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Question

how can I install a driver?

Aug 7, 2012 8:13AM PDT

I downloaded what I believe is an audio driver. When I try to install it, more files open. If I right-click before or after these files appear, the choices are "copy or extract". Is there a way to install the entire file when I initially open it? Is this called "executing" a file?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Sounds like a self extracting file . . .
Aug 7, 2012 9:10AM PDT

When you click it it extracts all the files needed. There should be another *.exe file or something like setup after the extraction. You need to choose or at least note where the files are extracted to. From there run the setup file.

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Answer
Anytime
Aug 7, 2012 3:37PM PDT
Tip: Anytime I run a driver or executable file, I place it in a folder I create and then name that folder with the name of the file. Makes it much easier to find it later if needed.

That way, if the file is self-extracting, it will extract inside the folder I created. I do not have to look for where that file might have extracted to, in that case. As Coryphaeus says, look for a file named Setup(.exe) to run the contents of the extracted file in that folder. Double-click to run.
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But just as well ...
Aug 8, 2012 7:54AM PDT

there could be a .inf file in that folder. Then the recipe is to browse to that folder if the new hardware wizard asks where to find the driver.

The suggestion to run it in a newly created folder is excellent. Then what to do next depends on what came out of it. And we don't know that it are "more files".

Kees

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Answer
Install a driver
Aug 12, 2012 10:17PM PDT

There are two ways to install a driver. It can be installed through setup or manually; the instruction below are for installing a driver manually:

Right click on "my computer"

Choose "properties"

Choose "device manager" (In Windows 2000, you have to choose the "hardware" tab first and then "device manager"). This will display a list of the devices that are on your computer.

Right click on the device and click "properties".

Choose "driver" and click "update driver"

You will be asked to browse for the new driver