Troubleshooting Hardware Devices and Drivers

Problems with drivers will arise, particularly when driver configuration is not possible through PnP means, or when core system component drivers are updated. When a device configuration is not possible through strictly PnP means, the chance of mismatching devices and their drivers increases. With core system component driver updates, which require a computer restart, any problems with the driver will not be known until the computer restarts.


Recovering from Device Disaster

Occasionally, when you install or upgrade a driver for a device, there is a problem with the functioning of that device on your system. Depending on the importance of the device, the effect of the problem will range from annoying to catastrophic. Particularly for such core system components as video drivers, a faulty configuration can render the computer unusable. Rolling back the driver, after all, is difficult if you cannot see the screen.

Thankfully, there are multiple methods of recovery from faulty driver configuration. The tools available are specifically suited to different purposes, and have varying chances of success. Tools that can be used in the event of incorrect driver configuration are listed in below Table

Table Driver Recovery Tools

Device Manager Status Codes


When a device fails, an error message is usually reported in Device Manager with an exclamation point in a yellow icon next to the device. If you double-click the device (or right-click the device and then click Properties), a dialog box is displayed and any error messages that Device Manager detects are listed. This Device Status has some friendly text with it, but troubleshooting may require that you understand more than the text message delivers. Often, there is a code listed with the text that gives a better idea of how to troubleshoot the problem. These codes and suggested troubleshooting strategies are listed in below Table

Table Device Failure Troubleshooting