When you add a new device to your Windows XP computer, the PC automatically checks for the appropriate drivers and installs them. That plug-and-play functionality makes it much easier to add and remove devices on your computer, but it can also make it more difficult to tell when there is a problem with a particular piece of hardware.

If you do have a malfunctioning device or incompatible piece of hardware in your computer, the first sign of trouble could be a crash or an unexpected restart. If you notice any problems with your computer, especially just after adding a new device, you can use the Device Manager built into Windows XP as an excellent troubleshooting tool.

To bring up Device Manager, just follow these simple steps.
1. Right-click the My Computer icon on your computer. If you do not see the My Computer icon, click the Start button and look for it on the menu. Right-click the My Computer icon on the menu and choose Show on Desktop.
2. Select the Hardware tab on the System Properties window. Click the Device Manager button.
3. Click the plus sign next to each category of hardware. Look for any red exclamation points or yellow question marks. Both are indications that a particular device is not functioning properly.
4. Right click on the problem device and choose Update Driver. That forces Windows XP to search for a new driver for the problem device.