Driver Management

Correct Answer: Check if there is an updated driver version available from the printer manufacturer's website

When troubleshooting slow printing issues related to a print driver, the first step should be to check if there is an updated driver version available from the printer manufacturer's website. Updated drivers often contain performance improvements and bug fixes that can resolve issues like slow printing. Uninstalling and reinstalling the existing driver from the same package may not resolve the issue if the driver itself is outdated or problematic. Disabling the current driver and using a generic Windows driver could potentially work as a temporary workaround, but it's not the ideal first step for addressing the root cause. Replacing the user's computer is unnecessary and should only be considered if hardware issues are confirmed after exhausting other troubleshooting steps.

Correct Answer: Search online for a community-supported driver

For an older system with a graphics card model that is no longer supported by the manufacturer, the best option is to search online for a community-supported driver. Community developers often create and maintain drivers for legacy hardware, ensuring continued functionality. Installing the latest driver from the manufacturer's website would not work since they no longer provide updates for this specific model. Removing the graphics card and using integrated graphics might be a workaround, but it would significantly impact performance and may not be suitable for the system's intended use. Disabling the current driver and using the default Windows driver could lead to compatibility issues and suboptimal performance, as the generic driver might lack the necessary optimizations for the specific graphics card.

Correct Answer: Roll back the driver to the previous version

When a newly installed driver causes a device to malfunction, the first step should typically be to roll back the driver to the previous version. This action often resolves compatibility issues and restores the device to a working state. Rolling back the driver is generally a simple process and should be attempted before more drastic measures are taken. The option to format the hard drive and reinstall the operating system is an extreme measure that should only be considered as a last resort, if simpler recovery methods fail. This action would result in the loss of data and require a significant amount of time to restore the system to its previous state. Updating all unrelated device drivers to the latest version is not likely to resolve an issue with a specific device and may actually introduce more problems if the new drivers have their own set of issues. Performing a system restore to a point before the driver installation could resolve the issue, but it is a broader action that affects more than just the driver in question. This could potentially undo other important system changes and updates that have occurred since that restore point, making rollback of the specific driver a better first step.