System and method for installing a driver for a hardware device. An install system includes a decision mechanism that determines if the hardware device is connected to the computer system, and a user interface that instructs a user to connect the hardware device if it is determined that the hardware device is not connected to the computer system. A driver installer then installs the driver for the hardware device if it is determined that the hardware device is connected to the computer system. An install method includes determining if the hardware device is connected to the computer system, instructing a user to connect the hardware device if it is determined that the hardware device is not connected to the computer system, and then installing the driver for the hardware device if it is determined that the hardware device is connected to the computer system.