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WIN2000.TXT
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Installation Guide for the Symbios SDMS Drivers: SYMC8XX.SYS V4.14.00
SYM_HI.SYS V4.14.00
SYM_895A.SYS V 4.14.00
LSI_U3.SYS V5.01.00
This file describes the features and use of the Symbios SDMS device
drivers for the Windows 2000 operating system environment. It is
divided into the following sections:
Introduction for Windows 2000
Features
Symbios Devices Supported
Description
Installing the Symbios Windows 2000 Driver(s)
New System Installation
CD-ROM Installation
Existing System Installation
Windows 2000
Performance Tuning for Windows 2000
Large Block Size Support
Maximum Number of Concurrent I/Os
Disk Mirroring
Troubleshooting
******************** Introduction for Windows 2000 ********************
Windows 2000 is an operating system designed to run on Intel-architecture
processors using current technology. It provides a graphical user interface
environment incorporating many high-level features (refer to the Microsoft
Windows 2000 documentation for details). An I/O manager handles I/O requests
in Windows 2000. To address a SCSI peripheral, the I/O manager goes through
the appropriate drivers. Class drivers for hard disk, floptical, CD-ROM,
printer, and scanner peripherals are provided in Windows 2000.
Other class drivers, provided by peripheral manufacturers, may be added
to support new devices. Tape device support is built into the operating
system itself and does not require a class driver. LSI Logic and Microsoft
provide miniport drivers, called SYMC8XX.SYS and SYM_HI.SYS that are bundled
with Windows 2000 and non-bundled drivers SYM_895A.SYS and LSI_U3.SYS, to
complete the path to a Symbios controller or processor with an optional SDMS
SCSI BIOS. The next sections describe these drivers and their installation.
* * * * * * * * * * * Features * * * * * * * * * * * *
o Supports Ultra3 Data Transfers (for chips that support this feature)
o Supports Domain Validation (for LSI_U3.SYS driver only)
o Synchronous negotiation (including Fast SCSI/Ultra SCSI/Ultra2 SCSI)
o Wide negotiation
o Tagged command queuing
o Supports multiple host adapters
o Supports multiple Logical Unit Numbers (LUNs)
o Allows disconnect/reselect
o Supports scatter/gather
o Provides Differential support
o Supports SCSI pass-through functionality
o Supports disk array configurations with no LUN 0
o Supports disk array configurations with non-contiguous LUNs
o Supports target initiated negotiation
o Auto request sense
o Maximum block size support: WIN2000 - 1 MB
o NVRAM support (wide/sync parameters, SCSI Host ID)
* * * * * * * * Symbios Devices Supported * * * * * * * * *
The SYMC8XX.SYS driver is named "Symbios 53C8XX PCI SCSI Driver" for driver
installation. It supports the following devices and Symbios host adapters
based on those devices:
o SYM53C810, SYM53C810A, SYM53C810AE (SYM8100S, SYM8100ASP)
o SYM53C815 (SYM815XS, SYM8150SP)
o SYM53C825, SYM53C825A (SYM8250S, SYM8251S, SYM8251D, SYM8250ASP,
SYM8251ASP, SYM8251AD)
o SYM53C860, SYM53C860AE (SYM8600SP)
o SYM53C875, SYM53C875E (SYM8750SP, SYM8751SP, SYM8751SPE, SYM8751D)
o SYM53C876 (SYM22801, SYM22802)
o SYM53C885
o SYM53C895, (SYM8951U, SYM8952U)
The SYM_HI.SYS driver is named "Symbios PCI High Performance Driver" for
driver installation. It supports the following device and its associated
Symbios host adapters: SYM53C896 (SYM22910, SYM21002)
The SYM_895A driver is named "Symbios 895A/8953U PCI SCSI Driver" for
driver installation. It supports the following device and its associated
host adapter: SYM53C895A (SYM8953U)
The LSI_U3.SYS driver is named "LSI Logic Ultra3 PCI SCSI Driver" for
driver installation. It supports the following device and its associated
Symbios host adapter: SYM53C1010-33 (SYM8955U)
* * * * * * * * * * * Description * * * * * * * * * * *
The SYMC8XX.SYS, SYM_HI.SYS, SYM_895A.SYS and LSI_U3.SYS drivers are designed
to Microsoft's specification for miniport drivers. These drivers allow
connection of SCSI devices including disk drives, CD-ROMs, and tape drives
for PCI-based machines. To support a new SCSI device, the Windows 2000
architecture requires that a class driver for that type device be present
(usually supplied by Microsoft, or possibly by the peripheral manufacturer).
