Hardware List Not Updated After Installing New .inf File

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

If you try to install a new Setup information (.inf) file by placing the file in the Windows\Inf folder, the new device may not appear in the hardware list for that type of device, and may not be properly detected by Windows 95. If you replace an existing .inf file with a newer version, the device appears in the hardware list and is properly detected, but Windows 95 may not use the information in the newer file when you install the device.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because Windows 95 did not rebuild the driver information database after you placed the new or updated .inf file in the Windows\Inf folder.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

1. Place the new or updated .inf file in the Windows\Inf folder.

2. If you are installing a new .inf file for a device that is not currently installed, skip to step 3. If you are replacing an existing .inf file with a newer version, follow these steps:

   a. In Control Panel, double-click the System icon.

   b. On the Device Manager tab, double-click the hardware branch

         for the type of device you are updating.
   

   c. Click the device you are updating, and then click Remove.

   d. Click OK.

3. At a command prompt, type the following lines. Press ENTER after each line:

         cd \windows\inf
         ren drvdata.bin drvdata.xxx
         ren drvidx.bin drvidx.xxx
   

4. Install the device using the Add New Hardware tool in Control Panel or using the tool appropriate to the device type (such as the Add Printer tool or the Install New Modem Wizard.

STATUS

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about the hardware lists and driver information database, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q137377
   TITLE     : Removing Windows 3.1 Drivers from Wizard Hardware Lists