Error When Installing USB Device: Windows Can't Find the Driver Files Needed (297402)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer
- Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical
- Microsoft IntelliMouse Pro
- Microsoft IntelliMouse TrackBall
- Microsoft IntelliMouse USB
- Microsoft SideWinder Dual Strike
- Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel
- Microsoft SideWinder FreeStyle Pro
- Microsoft SideWinder game pad Pro
- Microsoft SideWinder Game Pad USB
- Microsoft SideWinder Joystick 1.0 (USB)
- Microsoft SideWinder Plug and Play game pad USB
- Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro
- Microsoft SideWinder Precision Racing Wheel
- Microsoft SideWinder Strategic Commander
This article was previously published under Q297402 SYMPTOMS
When you attach a universal serial bus (USB) device, Microsoft Windows may be unable to locate the driver files needed for the device.
CAUSE
This behavior can occur if Windows is looking in the incorrect location for the device driver. After you connect the USB device to a USB port, Windows attempts to find the device in the Windows driver database. If Windows is unable to locate the driver files needed for the device, you receive a message asking you to insert your Windows operating system compact disc, or to specify the location of the drivers to complete the installation. If you do not specify the correct location, Windows cannot find the driver files that it needs.
NOTE: After the correct driver files have been loaded, Windows does not normally ask for the location of the driver files again.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, specify the correct location for the device drivers.
If Windows was pre-installed on your computer (an original equipment manufacture [OEM] installation), you can specify one of the following locations:
- If Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me) was pre-installed on your computer, specify the following location:
C:\windows\options\install
- If Microsoft Windows 98 was pre-installed on your computer, specify the following location:
If Windows was not pre-installed on your computer, you may need to insert your Windows operating system compact disc and specify one of the following locations:
- If Windows Me is installed on your computer, insert the CD, and then specify the following location
where DRIVE is the letter of your CD-ROM drive.
- If Windows 98 is installed on your computer, insert the CD, and then specify the following location
where DRIVE is the letter of your CD-ROM drive.
- If Windows NT or 2000 is installed on your computer, insert the CD, and then specify the following location
where DRIVE is the letter of your CD-ROM drive.
| Modification Type: | Minor | Last Reviewed: | 1/7/2006 |
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| Keywords: | kbprb KB297402 |
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