How to identify exact drivers to install

[asifdegr8]

I have installed Windows 8.1 in my PC. Their are many unknown devices shown in the list. Like Ethernet drivers missing etc. other unknown devices shown here are

Ethernet Controller

Network Controller

PCI Data Acquisition and Signal Processing Controller,

PCI device,

PCI Memory Controller,

PCI Serial Port,

PCI Simple Communication Controller,

SM Bus Controller and

Unknown device. 

I got its drivers list at this link. 

http://h20566.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/public/readIndex?sp4ts.oid=8818660&swLangOid=8&swEnvOid=4158

But how do I know exact drivers for these devices. for example, their are 8 files shown under Network category. Which one should I download. 

[banhien]

Hi,

There are few ways but the best way is to use HPSA (HP Support Assistant). We, as support persons (volunteers), we normally use hardware id to determin which one. Please use following instructions to get missing hardware id's then post back:

   http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Hardware-ID

Regards.

[mdklassen]

>  their are 8 files shown under Network category. Which one should I download?

All of them.  

Download one of them. Try to install it. If it is the correct device-driver, it will install correctly. If it is not the correct device-driver, either it will report that the matching hardware is not installed, or the device will still be displayed as "Ethernet controller".

There is no "harm" in installing a device-driver -- it's often a technique for installing the device-driver software before connecting the matching hardware.  After connecting the hardware, and rebooting Windows, the previously-installed device-driver will switch from being "dormant" to being "activated".

Try the next download, and the next, until you find the correct one.

Once you have an Internet connection, then use that "HP Support Assistant" to identify and download all the other "missing" device-drivers.