No changes these drivers are required. The SYMC8XX.SYS, SYM_HI.SYS,
SYM_895A.SYS, and LSI_U3.SYS drivers described by this document support
Windows 2000 only. There are other versions of the SYMC8XX.SYS, SYM_HI.SYS,
and LSI_U3.SYS drivers that are supported under Windows NT 3.5x/4.0. The
SYM_895A.SYS driver is available for Windows 2000 only. Symbios SYM53C895A
device and SYM8953U host adapter support for Windows NT 3.5x/4.0 is provided
by the SYM_HI.SYS driver.
SCSI commands are passed directly from a Windows application to the SCSI
devices by using the SCSI pass-through facility (refer to the Microsoft
Windows 2000 documentation for details). This facility allows applications
to directly control and access SCSI devices by filling in a data structure
and calling into the port or class driver. The LSI_U3.SYS driver supports
Ultra3 SCSI protocol, providing twice the raw data transfer rate of Ultra2
protocol.
The SYMC8XX.SYS, SYM_HI.SYS, and SYM_895A.SYS drivers support Ultra SCSI
protocol, providing twice the raw data transfer rate of Fast SCSI for disk
drives and Symbios host adapters that support Ultra SCSI. These drivers also
support Ultra2 protocol, providing quadruple the raw data transfer rate of
Fast SCSI. The LSI_U3.SYS driver supports Ultra3 SCSI protocol providing
80 Mbytes/s of data transfer and up to 160 Mbytes/s data transfer for double
transition.
CAUTION: Ultra SCSI requires more stringent SCSI bus cabling setups than Fast
SCSI. Ultra2 and Ultra3 SCSI require low-voltage differential (LVD)
termination.
NOTE: Please keep in mind that the Windows 2000 text-mode setup only displays
the driver information, and not every controller found by that driver.
**** Installing the SYMC8XX.SYS/SYM_HI.SYS/SYM_895A.SYS/LSI_U3.SYS Driver ****
This section provides installation instructions for new and existing systems.
* * * * * * * * * * New System Installation * * * * * * * * *
This procedure installs the SYMC8XX.SYS, SYM_HI.SYS, SYM_895A and/or LSI_U3.SYS
drivers onto a Windows 2000 system. Use this procedure when installing Windows
2000 onto an unused SCSI drive. Windows 2000 automatically adds the driver to
the registry and copies the driver to the appropriate directory.
The method for installing Windows 2000 on a new system involves using a
CD-ROM.
CD-ROM Installation
1. The SYMC8XX.SYS and SYM_HI.SYS drivers are bundled with Windows 2000.
These drivers support the SYM53C8XX family of Symbios controllers, with
the exception of the SYM53C895A. The SYM_895A.SYS and LSI_U3.SYS drivers
are non-bundled drivers. The SYM_895A.SYS driver supports the SYM53C895A
Symbios controller. The LSI_U3.SYS driver supports the SYM53C1010
Symbios controller.
2. Start the Windows 2000 installation by booting from the Windows 2000 CD-ROM:
The system BIOS must support booting from a CD-ROM. Symbios BIOS settings
may need to be changed to allow CD-ROM booting.
3. For installation of the SYM_895A.SYS or LSI_U3.SYS drivers, when the screen
displays "Windows 2000 Setup" press the F6 key to install the SYM_895A.SYS
or LSI_U3.SYS drivers. This must be done or else these new drivers will not
be recognized. If only the SYMC8XX.SYS and/or SYM_HI.SYS drivers are needed
no user action is required as they will be loaded from the CD-ROM
automatically.
Note: If F6 is not pressed, the user is still given the opportunity to load
additional drivers later in the installation process. However, any
driver loaded at this later time is not recognized and no devices
controlled by that driver are available during Windows 2000 Setup.
4. When the screen displays "Setup could not determine the type of one or more
mass storage devices...", choose S to specify an additional device.
