How To Check Your Drivers Version

You can easily identify what driver version you have by looking at the specific driver properties. You can access the driver properties via Device Manager which available on all Windows Operating System.

For this example I will show how to check the graphic driver version:

1. First you need to open device manager

2. Next right click on any devices you want, then select properties.

3. After that click on the Driver Tab and you will see the Driver Version will show what driver version currently installed for your graphic.

You can also identify the driver provider and driver dates. Digital Signer will show wither your driver is digitally signed or not.

Chipset Driver Version:
Certain devices not directly named as it should be such chipset is nowhere listed on the device manager. The chipset is categorize under system device, here is example Intel chipset 6 series:

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How to Disable Driver Signing Enforcement in Windows 8

Windows will prevent users to install drivers without digital signature so to enable drivers without signature installation you need to disable driver signing enforcement.

STEP 1
1. Press Windows key + R, when the "run" box appear type:

shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00

STEP 2
2. Before it restart, a start up setting screen will appear. Make the following selection:

Troubleshoot — Advanced options — Start Up Settings — Restart

STEP 3
3. Select " Disable driver signature enforcement" after reboot.

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How to Identify Wireless Card Device

I feel it is important to write article about this matter since there are lots of reason for this and i think it is better to explain it in details. Nowadays, many laptop manufacture provide more than 1 wireless driver and ask you to choose base on your specification while there are no information given.

Content:
1. Simple way to Identify your wireless Card Device.
2. Identify your wireless using hardware ID. (Driver not yet installed)

1. Simple way to identify your wireless Card/Device.

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(Driver already installed, if you still didnt install the driver look content no 2.)

1. Press windows + R button,  a windows "RUN" utility will open. (all windows OS)
2. To open device manager Type DEVMGMT.MSC and press enter or OK.

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3. Device manager will open, look for Network Adapter and expand it.

Note 1: You can see your wireless name appear (red box in the picture).
Note 2: If it marked with yellow means you need to install the driver for it.

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4. Right click on it and select properties, you will get more details about your wireless device.

2. Identify your wireless using hardware ID. (Driver not yet installed)

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This 1 is simple, but if no drivers installed, you wont see the wireless name but it will list it as "network adapter", network device or else with yellow mark on it.

1. Right click on the network adapter marked with yellow.
2. Select properties - Details and on the drop down menu select hardware ID.

3. Copy the hardware ID and Google it, you will have more than one line, choose any line to search and you will see the result displaying the exact name for your wireless device. Example i use the 3rd line from picture above

4. Now, there are other result that discuss the same hardware ID in details and give the driver version to use for your device.

5. If your manufacture provide 3 different wireless drivers example Intel, atheros and broadcom, you can use this method to determine which to download and install.

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How to Stop Windows Keep Automatically Installing Drivers

Whenever you plug in a new device, or windows found a new hardware, Windows will detect and automatically install available in-box compatible drivers. It will also search the drivers on the web or via Windows Automatic Updates. The problem with this setting is whenever you uninstall a device from device manager, it will keep re-install it after reboot or after you select "scan for hardware changes". A very good reason to uninstall the current driver from device manager permanently is varies such as:

1. Windows install the default driver which does not work. When we uninstall it to install different drivers, it will re-install the previous drivers before we able to install the other driver.

2. The default driver version which windows keep installing is newer then the version we want to use, so windows will prompt "the current driver version is newer than this package".

1 : OPEN GROUP POLICY EDITOR
Click start and on the search box type gpedit.msc and press enter. This will open Group Policy Editor.

Click yes if prompted

2: Go through (Expand by clicking the arrow button) : Computer Configuration -System - device Installation and Click device installation Restriction. The on the right pane double click on " Prevent Installation of devices not described by other policy setting".

Click to enlarge

3. Select enable, you can always change this setting by clicking disable (by default this option is not configured).

4. Reboot to apply this change. Now your computer will not automatically install the drivers you already uninstalled.

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How to Upgrade or Replace Your laptop GPU

It is not difficult to replace your laptop graphic card, the hard part is to upgrade where you need to identify which graphic is better and compatible with your laptop. So how to identify which graphic card is compatible? for this one you need to get advice from laptop graphic card seller and they will tell you what is the compatible graphic cards you can buy for you laptop model. You also can call the service center or Google the Video Cards replacement parts for your model or read the Manuals. For example HP NX9420 and NW series can use Nvidia FX 1500M over AMD Mobility Radeon X1600.

