How to Install New Hardware in Windows 95

Last reviewed: January 25, 1996
Article ID: Q142984
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

SUMMARY

This article describes how to install new hardware for use in Windows 95. This article addresses the following topics:

  • Manufacturer-supplied drivers
  • Installing modems
  • Installing printers
  • Troubleshooting problems with the Add New Hardware Wizard

MORE INFORMATION

Manufacturer-Supplied Drivers

To install a manufacturer-supplied driver, follow these steps:

  1. In Control Panel, double-click Add New Hardware.

  2. Click Next, click No, and then click Next.

  3. Click the type of hardware for which you are installing the driver, and then click Next.

  4. Click Have Disk.

  5. Type the path for the driver you are installing and click OK, or click Browse and locate the driver. You must type the path for or locate the Oemsetup.inf file from the manufacturer.

  6. In the dialog box listing the .inf file, click OK. Click OK to continue.

  7. Click the correct driver and then click OK.

  8. Click Finish.

NOTE: If the new hardware is Plug and Play-compatible, you will need to click Next and then click Finish.

Installing Modems

To install a new modem, follow these steps:

  1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems.

  2. If this is to be the first modem installed in the computer, the Install New Modem Wizard starts automatically. If not, click Add.

  3. If you want Windows 95 to detect your modem, click Next. If not, click the "Don't detect my modem..." check box to select it, and then click Next.

  4. If you chose to have Windows 95 detect your modem, Windows 95 queries the serial ports on your computer looking for a modem. If Windows 95 detects an incorrect modem, click Change, and select the appropriate manufacturer and model. Click Next, and then continue with step 7.

  5. If you chose to select your modem manually, click the appropriate manufacturer and model, and then click Next.

  6. Click the appropriate communications port, and then click Next.

  7. Click Finish.

Installing Printers

To install a new printer, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Printers.

  2. Double-click Add Printer, and then click Next.

  3. Click Local Printer or Network Printer as appropriate, and then click Next.

    If you click Network Printer, you are prompted for the network path for the printer. If you do not know the correct path, click Browse, or check with your network administrator. Click either Yes or No in the "Do you print from MS-DOS-based programs?" area, and then click Next.

  4. Click the appropriate manufacturer and model for your printer, and then click Next.

  5. If you chose to install a local printer, click the correct port and then click Next.

  6. Type a name for the printer (or accept the default name), and then click either Yes or No in the "Do you want your Windows-based programs to use this printer as the default printer?" area. Click Next.

  7. To print a test page, click Yes. Click Finish.

Troubleshooting Problems with the Add New Hardware Wizard

You may receive the following error message while installing new hardware:

   The specified location does not contain information about your
   hardware.

This error can occur if you select an incorrect hardware type or the driver is not Windows 95-compatible.

If the driver is not Windows 95-compatible, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for installing the driver, or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

REFERENCES

For additional information about .inf files and installing drivers, please consult the Windows 95 Help system, or see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q132946
   TITLE     : How to install Windows 3.1 drivers in Windows 95.

   ARTICLE-ID: Q137377
   TITLE     : Removing Windows 3.1 drivers from Wizard hardware list.


KBCategory: kbhw kbhowto
KBSubcategory: win95 windrvr
Additional reference words: 95


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Last reviewed: January 25, 1996
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