Updating Drivers
A driver is a software program that allows your PC to communicate with an attached device, such as a printer, a hard disk drive, a mouse, or a keyboard.
Complete the following procedure to update a driver, or to revert to an earlier version of the driver if the new one does not solve your problem:
1Click Start,
2Click the Hardware tab, and then Device Manager. The Device Manager displays.
3Click the plus sign (+) to expand the device whose driver you want to update or rollback, (for example,
4
5Click Update Driver or Rollback Driver, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Microsoft System Restore
Microsoft® Windows® XP includes a feature that allows you to restore your PC configuration to that of a previous time when a current software problem did not exist. The feature does this by creating a “restore point” where it records the PC settings at that time and date.
When you add programs by clicking Add New Programs in the Add or Remove Programs window (accessed by clicking Start, Control Panel, and then Add or Remove Programs), the operating system automatically creates a restore point before it adds the new software. You can also set them manually.
If you experience a problem that you think may be due to software on your computer, use System Restore to return the PC to a previous restore point.
WARNING: Always use this System Restore procedure before using the System Recovery program.
To start a System Restore:
1Close all open programs.
2Click Start.
3Choose All Programs.
4Choose Accessories.
5Choose System Tools.
6Click System Restore.
7Click Next.
8Follow the onscreen instructions.
To manually add restore points:
1Close all open programs.
2Click Start.
3Choose All Programs.
4Choose Accessories.
5Choose System Tools.
6Click Create a Restore Point.
7Click Next.
8Follow the onscreen instructions.
For more information about software restore points:
1Click Start.
2Click Help and Support. The Help and Support Center displays.
3Type system restore into the Search box, and then click Search.
Application and Driver Recovery
If an individual
NOTE: To ensure your PC includes the program, perform steps 3 through 5 of the following procedure. If Compaq Application Recovery is listed in the PC Help & Tools folder, your PC includes the program.
16PC Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide
