1 Jan 2012CPOL
Especially while migrating from Vista or XP to Windows 7, one might have come across various problems pertaining to device identification. How To Find The Hardware IDs & Using Hardware IDs To Find The Drivers - Duration: 8:36. The Ablaze Tech 3,605 views.
Use the Hardware ID to determine product information
I don't know about the rest of you, but how many times have you done a re-install or upgrade the OS on a fresh install, and found components of you system reporting 'Unknown Device' in the device manager?
You are left wondering what they are, and scratch around looking for the possibly driver CD that you have misplaced somewhere?
In device manager, clicking on properties of the unknown device and inspect the Hardware ID will reveal the info you require.
For example, on my laptop I have a device that shows in the Hardware ID;
Using this site; http://www.pcidatabase.com/index.php[^],search for Vendor ID:
From this info you can then visit the vendor site, or search for compatible drivers via Google, or from perhaps the manufacturer of you laptop/computer etc.
On the site listed above, there are links to other useful tools and sites, and there is also a guide available here;
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-find-unknown-device-drivers-by-their-vendor-device-id/[^]
You are left wondering what they are, and scratch around looking for the possibly driver CD that you have misplaced somewhere?
In device manager, clicking on properties of the unknown device and inspect the Hardware ID will reveal the info you require.
For example, on my laptop I have a device that shows in the Hardware ID;
Using this site; http://www.pcidatabase.com/index.php[^],search for Vendor ID:
138A
and then click on Product ID: 0001
to find out the product.From this info you can then visit the vendor site, or search for compatible drivers via Google, or from perhaps the manufacturer of you laptop/computer etc.
On the site listed above, there are links to other useful tools and sites, and there is also a guide available here;
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-find-unknown-device-drivers-by-their-vendor-device-id/[^]
- Windows 10 or Windows 8.x
Overview
If you have problems connecting to Indiana University's wireless network, make sure your device's wireless software or drivers are up to date. Wireless manufacturers regularly release new driver updates to solve issues such as interoperability problems with access points from other vendors, or to address software bugs. Having the latest software or drivers for your wireless adapter will assure that you'll have the best performance, reliability, and functionality.
Follow the appropriate instructions for your device.
macOS (Macbook Pro, Air)
macOS will typically perform a weekly check for software updates automatically, provided you are connected to the internet. To manually check your macOS device for the latest updates, follow the instructions at http://www.apple.com/softwareupdate/.
iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
Follow the instructions at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204.
Android
- Navigate to your devices's Settings menu. On most Android devices, this can be done via the app menu or notification bar. Typically, the Settings app will have a cog or spanner logo.
- Scroll down the Settings menu, and click About Phone, About Tablet, System, or System Updates (depending on your device and version of Android). If you have a tabbed Settings menu, this option will appear in the General section.
- The menu can vary slightly from device to device, but click the Software Update, System Update, or similar button. This section of the menu will also detail which version of Android your device is running.
- Your phone or tablet will now search for an available update. If you are taken to another menu, select the Software update check button or similar.
- If an update is available for your device, you will be asked whether you wish to install it. If you select yes, the system will download and install the new software and then reboot.
Windows 10 or Windows 8.x
Many times, Windows Update does not provide the latest drivers for your wireless adapter. To get the most recent updates, you'll need to visit the website of your wireless adapter's manufacturer.
To find the manufacturer of your wireless adapter:
- Press Windows and Pause|Break, or right-click Computer and select Properties.
- From the left-hand menu, select Device Manager.
- The 'Device Manager' window will open. Expand Network Adapters. If the wireless card is identified, its name will be shown. If it is not identified, you might have an unknown device (for example, '(?) Network Controller') listed.
- To identify the device, right-click the listing under 'Network adapters', select Properties, and then click the Details tab. Under 'Property', select Hardware Ids.
Almost all manufacturers will have support pages where you can download files for your drivers as needed. If the driver on your computer is older than the driver on the manufacturer's website, download the newer versions.
Links to some of the most popular Windows drivers:
- Intel: http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect/
- Realtek: http://www.realtek.com.tw/