NOTE: If this screen is not displayed as the first user input, then
pressing the F6 key was not seen by the setup program. Reboot the
system and try again.
5. When prompted for the manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk, insert
the appropriate Symbios driver diskette containing the Windows 2000 driver
required to support your Symbios adapter(s) and press Enter. Depending
upon the media used to distribute Symbios drivers (web or CDROM), the user
will create a Symbios Driver diskette. Current Windows 2000 drivers can be
downloaded from the LSI Logic web site at URL: http://www.lsilogic.com.
After being connected to this web site, click on the Products option in
the menu bar. A new screen appears and lists available products.
NOTE: If both of these Symbios drivers need to be installed, they can be
installed one after the other using steps 3 through 5. Installation
order is not important.
6. The appropriate driver is shown highlighted. Press Enter to proceed.
7. Return to the Windows 2000 Setup screen. Press Enter to proceed.
The message about setup loading files appears.
At this point, simply follow the Microsoft Windows 2000 installation
procedure.
* * * * * * * * * Existing System Installation * * * * * * * *
This procedure installs or upgrades the SYMC8XX.SYS, SYM_HI.SYS, SYM_895A.SYS
and/or LSI_U3.SYS drivers onto an existing Windows 2000 system.
NOTE: When a Symbios adapter is added to an existing system installation, the
new adapter is automatically detected at the next reboot. For
adapters controlled by the SYMC8XX.SYS or SYM_HI.SYS drivers, the
bundled driver will be loaded automatically with no user intervention.
For adapters controlled by the SYM_895A.SYS or LSI_U3.SYS drivers, the
Device Driver Wizard will appear at boot. Click on the Next button and
continue at step 7 below.
1. Boot Windows 2000 and log on as Administrator.
2. Right-click on My Computer and click on the Properties selection. Click on
the Hardware tab, and then the Device Manager button.
4. Click the "+" to the left of the SCSI and RAID controllers line. Find the
adapter desired for the driver upgrade and double-click the entry. Click
on the Driver tab.
5. Information on the currently installed driver is displayed, and additional
driver details can be viewed by clicking the "Driver Details" button.
6. To update the existing driver, click the "Update Driver" button. The
Upgrade Device Driver Wizard begins. Click on the Next button.
7. Make sure "Search for a suitable driver for my device" is selected, then
click Next.
8. Make sure the "Floppy disk drives" location is checked, then insert the
appropriate Symbios driver diskette containing the Windows 2000 driver
required to support your Symbios adapter(s) and press Enter. Depending
upon the media used to distribute Symbios drivers (web or CDROM), the user
will create a Symbios Driver diskette. Current Windows 2000 drivers can be
downloaded from the LSI Logic web site at URL: http://www.lsilogic.com.
After being connected to this web site, click on the Products option in
the menu bar. A new screen appears and lists available products.
9. The system will scan the existing driver database and the floppy disk drive
for drivers for the selected adapter. If a driver already exists on the
system, and it is newer than the update driver on the driver diskette, a
message is displayed giving the user the option to keep or reinstall the
existing driver. In this case, if the user desires to use the upgrade
driver anyway, click the "Install one of the other drivers" box, then click
Next. If no current driver exists, the driver on the driver diskette is
displayed. Click Next.
10. A list of suitable drivers is displayed. The entry for the upgrade driver
can be verified by scrolling the display to the right, and viewing the
Location field. Highlight the driver for the upgrade installation disk
and click Next.
11. In some cases, a message will display saying that this driver is not
digitally signed. Drivers are digitally signed by the Microsoft Windows
Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL). Due to the time lag between the general
customer release by LSI of Windows drivers and the completion of WHQL
testing, some drivers distributed with adapters or downloaded from the
www.lsilogic.com web site may not be digitally signed. This message
informs the user that a non-signed driver is being installed and provides
an opportunity for the user to cancel the installation (by clicking No).
If the user desires to continue the installation, click Yes.
12. The system will load the driver from the driver disette. A message box
may display indicating that the target (existing) driver is newer than the
source (upgrade) driver. Again, the user has the option to cancel the
driver upgrade at this point by clicking No. If the user wishes to
continue the installation, click Yes.
13. The system will copy the driver to the system disk. For any adapter other
than the boot adapter, the updated driver will become active immediately.
