Installing non-pnp devices
To be able to install older devices that are not auto-detected by the system (non-plug and play devices), you need administrator credentials. It is recommended to start with the manufacturer’s updated installation software and follow the instructions provided. Many times this is not possible, either you have lost the original media or the manufacturer does not support the device anymore and hence, does not provide any software packages. However, you can install non-pnp devices from the device manager . An Add Hardware Wizard helps you installing these devices.
From the device manager, right click the computer name at the root of the tree in the details pane and click Add Legacy Hardware
Categories: Devices Tags: device manager, legacy hardware, non-pnp, pnp, pnputil
Modifying the device drivers installation permissions
By default, updated device drivers from the Windows Update repository are downloaded and installed automatically on a computer. However, if drivers are not found in the driver store then, only an administrator (user with administrative permissions) can install them. You can change this behaviour by configuring a computer Group Policy so that ordinary users can install specific drivers.
Categories: Devices Tags: Class, device driver, device manager, Group Policy, GUID, permissions
Device Drivers auto installation settings
Windows 7 downloads and installs device drivers automatically through Windows Update. However, you can modify this behaviour through the Device Installation Settings dialog box.
To open this dialog box type device installation in the Search text box on the Start menu and click Change Device Installation Settings. To disable the recommended action, select No, let me choose what to do
Categories: Devices Tags: device driver, device manager, Windows Update, WSUS
Windows 7 Device Manager
You use the Device Manager to install and update drivers for hardware devices, change the hardware settings for those devices and troubleshoot device problems. May be, the most common use of the device manager is to verify whether all hardware devices on your computer are working and/or installed properly. Additionally, I find this utility very usefull when I am updating drivers, checking current versions of drivers and enable/disable devices when performing some hardware checks.
You start the Device Manager as follows:
Go to Start/Search – type Device Manager and click the Device Manager link
Categories: Devices Tags: advanced tab, details tab, device driver, device manager, manager, resources tab
