Drivers are little programs, or translators, that instruct your PC’s operating system (like Windows Vista, XP, etc.) how to run the hardware (like a video card, mouse, keyboard, web cam, hard drive, printer, etc.) that is on your computer. Drivers are necessary because most hardware doesn’t use standard commands or language so your PC needs a program to explain what the hardware can do and how it can do it.

When you buy new hardware, for instance a web cam or a printer, your PC won’t instantly know how to operate it without instructions. Those instructions are contained as a driver, usually on a disc that comes with the product. Always keep these manufacturer’s disks in a safe place so if something does happen to the functionality of the hardware, you can quickly reinstall the supported manufacturer’s driver.

Driver Errors

Most often, when hardware isn’t working properly, it can be attributed to a driver problem. Which is a good thing considering it’s a lot easier to fix a driver than it is to fix broken hardware. Usually either the original driver was corrupted or you now just need a newer version of the driver. Any time you install new software or update existing software, there is a possibility that your current drivers will be rendered useless, meaning your operating system may not be able to communicate with your hardware.

How To Fix Them

We consulted with the experts on the best do-it-yourself driver repair.

1. Open the Device Manager to diagnose the problem. To do this Right click on the "My Computer" Icon.  If this icon isn't on your desktop, then it should be in your start menu.  Select "Properties." Once you see a series of tabs, click on the Hardware tab and select "Device Manager."


2. The Device Manager tells you all the devices listed on your computer.   Devices that have potential problems have a yellow triangle next to them on the left.


3. Right-click on the device in question and select "Properties." When you see tabs, click on the "Resources" tab.  Check "Resource Allocation" and "Modify Resource Settings." This will stop some driver conflict errors. Once that's done.  Select the button labeled "Update Driver" to see if there are any new drivers available for that piece of hardware.


4. If it's completely corrupted, reinstall the driver, using the same method in 3.  You can opt here to find the right driver and re-install it instead of updating.