For the boot adapter, a message box displays indicating that the system
needs to be rebooted for the new driver to take effect. Click on the
Finish button to complete the driver upgrade.
NOTE: When upgrading the driver on a multiple SCSI channel adapter, both
channels of the adapter should be upgraded before the system is rebooted.
Failure to do this can result in the upgraded driver being replaced by
the original existing driver.
* * * * * * * * Performance Tuning for Windows 2000 * * * * * * *
Windows 2000 has registry entries that can be used to improve the performance
of SCSI I/O for certain configurations. The tunable parameters are large
transfer block size support and a guaranteed number of concurrent I/Os for a
particular SCSI bus.
NOTE: Registry files for the SYMC8XX.SYS, SYM_HI.SYS, and SYM_895A.SYS drivers
begin with symxxxxx.reg. Registry files for the LSI_U3.SYS driver begin
with lu3xxxxx.reg.
* * * Large Block Size Support * * *
The SYMC8XX.SYS, SYM_HI.SYS, SYM_895A.SYS, and LSI_U3.SYS drivers can support
up to a 1 Mbyte transfer size in Windows2000, however the default transfer size
is limited to 64 Kbytes. To enable a larger transfer size, an entry must be added
to the registry, using the file sym_256K.reg or lu3_256K.reg. This file will set
a 256 Kbytes maximum, but it can be edited to set other desired maximum transfer
sizes. There are two methods to add this registry settin:.
1. Locate the sym_256K.reg or lu3_256K.reg data file (supplied with the driver
files) using Windows Explorer and double click on the file.
-OR-
2. Type at the command prompt:
regedit sym_256K.reg (or regedit lu3_256K.reg)
This inserts an entry in the registry to enable 256K block size support.
Editing the sym_256K.reg file can set any maximum block size between 64 Kbytes
and 1 Mbyte (-8 Kbytes). The formula to calculate the proper value for
MaximumSGList is:
MaximumSGList = (Maximum Block Size)/4K +1
For 256 Kbytes: 256K/4K = 64 Kbytes, add 1 for 65 (decimal) or 0x41(hexadecimal).
The maximum value allowed for MaximumSGLIst is 255 or 0xFF. This denotes an
absolute maximum transfer size of 1040384, which is 8 Kbytes less than 1 Mbyte
(1040384/4K = 0xFE, add 1 for 0xFF or 255). Be sure to read the information
in the sym_256K.reg data file before editing it.
The system must be rebooted for the new registry setting to be effective.
To reset the maximum block size to the default of 64 Kbytes, follow the
instructions above, except use symdfblk.reg or lu3dfbkl.reg as the data file.
* * * * * * Maximum Number of Concurrent I/Os (Guaranteed) * * * * * *
Windows 2000 only guarantees a maximum of 32 concurrent I/Os active on a
particular SCSI bus. However, due to the method of memory allocation, the
actual limit of concurrent I/Os can vary greatly between various drivers or
versions of drivers. This can have a huge impact on performance benchmarking
between different driver versions or adapter vendors. In effect, one adapter
may actually be able to have 70 or 80 I/Os outstanding, while another adapter
could only have 32. This can also affect systems with high performance storage
subsystems, such as disk arrays.
In order to have a guaranteed number of concurrent I/Os, an entry must be
added to the registry, using the file sym100io.reg or lu3100io.reg. There are
two methods to add this registry setting:
1. Locate the sym100io.req or lu3100io.reg data file (supplied with the
driver files) using Windows Explorer and double click on the file.
2. Type at the command prompt:
regedit sym100io.reg (or regedit lu3100io.reg)
This inserts an entry in the registry to guarantee a maximum of 100
concurrent I/Os per adapter.
If a maximum other than 100 is desired, the sym100io.reg or lu3100io.reg file
can be edited. However, setting this value to a high number uses increasing
amounts of non-paged pool memory, a critical Windows 2000 resource. High values
for this setting can degrade system performance. Be sure to read the
information in the sym100io.reg or lu3100io.reg data file before editing it.
The system must be rebooted for the new registry setting to be effective.
To reset the guaranteed number of concurrent I/Os to the default of 32,
follow the instructions above, except use symdefio.reg or lu3defio.reg as
the data file.
* * * Auto Request Sense * * *
Enabling and Disabling Auto Request Sense is found in the section titled
"Troubleshooting."
