The NEC 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller driver enables Windows to communicate with compatible NEC IEEE 1394 hardware, commonly known as FireWire. This Microsoft-provided driver supports the connection between the host controller and FireWire peripherals, such as digital camcorders, external storage devices, and audio equipment. Choose a driver package appropriate for your Windows version and system architecture before installing.

Key Features

• IEEE 1394 connectivity: Allows Windows to recognize and use the NEC FireWire host controller so compatible peripherals can communicate with the computer.
• OHCI-standard operation: Supports the Open Host Controller Interface used by compliant IEEE 1394 controllers, providing the link between Windows and the controller hardware.
• Windows hardware integration: Works with Windows device management to identify the controller and report its operating status in Device Manager.
• Support across Windows versions: Driver options cover Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP. Package requirements may differ between operating systems and between 32-bit and 64-bit installations.

How to Install

1. Confirm your hardware and Windows version. Open Device Manager and look under “IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers” for the NEC 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller. If it appears as an unknown device, check its hardware IDs in Properties to help confirm a match. Also verify whether Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit.

1. Download a matching driver package. Select the download intended for your operating system and controller. Extract the files if they are supplied in a compressed archive. Where available, create a restore point before changing an existing driver.

1. Start the installation. Run the included setup program, if provided. Otherwise, right-click the controller in Device Manager, choose the driver update option, and select the option to browse your computer for driver software. Wording varies by Windows version.

1. Select the extracted driver folder. Follow the prompts to complete installation. Do not force a package that Windows identifies as incompatible; check the operating system, architecture, and hardware match instead.

1. Restart and test the connection. Restart if prompted, then check that the controller has no warning icon in Device Manager. Connect a known-working FireWire peripheral to test operation. Some peripherals, particularly audio interfaces, may also require their own manufacturer-supplied drivers or software.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or shows Code 10/28: Remove any existing 1394 controller entries in Device Manager (enable View > Show hidden devices), reboot, and let Windows reinstall the Microsoft 1394 OHCI driver. If an incompatible INF blocks installation, use Update driver > Browse and select the correct x86/x64 Microsoft 1394 OHCI package.
• Device not detected: Reseat the NEC 1394 card, check the FireWire cable/port, and confirm the controller is enabled in BIOS. Run Scan for hardware changes; try another PCI/PCIe slot or disable an onboard 1394 controller to avoid duplicate host controllers.
• Version/driver conflicts: If both NEC and Microsoft 1394 entries appear, uninstall third-party 1394 stacks, roll back to **Microsoft 1394 OHCI