Why do some usb devices (and also the Pocket PC IPaq's) put large warnings to install the driver before plugging in the device for the first time?

what happens if we plug the device first??

I would guess that they want to prevent you from installing some kind of generic driver included in windows.

Maybe I'm totally wrong...

...also, if the device isn't gonna be recognised by the operating system, when you put the cd/software in to install it, it doesnt work because the device/current driver is in use.

Not a very good explanation but there's a few reasons why you should install the software/drivers first (as a rule, unless specifically told not to) and then plug the device in.

In some cases, if you do plug in first and not install the software first, you 'can' (tho this is not generally the case) make it unable to install the software, even if you install the software afterwards, or uninstall the device (to help remove any trace that you put it in) - install the software - then plug it in.

In a worst case senario, you might have to wipe xp and start again - i've seen it before.

I've even seen some odd things happen when pl dont follow the instructions given - some customer had managed to install something as something completely different - of course, they denied all knowledge of it (as they do) but it was hell trying to get the thing installed.

In short - the warning stickers are usually there for a reason hehe

Regards,

N.

PS hope it made sense but it is 4.40am here