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How to Update Windows Drivers (Windows® 95/98/Me)

F.A.Q.

Updating Drivers (Windows® 95/98/Me)

Programs sometimes experience difficulties with sound or video. These sound and video issues can result when the software that controls the sound card and video card becomes corrupted or outdated. This software is known as a driver.

Before calling technical support, verify that the drivers for the sound card and video card are up to date. It is possible that a recently purchased computer may require driver updates.

Review the driver date on the following devices to confirm the most current revision:

* Video Card
* Sound Card
* CD-ROM (and/or DVD) drive

The current date of the drivers can be confirmed through the Device Manager. To reach the Device Manager and determine the driver date in Windows®, use the following steps:

1. Click Start on the Windows® Taskbar.
2. Select Settings and click Control Panel. A window titled Control Panel will appear.
3. Double-click the System icon. A window titled System Properties will appear.
4. Click the Device Manager tab.
5. Click the plus (+) sign next to the computer component (display adapters, sound, CD-ROM, etc.) to view the driver information.
6. Highlight the device name from the list by clicking it once.
7. Click the Properties button. A window listing the driver information will appear.
8. Click the Driver tab and record the driver date.

NOTE: Do not click the Update Driver button. The Update Driver wizard searches the system (not the Internet) for drivers to the selected device.

9. Click Cancel to close the window.

NOTE: Once the driver date is obtained, contact the computer or hardware manufacturer to determine if the driver is up to date and if a newer driver is available. Driver information is typically available at the manufacturer's web site.