DriversHQ.com Knowledge Base

Driver Signing for XP Machines

nick.niestradt — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:55:40 GMT

A new feature in Windows XP, Driver Signing, is always switched on in a default installation of Windows XP, and is one of the major causes of hardware on the system not being installed properly.
Basically, driver signing means that Windows XP will only install those drivers that are certified by Microsoft commonly called as WHQL certified drivers. If a driver is unsigned, you get a warning box indicating the driver is unsigned and stating the related risks in installing the driver. If you still proceed with installing the driver, Windows XP may (sometimes) not install the driver leading to malfunctioning in the hardware.

However, driver signing can be turned off, and more often than not, this actually helps in installing older drivers.

To turn off the driver signing feature in Windows XP, perform the following instructions:

1. Go to Start > Setting > Control Panel. and click the ‘System’ icon.

2. On the ‘System Properties’ dialog box click the ‘Hardware’ tab and click ‘Driver Signing’.

3. Then check the option ‘Ignore-install the software anyway and don’t ask for my approval’.

4. Click ‘OK’, and click ‘OK’ once more on returning to ‘System Properties’. Then try installing the hardware.

This in most cases resolves hardware installation issues. If there are other issues that are affecting your Windows XP installation, you need to contact your hardware manufacturer, and in some cases even Microsoft.

Intel Network Adapter Driver Update Failure

nick.niestradt — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:49:15 GMT

Intel Network Adapter Driver Installation Failure

If you are having trouble reconnecting your internet, you will want to make sure you have upgraded your PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection software to the most current version available for your operating system. You can find the current version from this link http://downloadcenter.intel.com

Lexmark Printer Driver Problems

nick.niestradt — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 04:21:33 GMT

Most Lexmark printers use the same driver for both Windows Vista and Windows 7. Often the drivers for multifunction products on these 2 operating systems will be limited function drivers that do not include the All-In-One Center. This may prohibit the function of the scanner.

Chipset Driver Installation Instructions

nick.niestradt — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:07:17 GMT

1. Locate the out of date driver associated with a chip on your machine. Click the Disk icon to begin downloading the driver.

2. Before the driver downloads, you will receive a warning specifying that the driver update software cannot guarantee that the chipset driver will show as up to date after installation. Click OK to begin installation.

3. Here a download window opens providing you information on the amount of time the download will take.

4. Once the download is finished, click Open to begin installation.

5. Now the setup process for the chipset driver installation begins. Here you will be able to see setup progress.

6. The installation framework for the chipset driver update will open. Click Next to begin installation.

7. Here you will receive warning information from the manufacturer of the driver. Click Next to begin installation.

8. Click Yes to accept the License Agreement.

9. Next a readme file will open. Click Next.

10. Now the installation begins. You will be instructed to wait while certain operations are performed.

11. After the operations are complete, click the Next button.

12. Now you have the option to restart your computer now or later. After you have made your selection, click Finish to complete installation.

If these steps do not complete the installation of this file please try installing via your Device Manager http://kb.drivershq.com/KnowledgebaseArticle50002.aspx?Keywords=device+manager

ATI Driver Installation Failure on Windows 7

nick.niestradt — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:04:01 GMT

Remove Out of Date ATI Drivers

Before installing an updated graphic card driver, you must Uninstall previous graphic card or display drivers. Failure to remove old graphic card or display drivers can cause installation problems while using the driver update software.

1. Click on the Start menu, then click Control Panel; locate and click Uninstall a Program under Programs

2. At the top of the list you should see a single or multiple ATI entry. Select the entry entitled ATI Software Uninstall Utility and click Uninstall.

3. You may be prompted to restart your system once the un-installation is complete.

4. Once restarted, check the Uninstall a Program list from Control Panel again for any remaining ATI software.

5. If any ATI software is still listed, click Change/Remove on those entries to uninstall each one individually. You can now proceed to the installation of the new graphic or display driver from the driver update software.

