How to Make a Flash Drive Work in Old Windows Systems

Insert the flash drive into the computer., Click "Next"., After scanning the computer for the flash drive's drivers, it should say that they were not found., Take out the flash drive and memorize or write down the missing drivers' names., Go to...

14 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Insert the flash drive into the computer.

    The "Found New Hardware" Wizard should appear promptly.
  2. Step 2: Click "Next".

    No need to select a different option. , Next to that message, it should display the names of the missing drivers. (Drivers are files that let hardware interact with the software.) , It is necessary you know what to find on another computer.

    The most common drivers for simple flash drives are: usbstor.sys, disk.sys, and partmgr.sys. , If the computer runs on a 64 bit OS, go to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers.

    All the computer's drivers are there. , Then copy them to an easily accessible folder.

    We'll use C:\My Documents\Drivers. , Again, the wizard will appear.,, Simply do what it says. (C:\My Documents\Drivers.) , If not, go to your flash drive manufacturer's website for more information or try to find the drivers online.
  3. Step 3: After scanning the computer for the flash drive's drivers

  4. Step 4: it should say that they were not found.

  5. Step 5: Take out the flash drive and memorize or write down the missing drivers' names.

  6. Step 6: Go to another (preferably more advanced) computer and go to "C:\Windows\system32\drivers" and locate the needed drivers.

  7. Step 7: Copy them to a CD

  8. Step 8: email them

  9. Step 9: or find any other means of transferring the drivers to the older computer.

  10. Step 10: Reconnect your flash drive.

  11. Step 11: Choose "Install from a list or specific location"

  12. Step 12: then click "Next".

  13. Step 13: It will ask for the location of the driver.

  14. Step 14: The flash drive should be functioning now.

Detailed Guide

The "Found New Hardware" Wizard should appear promptly.

No need to select a different option. , Next to that message, it should display the names of the missing drivers. (Drivers are files that let hardware interact with the software.) , It is necessary you know what to find on another computer.

The most common drivers for simple flash drives are: usbstor.sys, disk.sys, and partmgr.sys. , If the computer runs on a 64 bit OS, go to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers.

All the computer's drivers are there. , Then copy them to an easily accessible folder.

We'll use C:\My Documents\Drivers. , Again, the wizard will appear.,, Simply do what it says. (C:\My Documents\Drivers.) , If not, go to your flash drive manufacturer's website for more information or try to find the drivers online.

About the Author

K

Kyle Stone

Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in practical skills and beyond.

44 articles
View all articles

Rate This Guide

--
Loading...
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: