Reinstall xp save drivers

It's a bit of software written by the people who make the hardware. It gets installed in the operating system OS and tells it how to handle it. If it's a video card, the drivers tell the OS what kind of card it is and what it can do. Abra-cadabra — it works. If you think Windows skipped installing something, you need to check if any drivers need to be installed.

Step one is to open Computer Management. First , let me mention that Dell ships more than one CD with a new computer. Another is the Device Drivers CD. All the drivers for your computer's hardware should be there. If you have this CD, you have a lot less work to do. This article assumes that, like most of my customers, this CD is long gone.

Second , this article assumes your trouble computer can't connect to the web, or has other problems that make downloading drivers very difficult.

So the instructions here ask you to use a second computer that is usable, download drivers to a CD or thumb drive, and move them over to the trouble computer. However, if you're able to use your trouble computer — the video is working, you can connect to the internet — you can skip the parts about downloading drivers to a CD or memory stick. Just download and install them! In the case of a Dell computer, go to Dell. This last tool is not a driver backup and restore tool, but rather a very effective program for backing up only.

The free version though, is very useful for backing up and then you restoring the drivers manually yourself which is a good idea if you prefer to have full control about what gets installed and when.

All the drivers in the system are displayed but those in red are the non Microsoft third party drivers that are the important ones to backup. There are portable and installer versions available and Driver Magician Lite works on Windows 98 up to Windows 8 including bit.

Download Driver Magician Lite. Personally I would recommend you use driver backup and restore tools to perhaps get a system up and running with only unknown devices, hard to get drivers or network drivers being installed. These types of programs can be temperamental at times due to all the different hardware and supporting drivers available. I used most of those programs, I found out later, that once you have mishap strike or after formating none stands for what they claimed, and most are confusing too!

Unfortunately, IObit Driver booster newer versions, the company dropped that option! Just stay calm; it just takes a couple of steps to accomplish the entire process. Here are the steps involved in re-installing your drivers in Windows XP. The above mentioned are the steps that help you in re-installing the drivers on your Windows XP machines.

But be careful while performing this process, it might lead to corrupt or inaccessible drivers. You may either select the wrong driver for uninstalling or hit wrong option that corrupts your drivers.

However, there is no need to worry. If such disaster happens simply try the Remo Driver Discover tool because it is the best app to fix drivers. This software easily install the missing or uninstalled drivers on your Windows XP. Though there is a solution, its always recommended to be cautious and think twice before selecting any option.

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Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Author Info Last Updated: April 8, Method 1. If you no longer have a copy of the CD, contact your computer manufacturer for a replacement, or download an.

Be aware of viruses, and know that you will still need to enter a valid Product Key to install. Make a note of your Product Key. It is useful to have this handy before you start the install process. This key is a character code that you have to enter in order to install Windows. It can usually be found in one of a couple different places: Attached to the case your Windows XP CD came in, usually on the back.

Reboot your computer. Your computer needs to be set to boot from the CD drive first. In order to do this, you will have to enter the BIOS setup. The key is different from different manufacturers, but is generally either F2, F10, F12, or Del.

The correct key will be displayed on the same screen as the logo. Start the installation. If you do not press a key, then the computer will boot from the hard drive as usual.

Setup will load. Windows has to load drivers to start the setup process. This could take a few moments. Once it is complete, you will be greeted with the Welcome screen. Press Enter to begin a repair install. Do not enter the Recovery Console. Read the agreement. After you have gone over the license agreement, hit F8 to agree and continue.

Setup will load a list of your Windows XP installs. Most users will only see one thing listed here. Select your previous installation. If you only have one install, it will be automatically highlighted. Press R to begin the repair process. Windows will begin copying files, and then reboot the computer automatically.

It will then begin the repair install. You will be asked to confirm the date and time as well as a few other basic questions. Most of the time, the default option is acceptable.

Enter the Product Key. Towards the end of the installation, you will be asked to enter the product key. Windows will check to make sure it is a valid key before proceeding.

After installation, you will have to authorize your copy of Windows online or over the phone.