There are times when we format the hard drive, without realizing that it may be very difficult to install drivers for all the devices. Don’t worry, if you have done that, there is a way to identify the devices from within windows Operating System. Follow the steps below to identify the hardware:
On the Desktop screen, click on “Start” –> “Run“–> Type “devmgmt.msc” and click on “OK“. For Vista, on the quick search window type “devmgmt.msc” and click on it once vista shows the search results.
It will launch “Device Manager” window for you. Here you will see a list of devices with (+) sign next to them. For any device for which a driver is not installed will have a YELLOW exclamation or question next to them.
Locate the device that has the yellow mark and “Right Click on it“
On the pop-up menu, click on “Properties“
On the Properties window, click on the drop down box that says “Device description” and click on “Hardware IDs” on the drop down menu to select it.
You will see something like this when you select this option:
USB\VID_0A5C&PID_2110&REV_0100
USB\VID_0A5&PID_2110
Here, VID/VEN IDs denote Vendors. In this example, the VID is 0A5.
The device id is usually denoted through PID/DEV. Her the device ID is 2110.
7. Once you have these IDs with you, go to pcidatabase and search using Device ID. It will tell you which device is installed on your computer.