* * * * * * * * * * * Disk Mirroring * * * * * * * * * *
Note: This section applies only to Intel x86-platforms where the Symbios 4.XX
PCI SCSI BIOS is used.
Symbios 4.XX PCI SCSI BIOS loads only one image into the system memory at boot
time regardless of how many host adapters are used in the system. All of the
disk drives on all host adapters will be recognized through the INT13h function
call. Because of this implementation, disk mirroring under Windows 2000 needs
to be done by following instructions which might be different from Microsoft's
documentation.
To create an Windows 2000 Fault Tolerant (FT) floppy diskette so that you can
boot from the mirrored partition in case the primary partition fails, follow
these steps:
1. Format a floppy diskette in drive A: using Windows 2000 (Windows Explorer
or My Computer) for use as a Fault Tolerant boot floppy.
2. From the root directory of the primary partition, copy NTLDR,
NTDETECT.COM, and BOOT.INI to this floppy diskette.
3. Temporarily remove the read-only attribute of the BOOT.INI file so that it
can be modified and saved.
4. Edit the BOOT.INI file on the FT floppy diskette and modify the following
line where you want to boot the mirrored partition:
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(x)partition(y)\<winnt_directory>
where
multi(0) and disk(0) should always remain same.
x = the drive number of the mirrored partition in the INT13 chain minus 80h.
The drive number of the mirrored partition can be found during system
bootup of the Symbios 4.XX PCI SCSI BIOS when the primary partition does
not exist. It should say either BOOT (=80h), 81h, 82h, and higher.
Therefore, the value of x would be 0 when BOOT, 1 when 81h, 2 when
82h, etc.
y = the partition number on the drive (starts at 1 which equals single
partition on the drive)
The next example provides a scenario to better illustrate the above
information.
EXAMPLE: Two Symbios 8xx host adapters are in the system.
The first HBA, HBA #0 which is the boot path, has two SCSI hard drives on
ID 0 and ID 5. The second host adapter,HBA #1, has two SCSI hard drives on
ID 2 and ID 4. Assuming that the SCSI bus scan starts from ID 0 and goes up,
the drive number of INT13h will look like this:
HBA #0, ID 0= BOOT (which is 80h)
HBA #0, ID 5= 81h
HBA #1, ID 2= 82h
HBA #1, ID 4= 83h
Now Windows 2000 is installed on the boot drive, HBA #0 ID 0, and a mirrored
partition is established on HBA #1 ID 2. If the primary partition fails,
for example due to power failure, then the drive number of INT13h will
change:
HBA #0, ID 5= BOOT (which is 80h)
HBA #1, ID 2= 81h
HBA #1, ID 4= 82h
Therefore, the following line should be used in the BOOT.INI file on the
Windows 2000 Fault Tolerant boot floppy to boot from the mirrored partition,
HBA #1 ID 2. Note that rdisk(1) was calculated from x=81h minus 80h.
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(1)partition(1)\<winnt_directory>
6. Save the BOOT.INI and restore the "read-only" attribute.
* * * * * * * * * * Troubleshooting * * * * * * * * * * *
The following are some potential problems and their suggested solutions:
* * * Problem * * *
During installation, no SCSI devices are found.
* * * Solution * * *
a. Ensure that the custom setup is chosen on the Setup Method screen.
b. Ensure that all devices are powered on and terminated correctly.
c. Check that no devices have duplicate SCSI IDs.
d. Make sure INT A is assigned for the PCI slot(s) where your SCSI host
adapter(s) are installed.
e. Ensure that all devices can be seen in the display banner of the SDMS
SCSI BIOS at boot time.
* * * Problem * * *
System crashes during installation with a message indicating inaccessible
boot device.
* * * Solution * * *
a. This error is usually associated with an IRQ, DMA channel, I/O (chip)
address, or BIOS address conflict. Set the SCSI host adapter to use a
different interrupt.
b. A virus sometimes causes this error that infects the Master Boot Record
of the boot device. Use a write-protected DOS bootable flex containing
virus scanning and cleaning software to check for any viruses on the boot
device, and remove if any are found.
* * * Problem * * *
A disk drive is recognized as seven different devices when only one is
physically connected to the SCSI bus.