NVIDIA Graphic Driver Installation Problems Windows 7

nick.niestradt — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:41:54 GMT

While using the driver update software, there are certain functions or processes that can interrupt driver installation. Be sure to check the following:

I. All download accelerator utilities or download manager utilities should be Disabled during driver download.

II. Do not run anti-virus protection software during driver download and installation.

III. Be sure to Uninstall the out of date NVIDIA graphic driver before installing the updated driver.

IV. If you have NVIDIA nTune installed, please remove this before updating your NVIDIA driver. Reinstall after the update is complete.

Driver un-installation steps for Windows 7 machines:

1. Click on the Start menu and then click Control Panel. Locate Uninstall a Program under Programs to begin un-installation procedures.
2. At the middle of the list you should see an NVIDIA entry. Select the entry and click Uninstall/Change.
3. You may be prompted to restart your system once the un-installation is complete.
4. Once restarted, check the Uninstall a Program list from Control Panel again for any remaining NVIDIA graphic software.
5. If any NVIDIA graphic software is still listed, click Uninstall/Change on those entries to uninstall each one individually.
6. You can now proceed to the installation of the new graphic or display driver from the driver update software.
7. Remember to reinstall your NVIDIA nTune if you previously had this installed.

NVIDIA Graphic Driver Installation Problems XP

nick.niestradt — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:40:13 GMT

While using the driver update software, there are certain functions or processes that can interrupt driver installation. Be sure to check the following:

I. All download accelerator utilities or download manager utilities should be Disabled during driver download.

II. Do not run anti-virus protection software during driver download and installation.

III. Be sure to Uninstall the out of date NVIDIA graphic driver before installing the updated driver.

IV. If you have NVIDIA nTune installed, please remove this before updating your NVIDIA driver. Reinstall after the update is complete.

Driver un-installation steps for XP machines:

1. Click on the Start menu, then click Control Panel; locate and click Add/Remove Programs.
2. At the middle of the list you should see an NVIDIA entry. Select the entry and click Change/Remove.
3. You will be prompted to restart your system once the un-installation is complete.
4. Once restarted, check the Add/Remove Programs list from Control Panel again for any remaining NVIDIA graphic software.
5. If any NVIDIA graphic software is still listed, click Change/Remove on those entries to uninstall each one individually.

6. You can now proceed to the installation of the new graphic or display driver from the driver update software.
7. Remember to reinstall your NVIDIA nTune if you previously had this installed.

NVIDIA Graphic Driver Installation Problems Vista

nick.niestradt — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:38:57 GMT

While using the driver update software, there are certain functions or processes that can interrupt driver installation. Be sure to check the following:

I. All download accelerator utilities or download manager utilities should be Disabled during driver download.

II. Do not run anti-virus protection software during driver download and installation.

III. Be sure to Uninstall the out of date NVIDIA graphic driver before installing the updated driver.

IV. If you have NVIDIA nTune installed, please remove this before updating your NVIDIA driver. Reinstall after the update is complete.

Driver un-installation steps for Vista machines:

1. Click on the Start menu and then click Control Panel. Be sure to select classic view to locate Programs and Features to begin un-installation procedures. Double-click Programs and Features.
2. At the middle of the list you should see an NVIDIA entry. Select the entry and click Uninstall/Change.
3. You will be prompted to restart your system once the un-installation is complete.
4. Once restarted, check the Programs and Features list from Control Panel again for any remaining NVIDIA graphic software.
5. If any NVIDIA graphic software is still listed, click Uninstall/Change on those entries to uninstall each one individually.
6. You can now proceed to the installation of the new graphic or display driver from the driver update software.
7. Remember to reinstall your NVIDIA nTune if you previously had this installed.

USB Device Connectivity Problem

nick.niestradt — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:26:21 GMT

USB Device Connectivity Problem

Please make sure that all available updates related to the device and your motherboard are updated using the driver update software. Most external hard drives are USB plug and play devices and do not require driver installation.

If a USB device has not been used for some time, a “suspend” action may be placed on it by your operating system. Please try these fixes for this issue.

Fix 1: Unplug the device from the computer, and its power supply if it has one, and then reconnect.

Fix 2: Open your device manager, remove the current driver, then reboot your system, and install the available update from the driver update software.

