unable to install hardware

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware (More info?)

You MUST read the instructions that come with the hardware.....with many USB
devices the correct method is to install the software BEFORE you connect the
device to the PC.
--
Cari (MS-MVP Windows Client - Printing, Imaging & Hardware)
www.coribright.com

"yellowjester" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:385FA00F-9F86-40D6-8183-351AA35838DF@microsoft.com...
> Whenever I plug a new piece of hardware into one of my USB or firwire
ports (or into a port on which the hardware has not yet been installed),
Windows does not install the hardware automatically. If I plug in my
*microsoft* mouse, FOR EXAMPLE (the driver IS included with Windows XP):
>
> - A sound plays (indicating that a new piece of hardware has been
connected to the computer)
> - A bubble appears in the notification area:
> New Hardware Found:
> Microsoft IntelliMouse® Optical
> - Normally, Windows would begin installing the hardware automatically at
this point
> - Instead, after about 5 seconds, the Found New Hardware Wizard appears on
the screen
> - It gives me two options:
> Install the software automatically (Recommended)
> Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)
> - If I select the automatic installation, the wizard searches for 3
seconds, then informs me that "The hardware was not installed because the
wizard cannot find the necessary software." This method ALWAYS fails.
> - If I select the manual installation, then "Search for the best driver in
these locations" and type in any path the same failure occurs.
> - If I select "Don't search. I will choose the driver to install.", a list
of driver categories appears. After I choose a category and press Next,
Windows should display all available drivers in that category. I have gone
through every single category and none of them have ANY drivers. Instead of
a list of drivers, it displays the message (Unable to find any drivers for
this device).Driver signing is checked to warn.
>
> any answers?