Why must I install software before I install the hardware?

Why must I install software before I install the hardware?

A successful installation of data acquisition hardware requires more than just an inf file when Windows detects new hardware. Modems or sound cards frequently have many of the required files for successful installation included with the Windows operating system. Microsoft does not include any support files for data acquisition hardware. Furthermore, there are variations in how different releases of Windows handles detection of new hardware (Win95 Retail vs. Win95B or Win98 Second Edition, etc.). By installing the software before the hardware, all the required files will be in place to guide your version of Windows' Device Manager to a successful installation of the data acquisition hardware.