how to make the device work properly using right-click INF file to install the driver?

Question

The Promblem of Signed Driver Installation

This problem is a inconsistent behavior between installing signed driver and unsigned driver, and it only happens when we use right-click INF file to install.If we install it with Device Manager, it's correctly installed.

Here we take the installation of USBTMC driver as an example to describe the promblem of signed driver installation and Universal Serial Bus(USB) controller is the device for which USBTMC driver will be installed.

1.Driver Installation

The USBTMC driver can be installed with the following two methods.

Method 1

Open the Device Manager and select the “Universal Serial Bus(USB) controller” as shown in Figure 1,then,right-click “Update driver ” and follow the guide to install the driver.

Figure 1

Method 2

Select the driver INF file as shown in Figure 2, then, right-click “Install”to install the driver.

Figure 2

2.The Phenomenon of USBTMC Driver Installation Problem

2.1 Overview of The Device before USBTMC Driver Installation

Before the driver is installed, there is a device named “Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller ” in the pull-down menu of “Other devices”,as shown in Figure 3. The “Device instance path” of the device is shown in Figure 4.Device Instance path is PCI\VEN_10B5&DEV_3380&SUBSYS_338010B5&REV_AB\AB860210B5DF0E0000. The device under this path is where we should install the driver on.

Figure 3

Figure 4

However, you can find three device instances in the “Registry Editor”, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, and the device instance paths are as follows:

1.  As shown in Figure 5, device instance path is PCI\VEN_10B5&DEV_3380&SUBSYS_338010B5&REV_AB\AB860210B5DF0E0000 and the device description is通用串行总线(USB)控制器.

Figure 5

2.  As shown in Figure 6, device instance path is PCI\VEN_10B5&DEV_3380&SUBSYS_338010B5&REV_AB\AB860210B5DF0E0010 and the device description is PCI Express Downsream Switch Port.

Figure 6

3.  As shown in Figure 7, device instance path is PCI\VEN_10B5&DEV_3380&SUBSYS_338010B5&REV_AB\ UAB860210B5DF0E0000 and the device description is PCI Express Upsream Switch Port.

Figure 7

2.2 The Installation of Unsinged USBTMC Driver

The unsigned driver can be installed properly with both two methods described in Chapter 1, and it works fine.

The driver is installed in the device whose path is "PCI\VEN_10B5&DEV_3380&SUBSYS_338010B5&REV_AB\AB860210B5DF0E0000". The Registry Editor interface is shown in 8.

Figure 8

2.3 The Installation of Signed USBTMC Driver

The signed driver can be installed using the first methods in Chapter 1 and the device can work properly.

However, if the signed driver is installed using the second method (right-click INF file to install), the device cannot work properly. The Device Manager Interface and device instance path are shown in Figure 9 and the Registry Editor interface is shown in 10.With the above two figures, we can find the signed driver is installed in the device instance path “PCI\VEN_10B5&DEV_3380&SUBSYS_338010B5&REV_AB\ UAB860210B5DF0E0000”.

Figure 9

Figure 10

Conclusion

The device cannot work properly because the signed driver is not installed in the correct device instance path. So, how to make the device work properly using right-click INF file to install the driver?

Answer 1

Hello there,

To properly install a driver using the right-click INF file method, follow these steps:

Download the driver package: Obtain the driver package from the manufacturer's website or other trusted sources. Make sure you have the correct driver version for your device and operating system.

Extract the driver files: If the driver package is in a compressed format (such as a ZIP file), extract its contents to a location on your computer. This will give you access to the individual driver files, including the INF file.

Identify the correct INF file: Look for the INF file that matches your device or hardware. The INF file typically contains the installation instructions and information about the driver.

Right-click on the INF file: Locate the INF file, right-click on it, and select "Install" from the context menu. This initiates the driver installation process.

Follow the on-screen instructions: Depending on the driver, you may see a series of prompts or dialogs during the installation process. Follow the instructions and provide any required information or permissions as necessary.

Reboot the computer (if required): Some driver installations may require a system restart to complete the process. If prompted, save any unsaved work and restart your computer.

Verify driver installation: After the restart, check if the driver was installed correctly. You can do this by checking the device manager or any associated software for the device to ensure it is recognized and functioning properly.

It's worth noting that the right-click INF file method may not work for all drivers, particularly for more complex installations that require additional software or dependencies. In such cases, it is recommended to follow the specific installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

I used AI provided by ChatGPT to formulate part of this response. I have verified that the information is accurate before sharing it with you.

Hope this resolves your Query !!

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