A. Upgrade and Replacement Process
Get your laptop service manual, you will need to read the part removal and replacement. You can get it from your laptop manufacture site. For this tutorial we will replace Acer Aspire 7720 With ATI Graphic Card.

1. Remove the back cover by loosen the screw and open the back compartment.
*Note : For othe model such as HP or DELL or other models, the removal might be slightly different. Please refer your manual.

2. Next step is to remove the heatsink. Unscrew the driver and carefully remove the heatsink.

3. Now loosen the Graphic Chipset Screw, and carefully pull to remove it from the slot.

4. Insert you new graphic and apply fair amount of thermal paste.

5. Lastly put the heat sink back in place and close the back compartment.


C. Things to consider before Upgrade/Replacement.
1.Normally if there is only a slight increase in graphic performance after upgrade. You cant expect to get from 256MB to 512MB. Normally 251Mb to 358MB is the highest replacement I ever know.

2. This method originally intend for replacement where lots of GPU is defect caused by high temperature.

3. Upgrade normally requires you to replace both Mainboard and GPU which costs more than a new laptop, so you better use that money to buy a new one instead of upgrading. Replacement on the other hand only requires a new the same new graphic chipset which is available on

4. If your graphic chipset is defect by overheating, make sure after the replacement the temperature is below 60 degree. Different graphic chip will produce different amount of heat and you need to observe the temperature carefully. Otherwise it will defect again after 30-days (or less).

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How to Install Old Soundmax Audio Driver in Windows 7

If you have an old laptop and install windows 7 on it, you may notice that your laptop have no audio. Sometimes device manager tells you it is installed and the volume bar work perfectly, but you can still hear no Sound. When you try to download the driver, your manufacture no longer provide updates for Windows 7, what is available only the old driver for Windows XP or Windows Vista.

Before we begin, Soundmax uses AC97 audio which is similar to Realtek AC 97 Audio. Try the AC97 audio first because sometime it did work on some model. Download Link

He is how to use that old Windows Vista or XP for Windows 7.

1. For this example we will install audio on IBM t42. First download your original XP Driver. (for t42 here is the driver: Download )

2.  Extract the driver file using 7zip or Winrar. Remember the path/location where we extract the driver file.

3. Now open device manager by click start and select run, type DEVMGMT.MSC

 
 2. Look at the audio controller and right and select update driver.

 3. Then select browse my computer for the Driver software

4.Click on browse and point to the driver folder we extracted ealier.

It will takes some time to find the driver file and install it. It will prompt i is not compatible but install it anyway.

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How to Install Driver Without Internet Connections

Your PC and Notebooks/Laptop needs drivers after windows/OS installation. What we normally do is run automatic updates so windows will download and install  necessary drivers for our system. What if there are no internet connection? Example, you just finish installing windows 7 on your notebook but there are no wireless connection because the wireless drivers not yet installed. There are few ways we can install drivers without internet connection.

1. Use the Installation Disk/CD - (if you still have it)
Usually your computers comes with installation disk/CD/DVD, you may have more than one disk/CD/DVD. One of the disk contains drivers for your computers. What you need to do is insert the disk into CD/DVD-ROM and run the setup to install the drivers. You can identify the Drivers installation disk by looking at the cover written "drivers and utility" or similar.

2. Download from second device and transfer it to your computers.
If you have other device that do have internet connection, you can use it to download the drivers for your computers and transfer it via USB cable/ThumbDrive etc. Example, if you have an iPad, browse the internet and go the manufacture site and then search your model within the manufacture site. Download the drivers and transfer it to your computers.

3. Using Restore/Recovery CD.
Most notebooks manufacture provide recovery CD, insert your recovery CD and follow the on-screen instruction to complete the process.

4. Look for driver backup in your hard-disk (Sometimes Hidden)
This option available if you didnt wipe out your entire disk for windows installation. If you install windows Vista/7/8 over previous installation (install without formatting) or (upgrade), you will have a Windows.Old folder on your c drive. If you open that folder you will see your original files store in that folder. If you are using notebook there are a great chance that your drivers are in the folder. For example Hp product will have Swsetup folder in the windows.old drive, Dell will have dell folder, Toshiba will have "driver" folder, similarly with other laptop. Sometimes, you just did not notice the company already make drivers backup on your other partition (D/E).

5. Final Option - Cybercafe
This will cost you some dollars to go and download your drivers - store it in CD/external storage, but better than repair shop fee.

