Install Drivers for "Unknown Devices" in Windows Xp
One technical issue that is common after installing Windows XP is the dreaded "Unknown Device" error. This error can result from having incorrect drivers on PCI based devices. However, if your drivers are out-of date, it's possible to install more recent drivers for your XP device using a small workaround method.
Steps
- Get the "Plug and Play" ID (PNPID) for the device.
- Open the device manager. Double click on device, click "Details" tab, choose "Compatible IDs" from the drop down menu. With the mouse, highlight the first listing under "Value", and copy using <Ctrl>+<C>, open notepad and paste.
- Now go to http://www.pcidatabase.com/vendors.php?sort=name
- I'll take this ID for my example: PCI\VEN_1131&DEV_7134&REV_01
- The part after "PCI/ven_" and before "&", is the Manufacturer ID. Open the find function and search for that ID on the given website. Then Click the link of the company.
- You'll now be taken to the device lists of the company.
- The device ID is after "dev_" and before "&" in the ID. Just use your find function to find the device with that ID, and you'll see its name in front of it.
- Locate driver. Ideally go to the manufacturer's web site and download the latest released driver. If that is not available, check to see if you have the driver disk. If all else fails, there are a number of sites that have drivers archived.
- Install driver.
- If you need more help, ask for help from someone familiar with PC's.
Tips
- Create a record of what is currently identified in Device manager prior to a reinstall.
- If this is an OEM machine there are usually download pages specific to the model.
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