How do you go about identifying an "unknown device"?

[fuzzybabybunny]

Right now I've got two "unknown devices" in Device Manager. Running Vista x64. I *think* I have everything that I need installed, but apparently I'm missing something.

How do I figure out what these unknown devices are?

 

[Nothinman]

I personally boot a Linux disc and run 'lspci'.

 

[mooseracing]

Maybe someone will remember the webpage as i can't seem to find my link but youi go to th eproperties of the unknow device and grab the vendor and device number and plug them in.

You can also google those numbers and get close to what you are looking for. But the website does a better and cleaner job

 

[Smilin]

Use the PNP ID.

It should be under properties for the device or in the windows\setupapi file.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Unknown Device Identifier:

http://www.zhangduo.com/udi.html

It's Freeware.

 

[Modelworks]

look up the id in device manager then go here:
http://www.pcidatabase.com/

 

[Peter]

Device Manager, Details, Hardware ID.

pciids.sourceforge.net is the best maintained database of such IDs on the net. It will let you break the "hardware ID" down - Vendor, Device, and if listed, even the board (subsystem) ID.

 

[nerp]

What kind of a machine is it? Is it an HP or Compaq laptop? You might need to install the "quicklaunch button" drivers. Sounds crazy, but it's true. Other laptops or SFF machines might require a similar driver from the manufacturer. You didn't provide any hardware information about your setup so this is just a shot in the dark.

 

[techs]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Unknown Device Identifier:

http://www.zhangduo.com/udi.html

It's Freeware.

I have used this program for years but it doesn't work with Vista.
Wish I could find one that does.

 

[jonmcc33]

There is a lot of older hardware that Vista does not support. Yet another reason not to switch to it.

 

[corkyg]

This works in Vista. Sometimes switching is not an option - like, a new laptop today comes with Vista.

ID