How and Why to Rebuild Windows Driver Database

There are couples of reasons why we have to rebuild Windows Driver Database:

1. You’ve installed incompatible device driver.

2. You’ve installed outdated device driver.

3. You’ve recently installed Windows Updates that messes up your system, yes, there are reports windows error due to latest installation of updates.

4. You’ve recently installed software. Most software will install driver specific for its devices.

5. You’ve go virus infection. This one goes from mild to total destruction of your system.

 

So if you’re one of above scenarios then this article is for you.

 

What is Windows Driver Database?

This is simply a database that holds all devices’ drivers installed on our system. This database is saved in Windows\Inf folder with filename “Drvdata.bin” and “Drvidx.bin”. you may notice that these are .bin files. The

 

What is a BIN file?

 

A file type is primarily associated with 'Binary File'. Binary files are used for a wide variety of content and can be associated with a great many different programs. In general, a .BIN file will look like garbage when viewed in a file editor and unless there is some clue in the ASCII portion of the file (if any) there is little one can do to determine which program a particular .BIN file goes with.

 

For us this is simple windows driver database file.

 

Why Rebuild Windows Driver Database?

 

When everything is messed up, rebuilding it is one of the best ways to fix it. This is always an option for most of non-technical computer users that do not know what how to dig in into Windows Device Management console. In windows this is what we call “repair installation”

 

How to Rebuild Windows Driver Database

 

Important note:

Before performing below procedure, make sure that all your devices’ driver are available and ready for use.

 

Step 1. Start your computer in Safe mode.

            Here is how:

1.1  Start your computer

1.2  While loading the BIOS start tapping F8 until “The Windows Advanced Boot Options Menu” appears.

1.3  Select “Safe Mode” using arrow key.

1.4  Press Enter. Computer will now start “Safe Mode”

 

Step 2. Go to Start >> Settings >> Control Panel >> double click System

 

Step 3. Click Device Manager tab then remove all problematic devices. You may remove all since we are considering the rebuild it.

            Here is how:

3.1 While in Device Manager, right click the problematic device and choose “Uninstall”

3.2 Choose “Yes” if you’re asked for confirmation.

3.3 Close “Device Manager”. System will ask you to restart your computer, choose No.

 

Step 4. Rename the Drvdata.bin and Drvidx.bin files.

            Here is how:

4.1 Go to Start >> click “Search”, type in drvdata.bin then click “Find Now”

4.2 Right click found drvdata.bin file and rename it to drvdata.bin.org for example.

4.3 Do the same procedure for drvidx.bin file.

 

Step 5. Restart your computer.

 

When your computer restarts, you’ll notice that Windows is taking time rebuilding your database file and information. Plug and Play devices will be automatically detected again and may ask you to install drivers, locate your driver to install specific driver.

 

More References

 

OK that is sure lots of steps and procedure. If you’re like, you’d sure be using driver tool that will do everything for you, you do not even need to keep a copy of your entire device’s driver. See below links:

For Dell Drivers, HP Drivers, Asus Driver, Gateway Drivers

 

Additional articles about Windows Drivers

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Use your computer free of virus with proper Windows XP Drivers .

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