If you have ever been stuck waiting for your camera to upload pictures on the PC or for the printer to start functioning, a lot of it may have to do with your device driver. Printer drivers can literally make or break the functioning of your operating system functionality. If you are looking for the latest drivers for your Windows XP or even 2000 operating system, here are some places you can check for the appropriate drivers.
Windows Update
Windows Update is a feature provided in your Windows XP where you can get access to the latest printer drivers. The Windows Update feature keeps a tab on all the latest patches and device drivers uploaded on the Microsoft website. Thus, simply running the Windows Update feature on a regular basis should keep your printer running without any glitches.
Plug and Play
The unique Plug and Play technology is inherently provided as part of your Windows XP operating system. This technology allows you to add not just new Windows operating system drivers but also new devices! The Plug and Play mechanism is also responsible for the easy recognition and detection of devices as soon as you plug them into your PC. Compare this to the olden days of searching the Microsoft site manually for the latest drivers and you see how easy and amazing this technology really is.
Hardware incompatibility issues
Sometimes, it may not be a problem with the printer driver being outdated but the actual hardware. If your printer is outdated and if the manufacturer has not provided the latest drivers then it could result in a problem printer. If this is a new printer and if Windows XP is yet to add support, then finding the appropriate printer drivers can be difficult.
Check the CD
Your printer would have undoubtedly come along with a CD and a kit. Make sure to check the CD to find the appropriate printer driver for the printer you are using. If this is a new printer, it will surely have the latest drivers requisite for your Windows XP operating system.
How to check Windows Update
There will be times when Windows Update will alert you of latest updates, which it has found on the Microsoft website. You can choose to run the updates at the time or manually visit the Windows Update option to find the appropriate <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/3084384']);" href=http://www.pcdriverhelper.com/Printer.html">printer drivers</a> yourself. Once you have selected the Windows Update option, you need to visit the option called 'personalize windows update'. Choose the option that says 'display the link to Windows Update catalog'. This option is located right under the see also option. Save the settings to facilitate enabling of the 'see also' option.
Manufacturer website
Another option to locate the printer drivers is to visit the manufacturer's website manually. You maybe surprised to find a driver on the manufacturer site, which is not provided on the Microsoft website or on your Windows Update option. There are also some beta drivers provided for download but this is mostly an attempt if you absolutely fail to find appropriate printer drivers. The problem with beta drivers is that since they are not completely tested, there could be associated problems when you download these Windows operating system drivers.
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