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Recovered Computer and Unrecognized Devices

I have just completed a system recovery on my PC that’s running Windows XP, but I cannot get the PC to pick up the AGP slot with the video card in it, any advice? Kate Dubensky

Windows System Restore

As you might already realize, the System Restore function rolls your computer back to a previous state. This operation can be extremely useful if you have encountered recent problems but, along with removing any negative changes, System Restore will also remove any positive changes that you have made to your system. As a result, you will need to re-add the updates and software programs that you have added since the date you rolled your computer back to.

Device Drivers

You probably need to update your drivers to allow your computer to recognize the video card. Device drivers are small bits of software that allow the computer to recognize and communicate with different devices that you add to it, such as video and graphics cards. It’s likely that the system recovery you performed removed some added driver software and replacing it will hopefully solve the problem.

Use Device Manager to get Details of your Drivers

The first step is to find out the make and model of your video card. If you aren’t sure, you can use Device Manager to check using Windows XP.

Right click My Computer, choose Manage, and then Device Manager
Scroll through the list to find your video or graphics card
Double click the device listing
Right click the specific device and choose Properties
Under the Driver tab, choose Driver Details
Go to the manufacturer’s website and look for any available drivers

Update Device Drivers

To update the driver using Windows XP:

Double click the device listing that you want to update
Right click the device driver listing
Choose Update Driver
This will launch the Hardware Update Wizard
Follow the Wizard’s instructions to update the driver

Update Windows and Security Software

It is also a good idea to update the rest of your software programs because the System Restore most likely removed all your added updates. Use this link to check Windows Updates and re-install the recommended software. You should also go to the websites for your antivirus and malware security programs and get your defenses up to date.