Computer manufacturers (like HP, Dell, or Toshiba) build computers out of components. These components are made by other manufacturers, such as NVidia and ATI. A Dell computer will have a lot of the same parts as an HP or Toshiba computer (or any other manufacturer).

Yesterday a reader included me in a tech support request to his hardware manufacturer:

 I have an Xw9300 workstation with a Dual Core Opteron 875 2.2GHz.  I have checked the HP web site and not found anything obvious.  When I load Vista the OS does not recognize USB most USB devices. This is an upgrade installation.  I have been able to get a USB printer to work – but my Sony DVD DRXC 720UL-T drive will not work when connected via a USB port.  The fire-wire works fine.
This is making Vista unusable for this particular system.  I have pinged knowledgable HP resources and not been able to get anywhere with this.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Tech support replied:

 The USB comes directly  from the Nvidia nForce Pro Chip so I would expect that loading a Vista-ready version of that driver “set”  would fix the USB.
I looked through the SoftPaqs on the HP web and none of them leapt out at me as the “nForce Pro driver set”.
Here is nVidia’s posting of the latest  nForce Pro driver “set”: http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce_pro_winvista32_15.00.html

This is an important concept, especially when dealing with a new operating system like Windows Vista. If you’re having a hardware problem, updated drivers might fix it. If your computer manufacturer doesn’t have an updated driver for you to download, try going directly to the component manufacturer’s website.

You can use Device Manager to figure out who made the individual components in your computer. To launch Device Manager, click Start, type devmgmt.msc, and then press Enter. You’ll be prompted for administrative credentials. Now, expand Display Adapters, and make note of your video card manufacturer. Go directly to the company’s website (try Googling the manufacturer name) and look for their support section for updated drivers. Repeat this for devices in Sound, video, and game controllers and Network adapters.