Fix 3: involves editing entries in your registry and should be done very cautiously and by experienced users.

a. Click Start, then Run

b. Enter regedt32.exe and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Usb

c. If a USB key doesn’t exist, create one and create a new DWORD value called DisableSelectiveSuspend and make its value 1.

d. Restart the PC.

USB Printer Problems

nick.niestradt — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:15:24 GMT

Please disconnect your printer’s USB cable from your computer. Then uninstall the printer software through add/remove programs in the control panel. After you have done this, rescan with the driver update software and update or reinstall the printer software. Please be sure to reconnect your printer to your computer.

Installing the Printer Driver Included in the Operating System

nick.niestradt — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:14:45 GMT

Installing the Printer Driver Included in the Operating System

The driver for your printer is available in the current operating system you are running. Please follow these steps to update and install the printer driver.

1. You will first want to connect your USB or parallel cable to the printer and computer. Sometimes at this point the computer will automatically load the driver for you. If it does not proceed to step 2

2. To manually install the printer driver open your Control Panel, Printers and Faxes, and under Printer Tasks click Add a Printer.

a. Click Next

b. Select Local and uncheck the box for Automatically Detect and Install my Plug and Play Printer

c. Click Next

d. Select whether you are using a Parallel or USB porte. Click Next

f. Select HP and your printers model # from the menus, and select Yes or No to make this your Default Printer

g. Click Next

h. Click Finish

Note: You may be prompted to insert your Windows recovery disk (not the disk that came with your printer)

3. You will now set this driver as the default driver.

a. Again go to Control Panel and locate Printer and Faxes

b. Right-click the HP Printer and select Set as Default Printer

Updates are Read Only

nick.niestradt — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:10:39 GMT

Updates are Read Only

If you download updates with the driver update software and they register as Read Only please fix using these steps.

1. Make sure you are logged onto your computer as an administrator with full permissions

2. Try changing the location of where you download your updates.

a. Open the driver update program

b. Click Tools

c. Click Browse next to the link under Save all downloaded drivers to this folder

d. Pick a new location to save files such as a new folder on your desktop

Note: You can create a new folder labeled Drivers for easy access and reference.

Ricoh Printer Prints an Additional Page on Duplex Jobs

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:20:07 GMT

Ricoh Printer Prints an Additional Page on Duplex Jobs

To fix the issue with your Ricoh printer printing an extra page at the end of duplex jobs, try these solutions.

1. Make sure you have updated your driver to the most current version using the driver update software.

2. Under printing preferences, locate the Misc. Tab and check the box Do Not Print Blank Pages.

Broadcom Driver Installation

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:19:33 GMT

When installing a driver update from Broadcom, you must install the driver in device manager using the following steps:

1. To ensure that the driver is installed and updated correctly on your computer, click on Start then select Control Panel.

2. Once the Control Panel is open, locate and select Device Manger. (Note: If you are using Vista, you will be asking to confirm your selection of Device Manger.)

3. Select the Broadcom device you are updating in the list of devices in the Device Manager. Be sure to click on the plus sign (+) to expand devices associated with each category.

4. Double click on the device and a new window will appear showing the device properties.

5. Click on the driver tab and then select Update Driver.

6. A new window will appear asking you either search automatically or browse my computer. Select Browse my computer and select the Driver file located under your C-Drive. (For example:C:\ProgramData\PC Drivers Headquarters\DriverUpdateSoftware\Downloads\)

7. Select OK and the driver will update.

8. Once you have finished installation, be sure to rescan using the driver update software to affirm that the driver has been updated.

Sigma Tel Driver Installation Problems

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:18:43 GMT

Sigma Tel Driver Installation Problems

The driver updates for Sigma Tel install correctly on your machine. In some cases, the update for Sigma Tel drivers does not work on your machine for the following reasons:

1. When using the driver update software, the system manufacturer, family and model information was not entered.

2. Service Pack 3 for XP overwrites the driver. You must adjust sound by locating the Sound icon in Control Panel.

All-In-One/Multifunction Printers Installation

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:18:09 GMT

In some cases, you may find that after you downloaded a driver from the driver update software, you are still notified that either the driver is still out of date or that your printer does not work. Follow these steps to alleviate the problem and establish a working connection with your printer:

1. Disconnect the printer and printer cables from your machine.

2. Click Start and then click Control Panel. Once Control Panel is open, click System and locate the Hardware tab. Once you are on the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.