Best Practice:
Make sure to backup your drivers on Mass storage Device (pendrive/card reader/external hard disk etc) or CD/DVD for future use and never trash any recover/drivers CD provided by the manufacture.
Make sure you have all the drivers needed before installing new Operating System and check whether your manufacture support the Operating System of your choice or not.

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Simple Guide On How To Fix A Laptop Power That Does Not Turn On

Laptop power does not turn on, when the power of a laptop does not turn on, it can be a big source of worry and discomfort, but don’t draw a conclusion just yet or write off the laptop because it could well come back to life. A number of reasons can be attributed to a laptop not powering on, we will take a critical look at some of these reasons and at the same time try to provide solution to these problems. 

Solution to the problem will vary from simple to complex procedure that might require a bit of technical no how to handle, but the main purpose will be to help you solve your problem at a minimal cost.

Possible Faults 

•        Laptop AC power adapter is faulty or burnt

•        Battery does not hold charge

•        Cut or broken power cord

•        Broken or loose DC jack connector

•        Failed motherboard

Solutions                                   

• Try this first, remove the power cord and battery of the laptop, hold the power button for about 60 seconds, then connect back the power cord and turn on the laptop. If the power comes on, turn off the laptop again and put back the battery, then turn on again.
• Check the LED indicator of the laptop’s AC power adapter, if it is on, then it means that the adapter is been supplied with normal voltage from the power socket, but if it is off then it means that the adapter is faulty or burnt and needs to be replaced.

• Confirm that the laptop battery is holding charge by checking if the charging indicator or LED is on, if the charging indicator or LED is on and stable, then it means that the battery is charging but if the charging indicator or LED is blinking continuously, then it means that the laptop battery is bad and does not hold charge or is not charging, hence it needs to be replaced.

• Physically inspect the adapter’s power cord to check if it is broken or cut at any point. If it is broken at any point or there are noticeable cuts, unplug it from the AC power and repair with electrical tape or better still replace it.

• Check the DC jack, if it is separated from the motherboard (or DC jack broken) and the laptop doesn’t get any power from the AC adapter. In this case the DC jack has to be replaced.
• If non of these steps is able to rectify the problem then you have a dead or failed motherboard. Replace the motherboard or buy a new laptop.

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How To Replace Your Laptop Computers LCD

Laptop computers have been around for ages. Just as a human, laptop computers also age. Along with age comes broken or damaged parts. Hence, you either have to replace the laptop computer or repair the broken parts. One of the most expensive parts of a computer to replace is the monitor, commonly called the LCD.

LCD stands for liquid crystal display - the technology used to make the flat panel screens and laptop computer screens.

Some common reasons that might make you consider replacing your laptop computers LCD are (1) the screen has been cracked; (2) you want to upgrade the standard computer screen that came with your unit to a higher resolution LCD screen; or(3) there are lots of dead spaces on your screen which might come from dead pixels.

If you want to tackle the task of replacing your laptop computers LCD, consider the following steps to ensure that you perform the replacement seamlessly.

Step One
Power off your laptop computer and disconnect the battery and all cables. You will also want to remove the battery as it could cause an electric shock if it remains installed through the process.

Step Two
Remove the rubber screw covers to expose the screws that hold the screen frame in place.

Step Three
Gently pry the LCD screen frame loose. You should then be able to find the LCD screen cable and power cord. Unplug both of these and remove the tape (if any) that is holding the screen in place.

Step Four
You will next need to find out who the manufacturer of your laptop computers LCD screen is. Keep in mind that the screens manufacturer might not be the same as the manufacturer of the computer. Ensure that you match the screen that you purchase matches the screens manufacturer model number.

Step Five
Once you have obtained the appropriate replacement screen, plug the new LSD screen in, secure it with tape, and replace the frame. Be cautious not to crimp any cords when you replace the frame.

Step Six
When you power up your laptop computer, your LCD screen should work properly. If it doesnt, call the supplier where you purchased your replacement screen and ask for technical help.

