How to Update and Detect Windows Drivers - afreeSupport.com
How to detect and update Windows drivers
How to detect what drivers your PC needs by finding out the product name and model number.

Before you need drivers for anything weather its Audio, Video, Monitors, Mouse, etc... You first need to identify what product you own.

It is very useful to know the model / serial number in this particular case. These numbers are always placed on the hardware component itself.
(Inside your computer)

Once you have the model number, you can find out the name of your product, manufacturer and further support details.

First, we may be able to avoid disassembling the PC by checking to see if Windows can tell us this information for us.

Monitor Model Number

Sound and Video Drivers
First let's determine what Video Card and Sound Card you have on your computer.

The easiest way to do this is to run dxdiag from the start menu.

  • Goto: Start > Run > dxdiag

The "Display" tab will tell you the name of the video card, manufacturer and the chip type.

In this case, it is Nvidia and you can easily access your drivers from the Nvidia website.
(Click here to open Nvidia Driver site)


The "Sound" tab will also tell you the name of your Sound Card. With this information you can perform a search and find the drivers you need.

Creative makes the SoundBlaster Audigy series.
(Click here to open Creative Drivers site)

 


Dxdiag - Display Tab

Dxdiag - Sound Tab

Other Hardware Drivers
The same process would be the same for any hardware type. Such as monitors, printers, etc...

Simply determine the Model number for these products, and then search for the drivers at the manufacturer website.

  • Monitor Drivers
    • Model number located in one of 4 visible screen corners. If not visible check back of monitor.

  • Printer Drivers
    • Model number generally located on the outside base near the buttons.

  • Motherboard Drivers
    • The Model number is located on the base of the board, generally near the center or flat empty surface.


Monitor Model Number

Motherboard Model Number