3. Once Device Manager is open, locate the category Portable Devices and locate your printer.

4. Right-click on the printer and select Uninstall.

5. Proceed to the driver update software and download and install the driver recommended.

6. After the driver is installed, reconnect the printer to the machine.

Disable Avast AntiVirus Software

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:17:22 GMT

a. If the driver update software fails to download, scan, or maintain an internet connection, stop Avast On-Access Protection. Right-Click, using your mouse, on the Avast icon on the toolbar.

b. Select Stop On-Access Protection

c. Select Yes to confirm.

d. Launch the driver update software and proceed. Once you have finished scanning and downloading drivers using the driver update software, turn Avast On-Access Protection back on.

Disable McAfee Security Center

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:16:39 GMT

a. If the driver update software fails to download, scan, or maintain an internet connection, open McAfee Security Center. Be sure that the firewall is not locked down.

b. Select Unlock to open the firewall to internet activity.

c. Select Yes to finalize the new setting.

d. If the firewall is not locked down, click on Internet & Network to temporarily disable the firewall.

e. Turn the firewall Off and a new window will appear with additional setting options.

f. Select the amount of time you would like your firewall to be disabled by making a selection from the drop-down menu. Be sure to select Ok to finalize the new setting. After you are done, close McAfee and proceed with the driver update software. The firewall will automatically enable after the time you selected has ended.

Disable ZoneAlarm AntiVirus Software

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:16:13 GMT

a. If the driver update software fails to download, scan, or maintain an internet connection, open ZoneAlarm in disable the firewall. In some cases, ZoneAlarm will notify you about the driver update software. Be sure to select Allow and remember this setting for activity associated with the driver update software. If the problem persists, click on Firewall in the left-hand navigation.

b. In the window, grab the security icon and move it to Off for Internet Zone security and Firewall Zone Security.

c. Close ZoneAlarm and continue with the driver update software. Once you have finished with the driver update software, follow the previous steps to enable the firewall.

Disable CA AntiVirus Software

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:15:22 GMT

a. When the driver update software is launched, CA will ask for permission. Be sure the check-box next to Remember This Setting is checked. By checking this box, the driver update software can run without interruption.

b. If you fail to respond to the permission question, CA will terminate the internet connection for the driver update software. A communication error will open stating: “A communication error occurred during the last request, please check your connection to the Internet.” Once this error appears, click on Allow in the CA interface window and then click on Retry in the Communication Error window.

c. If you notice further connectivity problems while running the driver update software, disable your firewall temporarily during scanning and downloading drivers. Click on CA Personal Firewall.

i. Click on Open Advanced Settings.
ii. Click on the Firewall icon in the left-hand navigation.
iii. Click on Enable CA Personal Firewall to disable the firewall. Once you have completed your scan and driver download using the driver update software, follow these steps again to reactivate the firewall.

Disable Windows One Live Care

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:14:19 GMT

a. If the driver update software fails to download, scan, or maintain an internet connection, open Windows Live One Care and disable the firewall. Once you have opened Windows Live One Care, click on Change Settings located in the left hand navigation.

b. A new window will appear displaying the Windows Live One Care settings. Be sure to click on the Firewall tab first. Then click on the Off button to disable the firewall. Select Ok to finalize the new setting. Once you have finished scanning and updating drivers, be sure to reactivate your firewall using the same previous steps.

Disable BitDefender AntiVirus Software

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:13:45 GMT

a. If you notice connectivity problems while running the driver update software, disable your antivirus firewall temporarily during scanning and downloading drivers. Open BitDefender and click on Settings in the lower right hand area of the window.

b. To disable the firewall, Uncheck the checkbox next to Real-time protection under the Shield Tab. A new window will appear with further selections.

c. Select the amount of time needed to disable the fire wall in the drop-down menu. Select Ok and the process is complete. Close BitDefender and continue with the driver update software. After the time selected has expired, the firewall will enable automatically.