If you decide that it would be cheaper or easier to replace your entire laptop computer, visit my website, The Cheap Laptop Store to buy new, used, or refurbished laptop computers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberta_Sullivan

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The Leisure Laptop How Laptops Have Adjusted To Consumer Needs

Although laptops were originally designed for the busy traveling businessman always on the go, we lesser goal oriented mortals (college kids) can also have fun with these shiny, new babies. These are other things you can do with the technology aside from making money and keep you from getting bored:

* Surf the net on your laptop

A laptops portability enables you to surf the net anywhere you are. On the beach, in your dorm, at your Aunt Hatties, etc. Check out the latest and hottest buzz on entertainment news. Google your friends latest boyfriend. Look for amusing anecdotes and pictures to send home. Check out the latest trends in fashion. Look for your high school crush and start getting re-acquainted. Find new friends and greet old ones on Friendster. Go on a virtual date with someone. Find out the origin of the word "hoopla" or if there is such a word. Chat with someone in a different timezone and in another language.

* Watch TV shows on your laptop

With the right equipment, you can watch your favorite shows on television instead of actually buying a television set. There are many portable high-definition tuners, receivers, and antennas available for laptops such as NetComm Banksia Digital HD USB TV Tuner, Elgato EyeTV DTT Stick and the ComPro VideoMate U3 DVB-T Stick.

* Watch home videos and listen to music on your laptop

Use your CD-ROM player and play whatever music or home video cd you have. You can also movies or listen to music online. You can even download music from your cell phone into your computer. If you have Windows Media Player installed you can get the latest and hottest music online. Another software, Kazaa, will allow you to share your music and videos with other Kazaa users.

* Play games on your laptop

For most of us, playing games on the computer is really what computers were made for. The variety of games available is unbelievable from racing games, to role-playing games, to I-dont-know-what-else. There are even dress-up games for kids (and kids at heart) and brain teaser games such as Sudoku. There are whole companies being built on the computer-based gaming industry alone. Online lotto is another popular game you can play on the web. There are also software based games like the ones bundled with Windows applications such as Pinball, Minesweeper, Hearts, and many more. Be aware though that most virus from the net are in downloaded games and can cause unknown applications to wreak havoc on your computer and cause it to crash

* Edit pictures and home videos on your laptop

Now this is something thats both fun and can actually add to your marketable skills. With the many photo and video editing software out there from such big companies such as Adobe, you can actually fix your own photos or make your own movies. Microsofts PowerPoint is probably the easiest tool you can use to create slideshows and AVPs.

There are probably more things you can do with your laptop. The most important thing is to explore the possibilities this technology has to offer.

F Stewart is an IT Professional. He launched CollegiateWallpapers.com to allow college students, alumni, and fans to feature their favorite teams on their websites. Visit http://www.CollegiateWallpapers.com for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Freddie_Stewart

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How To Back Up Your Computer Files And Data

There are different ways through which you can back up your computer data and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. The safest ways to back up your data are through hard drives, DVD or flash drives and cloud storage.

1. Back Up Using Hard Drives

There are different shapes and sizes of external USB hard drives available in the market, some of them require power source from the mains while most take power from the USB port. Using hard drive to back up data is the easiest and cheapest method of backing up data. All you have to do is just copy and paste your data from the internal hard drive inside the laptop to the external hard drive connected to the laptop through the USB port.

Using hard drive to back up data is not 100% fool proof, it is still vulnerable to theft, damage and data corruption. Apart from the copy and paste method of backing up data to hard drives, the more efficient method is to make use of Windows inbuilt back up utility. To use this, just press the Windows key on your keyboard and type back up, if you are using Windows 7, click click the Back up and Restore link that appears.

2. Back Up Using DVDs And Flash Drives

Memory cards, DVDs and flash drives are common devices that most people are familiar with. They are portable, easy to use and above all cheap, if your computer has a DVD RW drive, then you can buy empty DVDs and burn any information you want into it. On the alternative you can make use of flash drives or memory cards, if you are using memory cards, you must insert it into a card reader before connecting to your computer.

After connecting either the flash drive or memory card to your computer, you can then go ahead and copy all the important files and folders that you want to back up from the computer and pad paste into the flash drive or memory card. This method is a cheap and very affordable way to back up data but it is prone to damage, data corruption and theft, hence it is not 100% reliable as well.

3. Back Up Using Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is the most expensive but safest method of backing up data, cloud storage is a process of entrusting all your documents, files and folders to a storage provider’s servers over the internet. They offer a very secure online alternative for backing up data, some of the best known cloud storage services are Drop box, Microsoft SkyDrive and Google Drive. Cloud storage is not vulnerable to damage, theft or data corruption like the other methods. Its only advisable to use this method if you have very large files, folders or documents to back up because of the cost involved. But some of the storage providers still offer free services, for example Microsoft SkyDrive offers 7GB of storage to everyone for free and above that, you are charged a fee.

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