Help and Support
 

powered byLive Search

Information about the Windows Hardware Compatibility List for Windows Vista customers

Article ID:131900
Last Review:January 19, 2007
Revision:1.6
This article was previously published under Q131900
On This Page

SUMMARY

The Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) for Windows Vista customers contains a list of computer systems and peripherals that are compatible with Windows. For more information about devices and applications and their compatibility with Windows Vista, visit the Windows Vista Compatibility Center:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility)

Back to the top

MORE INFORMATION

Installing new drivers from the HCL

If the driver is in the Windows Vista CD-ROM, follow these steps:
1.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Add Hardware.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
3.Follow the instructions on your screen.
TIP We recommend that you let Windows detect the new hardware. Make sure you have connected the hardware or installed its components in your computer before you run the Add Hardware Wizard.

If the driver is available on an online service, follow these steps:
1.Download the driver to a disk from the online service.
2.In Windows Explorer, double-click the file you down- loaded to extract it.
3.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
4. Double-click Add Hardware.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
5.Click Next.
6.Click Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced), and then click Next.
7.When you are prompted "Do you want Windows to search for your new hardware?" click No.
8.Click the hardware type for the driver you are installing, and then click Next.
9.Click Have Disk.
10.Enter the location of the driver file.
11.Follow the instructions on your screen.

Back to the top

Upgrading existing drivers with HCL drivers

1. Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click Device Manager.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
3. Locate and double-click the device type and device you want to upgrade.
4. Click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver.
5. Follow the instructions on your screen.

Back to the top

Adding devices or drivers to the HCL

Hardware vendors who want to add devices or drivers to the HCL should follow the instructions in the "Microsoft Compatibility Labs - Program Overview" document. You can obtain this document by calling (425) 635-2222 and entering document number 879.

Back to the top


APPLIES TO
Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Starter
Windows Vista Ultimate

Back to the top

Keywords: 
kbexpertiseinter kbhowto kbinfo KB131900

Back to the top

Article Translations

 

Other Support Options

  • Need More Help?
    Contact a Support professional by Email, Online or Phone.
  • Customer Service
    For non-technical assistance with product purchases, subscriptions, online services, events, training courses, corporate sales, piracy issues, and more.
  • Newsgroups
    Pose a question to other users. Discussion groups and Forums about specific Microsoft products, technologies, and services.