What the heck is a driver?
Drivers are software that tell Windows what kind of hardware you have... like a soundcard or modem. Many drivers are already on the Windows install CD ROM. Otherwise the drivers will be on a floppy or CD ROM that came with the card you purchased. Installation procedures can vary from product to product. It's best to read the "read me" file that accompany the driver software. 

I lost the software that came with the hardware.
In this case you can go to the manufacturer's web site to download the drivers. Some hardware has software for you to fully configure the device in addition to the drivers. You can find the software here as well. Most of the time, the web site name is the same or close to the name of the company.... for 3Com modems, you would go to http://www.3com.com/ If you can not figure out the name, try http://www.drivershq.com/ There you can navigate to the driver section for your version of Windows. Listed is every manufacturer for any device you have purchased.

I'm told to update my drivers.
You can always get the latest drivers from the manufacturer's web site. Most of the time, the web site name is the same or close to the name of the company.... for 3Com modems, you would go to http://www.3com.com/ If you can not figure out the name, try http://www.drivershq.com/  There you can navigate to the driver section for your version of Windows. Listed is every manufacturer for any device you have purchased.

My device is an OEM and the drivers are not available on the manufacturer's web site.
If have a system that was pre-built form a company like Compaq or Dell, you may have to go to their web site instead of the maker of the device. Many large computer builders have special drivers and software needed for the device to work properly.

All I have is a restore disk, no driver software.
Your first stop would be the manufacturer's web site. Most of the time, the web site name is the same or close to the name of the company.... for 3Com modems, you would go to http://www.3com.com/ If you can not figure out the name, try http://www.drivershq.com/ There you can navigate to the driver section for your version of Windows. Listed is every manufacturer for any device you have purchased. Your second stop if this fails would be the company you bought the computer from. Many large computer builders like Dell or Compaq have special drivers and software needed for the device to work properly. 

I don't know what kind of device it is.
In this case, a qualified technician would have to open the computer and physically look to see what the hardware device is and go from there. If you have to do this, have the technician write down all components and model numbers while you have him there. You will no doubt have to go through this again.

** Note - If you have a warrantee, you must used an A+ Certified technician to prevent voiding your warrantee. Do not work on your own computer if you are not qualified. It will cost you more in the long run...

If you have a question that has not been covered here, feel free to contact us. We will be glad to help.