How to know what drivers to install?

Question

after formatting my HD and installing windows XP i need to reinstall all kinda drivers for my hardware, how do i find out exactly what drivers i need to download and install without opening up my pc and looking at the cards?

I don't have the network card driver yet so i can't log on to the internet, i need to do it in an offline way

Answer 1

The first thing you have to do before formatting or doing anything like that is to backing up the documents and also backing up the drivers.

Yes you can open your case and read the chip on your cards to find out what they need (Brand name and Model). Or you can use a program called Driver Genius Pro (you can use the trial version but it's a great program to buy) @ this address:

http://www.driver-soft.com/

This program will automatically search for your drivers over the internet. The big problem for you is to just find your network card's driver to get on-line, then you can find the other drivers fast and easy.

And don't forget to backup your drivers next time before you format...

BTW when you bought your PC, didn't you get some CDs with it? Maybe the drivers are in them...

Answer 2

run this

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html



its free and will tell you exactly whats in the machine.

then run this

http://www.radarsync.com/

its free and will download any identified drivers for you.

any not initially identified by radarsynch can be downloaded manually from manufacturers websites as identified by belarc advisor

once all your hardware is set up, radarsynch can be run anytime you want to update

Answer 3

u should of save the drivers into a CD before u did this. i just did the same thing today, some drivers dont need internet to be installed just go to control panel  and click add hardware.

or on another pc with internet go to ur pc website. ex. HP.COM and look for ur pcs drivers