1. Not sure of the make/model number of the graphics/video card in your computer? No problem. The very first text you get flashed on the screen when you put the power on, is the make/model of your video card. You will need to be quick. It lasts only a second or two. In some cases (especially when the video is integrated on the motherboard) the name/model number of the video adapter is a bit cryptic. It helps if you have a rough idea of what the number should look like. Refer to your documentation or visit a driver download site and have a look at the names/numbers of the graphic cards listed.

2. Don't have a setup or install file to install the drivers? Chances are that you have an "inf" file i.e. a file with the "inf" extension. Installation from an inf file is slightly different. It involves going into the control panel, choosing to add new hardware, NOT using the autodetect but choosing manual installation, and then using the "browse" button to direct the installation routine to the directory where you have the "inf" file.

3. An important step before installing: Visit the control panel to see if that device is already listed with a yellow exclamation mark or a red cross. If it is, then you have to delete that listing before attempting any new installation. This is especially true of soundcards and modems which also tended to show up under the wrong category (usually "other devices").

4. The installation asks for a file that you don't have? Sometimes, halfway through the installation process, you may see a screen saying that a certain file is required and/or that it can't be found. Very often the file required is in the Windows CD, compressed in one of the CAB files (in the Win95 or Win98 directory of the CD). On other occasions it may be elsewhere on the driver CD itself, or on your hard drive. Don't panic if you don't know exactly where it is. Don't hit the cancel button just yet. See the next tip.

5. It's amazing what the "find" command can do. Right click on your start button and choose "find" from the menu. Type in the name of the file you are looking for, choose your drive, and  click on "find now". Make sure that the "include subfolders" box is ticked. Haven't found it on the C: drive?  Repeat the process with the driver CD and the Windows 95/98 CD as well.

6. Not sure of the make/model number of your soundcard? If it's a plug and play card, check the control panel. You may find that it is listed as having an error. If it's in the Device Manager you should be able to tell the model number of the card from the name it is listed under.

7. You did everything right but still can't get your modem working? Modems are sometimes a lot more difficult to install than other cards. You may need to know what Com Port and IRQ the modem is set up to use (as some modems have jumpers or switches that allow you to select the Com Port and IRQ). It is sometimes necessary to go into the BIOS and disable an onboard Com Port before adding a new one in Windows that you are going to install the modem on. Sound very confusing? There are several good sites and forums on the net devoted to modem installation.

8. You tried an installation and now your computer won't go into Windows? Maybe the installation wasn't done properly, or you installed the wrong drivers. You can usually start Windows up in safe mode (keep tapping the F8 key at Startup and you'll get a menu offering to start Windows in safe mode). You can then disable or remove the driver for the faulty item from the Device Manager.