Tag: install

A required CD/DVD device driver is missing, usb installation Windows 7

A required CD/DVD device driver is missing.  This is an error message you do not want to see when doing a clean install.  It’s even scarier when you are using a jump drive and not a dvd to do it.  I had to make sure I added this one to my blog.  Unfortunately, I left it sitting in drafts.  I probably wasted probably an hour and a half on this stupid error.

When installing Windows 7 from a USB I continuously got this error message saying “A required cd/dvd device driver is missing.  I felt it strange for two reasons.  The first being i was using USB and not a cd/dvd drive.  The second being I have used this particular flash drive numerous times without fail.

I searched many different sites looking for an answer but I kept being pointed in the wrong direction.  Thankfully the answer turns out to be quite simple.

Unbeknownst to me, you can’t use a USB 3.0 plug to install from a USB 2.0 device.  I had no idea the notebook even had USB 3.0 which made it more frustrating to me.

Obviously the error message is too generic and not very intuitive but remember if you see it, it may be as easy as choosing a different USB port.

iPod and iTunes Setup

The new nanos are pretty aren't they
The new nano

Another short item about iPods.  When you get your iPod you actually cannot use it right out of the box.  You need to install iTunes.  Honestly, don’t bother with the CD.  Just download it off the internet.  You can find it here.  It will install iTunes and Quicktime.  Both programs are needed for your iPod.  Now, one thing to remember is that iTunes and Quicktime periodically check for updates to themselves.  Go ahead and download the updates but BE CAREFUL.  Apple started a very bad habit a few months ago and they really haven’t been called out on it yet. They include things that you may or may not be interested in like their own web browser called Safari and MobileMe.  Don’t bother downloading either one.  Use Firefox for your internet and pretend MobileMe doesn’t exist(Apple probably wishes it doesn’t exist either!)  Oh, and if you see anything about Bonjour it’s an Apple thing.

Once iTunes is installed it will ask you to reboot.  Go ahead and reboot.  After the reboot you can connect the iPod and it will automatically start to work!

Another tip: Use a computer that is only about 2 or 3 years at the oldest.  USB 1.0/1.1 is really slow.  New machines are all USB 2.0.