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Possible Duplicate:
identify components at laptops

Is there a utility or a method to easily determine what an "unknown device" is in Device Manager?

I recently reinstalled Windows on a laptop and I have several "Base System Device" items listed in Device Manager. In the past, I have downloaded drivers from the manufacturer until I find the one that works. I am just curious if there is a better way.

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Not really a duplicate, the other questions are not specific to identifying "Unknown Devices" – Moab Jun 1 '11 at 17:34

marked as duplicate by techie007, Shinrai, Mokubai, Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams, studiohack♦ Jun 1 '11 at 23:05

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

3 Answers

up vote 5 down vote

try one of these

http://www.zhangduo.com/udi.html

http://www.halfdone.com/

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+1 unknown device identifier has helped me several times – Dave M Jun 1 '11 at 20:05
+1 for UDI..... – paradd0x Jun 1 '11 at 20:16
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In addition to the tools mentioned, many laptop vendors have a tool designed to get the latest drivers. Lenovo has one that works well. Check with the laptop maker.

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up vote 0 down vote

You can look for the device and vendor IDs in the properties of the device. Each of them should be a 4 digit number. Than you can just use google or any device ID database on the internet. This way you won't need to install additional software. This site may help you finding the IDs.

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They did say "easily" determine. Good advice none the less. – Moab Jun 1 '11 at 23:07

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