on the CD or floppy drive.

6. Click Finish to complete the installation.

Changing a Device Driver

1. Open Control Panel.

   In Windows 98/2000:

   Start Settings Control Panel

   In Windows XP:

   Start Control Panel

2. Open the System applet.

   In Windows 98/2000, double-click the System icon.

   In Windows XP:

   Performance and Maintenance System

3. In Windows 98, skip this step and proceed to step 4. Otherwise, click the Hardware tab.

4. Click on Device Manager.

5. Select the device you want to update or change.

   Note

   New device drivers can be located on the Internet. You can either go to the Microsoft website or go directly to the manufacturer’s website. Another site that is often useful for locating device drivers is www.driverguide.com.

6. Right-click on the device and select Properties.

7. Click on the Driver tab.

8. Click the Update Driver button.

9. Follow the on-screen prompts until you get to the screen that gives you an option to search for a better driver or display a list. Select the option Search for a Better Driver (the recommended option). Click Next.

10. Select the driver’s location. This may be on a floppy or CD. If you downloaded a new driver, specify the location where the download was stored.

11. When the wizard locates the new driver, click Next to continue.

12. The wizard shows you what is about to be done. Click Finish to install the new driver.