System Information

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:11:41 GMT

The driver update software is an industry first in providing manufacturer specific drivers for your computer. For example, if you own a Dell™ computer the driver update software will recommend drivers specifically for your Dell™ computer.

Many of our Drivers in our newly revised database are specifically for a particular brand of computer. We still maintain all generic drivers as we always have, all of the new manufacturer specific drivers are in addition to our vast collection of generic drivers.

If you own a Dell™, HP™, Compaq™ or other branded computer it is important that you select your manufacturer/family/model in the driver update software. For example, if you own a Dell™ XPS Dimension 9150, you would select Dell as the manufacturer XPS Dimension as the family and 9150 as the model.

Selecting the correct manufacturer/family/model of your computer insures that the driver update software will always recommend the correct driver for your computer. You will know the driver update software has found a manufacturer match by a special download icon in the Scan Result screen.

Users that have a custom built computer please check Not listed. By checking unknown you are informing the driver update software to only look for generic drivers and ignore all manufacturer specific drivers.

Users with a branded computer such as a Dell™, HP™, Compaq™ or any other brand that do not find your computer listed, please email your machine information to support@drivershq.com .

Change system information (Branded computer)

Open the driver update software. (Click Start, click Programs, and then click on the driver update software.)
Click Tools.
Select Change or Use the driver update software OEM Match Intelligence.
Select Manufacturer.
Select Family.
Select Model.
Click Save.
Re-run a Driver Scan.

Change system information (Generic computer)

Open the driver update software. (Click Start, click Programs, and then click on the driver update software.)
Click Tools.
Select Use driver update software Universal Match Intelligence.
Click Save.
Re-run a Driver Scan.

XP Chipset Driver Installation

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:10:13 GMT

XP Chipset Driver Installation

NOTE: The driver update softeare may report your chipset driver as being out of date even after a chipset driver install. This is due to the fact that chipset drivers do not install any software drivers, users should install chipset drivers immediately after a fresh install of an operating system (reload scenario).

NOTE: For Intel chipset drivers follow the following steps to insure the driver update software will report the driver as up to date:

Close down the download window after the download completes successfully.
Click History.
Click the Drivers downloaded to link.
In Windows Explorer highlight the Address and copy to your clipboard (Ctrl-c).
Click the Windows Start button.
Click Run.
Type in the following command without the quotes: "cmd /k cd paste the Address from above here (Ctrl-v)" and hit Enter.

Example: cmd /k cd C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\PC Drivers Headquarters\DriverUpdateSoftware\Downloads

Type in the file name of the Intel chipset driver you wish to install followed by "-A -OVERALL" in uppercase and hit Enter.

Example: infinst_autol.exe -A -OVERALL

The Intel chipset driver will now install correctly.

Additional Information:

A chipset software installation utility only informs the operating system how to identify components; it does not install any drivers for your system. If the driver update software detects the device as not having a driver you will need to install a chipset utility.

If a chipset software installation utility is required for your system, it should be installed immediately after installing your operating system and any operating system service packs, but before installing any other device drivers.

A chipset software installation utility informs the operating system how to properly configure the chipset for specific functionality, such as AGP, USB, Core PCI and ISA PnP services. In order to be able to install any chipset-related drivers (e.g. graphics, IDE, etc.), your operating system must first be able to recognize your chipset.

Once a chipset software installation utility has been installed, all of your remaining chipset-related device drivers should install correctly.

Disable Kaspersky AntiVirus Software

nick.niestradt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:04:53 GMT

a. If the driver update software fails to download, scan, or maintain an internet connection, open Kaspersky Antivirus and turn the firewall off. Once the Kaspersky Internet Security window opens, click on Protection in the left-hand navigation. Under protection, select Firewall.

b. The Firewall setting will now appear with various options to choose from. Select Configure in this new screen.

c. A new window will appear with Firewall settings. Uncheck the check-box next to enable firewall. This selection will disable the firewall. Be sure to click Ok to finalize the setting. Close Kaspersky Antivirus and continue with the driver update software. After you have finished using the driver update software, follow these steps again to enable your firewall.