If you consider the operation of a network adapter, Wi-Fi module or router, users of Windows operating systems may encounter a situation where such equipment ceases to work due to malfunctions or reinstallation of the system as a whole. Now we will consider the question of how to install a network driver on Windows 7. In this case, we briefly touch on the main points of installation and subsequent configuration.
How to automatically install network adapter drivers on Windows 7
First of all, do not panic. A driver “crash”, for example, when reinstalling an “OS” is not a critical situation.
Note that during the installation and configuration of the system, it installs the most suitable drivers (programs for their correct operation) automatically for almost all currently known devices, including network adapters and related equipment. The very essence of the problem, how to install the drivers of such devices on Windows 7, boils down to just waiting for the end of the reinstallation process and initial setup. True, after the computer boots at the end of the process, in some cases the driver database may not be located on the hard drive, but on the Windows installation disk.
Using driver updates
If for some reason the driver of the corresponding equipment was not installed correctly, first you need to check in the "Device Manager", called from the standard "Control Panel", whether the equipment really does not work (in the list it is indicated by a yellow circle).
Here you can do the simplest way: in the context menu, use the driver update command directly or go to the properties section, where to select the button with the same name (this applies to all systems, including even XP).
The system will search for the most suitable driver and inform about its successful installation or give a notification that the driver is already installed. But the most suitable driver is often not the best solution. Therefore, you should use the choice of location from which the installation will be made.
This is where the Windows installation disc comes in handy. However, for example, if the user is not dealing with a desktop computer, but with a laptop, in solving the problem of how to install drivers on a laptop (Windows 7), you need to use a special driver disk, which is mandatory when buying a device. You understand that, unlike stationary computers assembled by hand, the laptop has a standard manufacturer’s configuration that is not changeable upon sale.
Here, the disk is simply inserted into the optical drive, after which the location of the desired driver installer is set when the system prompts.
Removing a device from the system and reinstalling
If this option does not suit someone, the question of how to install network adapter drivers on Windows 7 can also be solved by removing the device from the system.
When you restart Windows, the device will be automatically detected, after which you can use the method with the original driver disk.
But you can do this manually. You need to look at the folders located on the optical media and select a special driver installation file from there in the folder with the appropriate equipment (usually these are files with the .inf extension). You can install it in the system by calling the context menu (right click) and using the installation command.
How to install WiFi drivers on Windows 7
As for the built-in wireless modules and routers, in principle, there is nothing complicated in installing drivers.
Based on the foregoing, you can use all the methods described, but, as a rule, Wi-Fi modules are detected automatically by the system, and for routers, drivers can be found on the accompanying optical media. The installation process is practically no different from the standard. Another thing is when you need to configure the equipment so that it works correctly.
Configuring a router, Wi-Fi and LAN connection
For routers, access to the settings is used in the form of entering the browser through the address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (depending on the model - this address can be found on the nameplate on the back of the router, in the same place - login and password for entry), where parameters are entered provided by the provider.
When all operations are completed, the included Wi-Fi module will itself determine the presence of a wireless network, of course, provided that a preliminary installation of a new connection has already been made. The module itself is activated by default. If it is turned off, you can turn it on by combining the Fn button with one of the function keys. For example, on Fujitsu laptops, this is Fn + F5. The module will require a login password, if one is provided, after which it will connect.
By the way, for cable, for wireless, it is recommended that you specify automatic receipt of the address in the TCP / IP settings. However, if we are talking about corporate networks, it may very well be that some parameters will have to be entered manually. You can get them from your system administrator.
Total
In conclusion, it remains to say that the question of how to install network device drivers on Windows 7, in general, is nothing complicated to solve. For stationary computers , only one problem can be noted when the system has several network controllers, which can cause equipment conflict. In addition, if you don’t have the original driver disk at hand, you can find out the brand of equipment and its manufacturer, then use another computer connected to the Internet to go to the manufacturer’s official website and download the latest driver, taking into account the installed “operating system” (in in our case - Windows 7 32 or 64 bits).