Drivers for Win 7 & XP - How best to install

I have a question as to the way Windows drivers are installed, do you connect the external device and then install the driver or do you install the driver and then plug in the hardware.

I recently tried to install a Smartlink USB modem on a Win 7 laptop, but with no success. One of things I have come across which is often not covered in the user documentation is whether you plug the device into the computer first or install the software and then plug the device into the compuer. I ask this as a general question.

Pre windows 2000, and pre "plug and play" I had always been taught and having written some drivers, had always ensured the hardware to be "driven" was properly connected before loading the software. The hardware registers, once loaded with the driver software, should then immediately recognize the device and do their thing.

Now however, I see many user instructions require you to install the drivers first, without the hardware "plugged in" and then plug in the hardware.

Is there a general rule? What do people who write plug and play drivers say? Does it matter with plug and play?

Not only is there this problem I had with a V.92/V.90 modem, I also had a problem with an Oceanic scuba dive computer and a then a mobile phone failing to be recognized by the OS. Now as we have drivers, even to connect say my Mom's toaster to a PC, what are the general rules if any?

 

As a general rule I would follow the manufacturers instructions, and if they do not tell you to load the drivers first before making a connection do the opposite.

'Plug & Play' should do just that.

I am sure other members will add to this.

 

This is not an issue of following the manufacturers recommendations. Today, many manufacturers don't seem to have the capacity to produce meaningful instructions. I ask is there and there can be a general rule on when to load drivers for USB devices (pre or post connecting the device to the USB port) and the reasons for that rule, from any experienced software engineers who read this post.

Cheers

 

I prefer to load drivers before connecting the USB device unless I am very sure that Windows has inbuilt drivers for that device.

Learnt the lesson hard way on Win XP a long time back.