Monitors that are Plug and Play compatible usually do not need a separate monitor driver for normal viewing because the Plug and Play process provides the display modes that the monitor and graphic adapter can produce. However, if a monitor driver is available, installing it can provide a wider range of display resolutions. If Windows allows only two resolutions (such as 640 x 480 and 800 x 600), or if the monitor's native display resolution is unavailable with Plug and Play, try to find and install a monitor driver. Updating the graphics adapter driver is equally important in the video system and should also be considered.
note:
If the monitor has special features, such as a webcam or Auto Pivot, you might need extra software in addition to a monitor driver. For example, HP My Display, HP Display Assistant, or PivotPro software is necessary for Auto Pivot monitors. Install this software from the installation CD that came with the monitor or download the software from your HP monitor's support site.
Use the following steps to add or update the monitor driver files for Windows:
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Use an installation disc:
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If your HP or Compaq monitor came with an installation disc, insert the disc and follow the on-screen instructions. You are done.
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If you do not have an installation disc, continue to the next step.
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Check HP Customer Care to see if a driver is available for your HP or Compaq monitor:
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note:
If the main Get software and drivers page opens, type the exact model name of your HP or Compaq monitor in the field provided, and click Next.
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Click the name of the operating system on the computer.
If the operating system is not listed, a driver is not available. Skip to Step 3.
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Look through the list of available software updates and do one of the following:
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If a monitor driver is available from the list, download and install the driver. You are done.
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If a monitor driver is not available, download and install HP My Display or HP Display Assistant. You are done.
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If a driver, HP My Display software, or HP Display Assistant software is not available, continue to the next step.
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Open Device Manager:
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In Windows 7 and Vista, click
Start , type
Device Manager in the search box, and select
Device Manager from the menu.
If prompted with a User Account Control message, click Continue.
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In Windows XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, click Properties, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
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Click the plus sign (+) next to Monitors, and then double-click the name for the monitor (Generic PnP Monitor or similar).
Figure : Generic PnP Monitor listing in Device Manager
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Click the Driver tab, and then click the Update Driver button.
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Select Search automatically for updated driver software to have Windows search the computer and the Internet for the latest driver software,
or
If you have a driver disc, select Browse my computer for driver software.
note:
If you are using a non-HP monitor and it came with software, install the driver that came with your monitor.
A window with a Browse button opens.
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Click Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
An Install From Disk window opens.
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Insert the disc into the removable media drive.
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Type the drive letter in the Copy manufacturer's files from field.
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Click the Browse button.
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In the Local File window, double-click the folder name that contains the monitor driver.
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Click the Open button.
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Click Next, and then click Finish to change the driver.
The monitor driver is installed.