* * * Solution * * *
a. Older SCSI devices that incorrectly indicate to Windows 2000 that they
support multiple LUNs usually cause this error. Contact the device
manufacturer for a firmware upgrade.
* * * Problem * * *
Problems with SCSI devices installation or operation
* * * Solution * * *
a. If a SCSI device is not operating properly (either the device is not found
or a SCSI interface error occurs during scanning), it is possible that the
third-party device drivers do not support the auto request sense feature
of Symbios host adapters. Disable the auto request sense feature as
described below and try the device operation again.
Using the file symno_ar.reg or lu3no_ar.reg (supplied with the Symbios
driver installation files), either double click the file in Windows Explorer
or type "regedit symno_ar.reg (or lu3no_ar.reg)" at the command prompt. This
inserts a registry entry that disables the auto request sense feature. The
system must be rebooted for this change to take effect.
To re-enable the auto request sense feature, use the file "sym_auto.reg" or
"lu3_auto.reg" and perform one of the update methods described in the
preceding paragraph.
* * * Problem * * *
Problems with certain SCSI devices when using an Ultra SCSI adapter.
* * * Solution * * *
a. Some SCSI devices do not function properly when the adapter attempts to
negotiate Ultra SCSI transfer rates. If a device is not operating
properly, check the transfer speed setting using the SDMS 4.XX PCI SCSI BIOS
Configuration Utility (press Ctrl-C when the Symbios PCI BIOS banner appears
during the system boot process). Devices that do not support Ultra SCSI
should be set to a maximum of 10 Mbytes/s for 8-bits, and 20 Mbytes/s for
16-bits.
* * * Problem * * *
Problems with Ultra3 SCSI devices using Ultra3 SCSI protocol.
* * * Solution * * *
a. If the system is configured with a Symbios host adapter that supports Ultra3
SCSI and an Ultra3 SCSI device is on the SCSI bus, intermittent problems and
possible system crashes can occur if the SCSI bus cable and terminators do
not conform to the Ultra3 SCSI specification.
b. Disable Ultra3 SCSI support for all devices using the SDMS 4.XX PCI SCSI BIOS
Configuration Utility (press Ctrl-C when the Symbios PCI BIOS banner appears
during the system boot process).
c. If the system operates properly without Ultra3 SCSI enabled, it is highly
likely that the SCSI bus cable and terminators are not configured
correctly for Ultra3 SCSI. See the Symbios host adapter user's guide
for information on Ultra3 SCSI cabling requirements.
* * * Problem (for LSI_U3.SYS only) * * *
At Ultra3 speed (160MB/sec) system hangs, has long boot time, or SCSI device
not available
Some older SCSI devices do not tolerate Domain Validation operations. At
system boot time, Domain Validation is performed to test the data integrity of
the SCSI bus between the host adapter and each target device. With some older
SCSI devices, these operations can cause the device to stop responding to SCSI
commands.
* * * Solution * * *
Disable Domain Validation, either for a specific SCSI target or all adapters
controlled by the driver.
a. Disable Domain Validation for a specific SCSI target. Use the SDMS4.XX PCI
SCSI BIOS Configuration Utility to set the sync rate to 0 (async) and the
data width to 8. This target will be running in async/narrow mode and no
Domain Validation operations will be performed on it.
b. Disable Domain Validation for all host adapters controlled by this driver.
Using the file lu3no_dv.reg (supplied with the Symbios driver files),
either double click the file in Windows Explorer or My Computer or type
"regedit lu3no_dv.reg" at the command prompt. This inserts a registry entry
that disables Domain Validation operations. The system must be rebooted for
this change to take effect.
To re-enable the Domain Validation feature, use the file "lu3_domv.reg" and
perform one of the update methods described in the preceding paragraph.
Download Driver Pack
After your driver has been downloaded, follow these simple steps to install it.
Expand the archive file (if the download file is in zip or rar format).
If the expanded file has an .exe extension, double click it and follow the installation instructions.
Otherwise, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
Find the device and model you want to update in the device list.
Double-click on it to open the Properties dialog box.
From the Properties dialog box, select the Driver tab.
Click the Update Driver button, then follow the instructions.
Very important: You must reboot your system to ensure that any driver updates have taken effect.
For more help, visit our Driver Support section for step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.