In Windows, after I format my hard drive, how do I get the device driver for my modem?

Formatting a hard drive removes all device drivers; however, you can download most drivers from the Internet.

Note: If you are not connected to a network, you must install the correct driver for your modem before you can download other drivers. You can download the necessary drivers from a networked computer, store them on diskette, and then install them on your computer. If you are a student, faculty member, or staff member at Indiana University, you can bring your own diskettes and download the drivers in the Student Technology Centers.

Computer manufacturers

If you bought your computer (modem included) from Dell, Compaq, Gateway, or Hewlett Packard, check the appropriate web site below to find your system configuration and to download the correct driver:

Dell

1. Visit the following web site: http://support.dell.com/
2. Choose the link that best describes your situation. You will then arrive at a page in which you can enter your service tag or select a system model.
   
   
3. Download the correct modem driver.

Compaq

1. At the following web site, choose the make and model of your computer: http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/
2. Enter your system information, and then click Locate Software. You will find your modem driver under "Modem and Internet Access".

Gateway

Visit the Gateway Support Download Center at the following address: http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/dlcenter.asp You can search for your driver, or use Gateway Update, an automated driver update utility available from this page. Click Gateway Update to launch the utility.

Hewlett Packard (HP)

1. Visit the HP "Support & Drivers" web page at the following address: http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/support.html
2. Under "Select a task and enter a product name/number", select Download drivers and software
   
   
3. In the for: box, enter your system's model number, and click the >> button.

   Note: If several HP products match the information you entered, you will see the "Matching products" page. Choose your system from the provided list.

4. From the "Software & Driver downloads" page, click the link corresponding to your computer's operating system.
   
   
5. You will find your modem driver in the "Driver - modem" section.

Modem manufacturers

If you bought your modem separately from the rest of your system, check the modem manufacturer's web site and download the correct modem driver. Following are some common modem manufacturers' web sites:

U.S. Robotics

Hayes

Hayes, after an 18-year reign in the modem market, closed business in January 1999. However, you can find information about Hayes modems at the following searchable web site: http://www.modemexpress.com/

Creative

General sites

Below are some additional, general sites for obtaining drivers: http://www.56k.com/ http://www.windrivers.com/

Note: Use of WinDrivers.com requires membership.

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