The NEC 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller driver allows Windows to communicate with compatible NEC-based IEEE 1394, also known as FireWire, controller hardware. This Microsoft-provided driver supports the connection used by devices such as digital video cameras, external storage drives, and audio interfaces, though some peripherals may also require their own drivers or software.

Key Features

• FireWire controller support: Enables Windows to recognize and operate the NEC 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller.
• OHCI-standard operation: Provides the operating system interface for compatible Open Host Controller Interface hardware in the 1394 category.
• Peripheral communication: Supports data exchange between the controller and attached IEEE 1394 equipment, subject to device and application compatibility.
• Windows integration: Works with Windows driver management tools, including Device Manager, for installation, status checks, and troubleshooting. Select a package appropriate for Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, or XP and your system architecture.

How to Install

1. Check your Windows version and hardware. Open Device Manager and look under “IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers” for the NEC controller. If it appears as an unknown device, check its hardware IDs in Properties to help confirm compatibility. Also determine whether your Windows installation is 32-bit or 64-bit.
2. Download the matching driver. Choose a package listed for your Windows version and controller. Before installing, check its compatibility information; a driver intended for Windows XP should not be assumed to work on Windows 10.
3. Prepare the files. Extract the download if it is compressed. Close applications using FireWire equipment, and safely disconnect external storage or other attached devices before updating the controller driver.
4. Install the driver. Run the supplied installer if one is included. Otherwise, right-click the controller in Device Manager, choose the driver update option, and browse to the extracted driver folder. The wording of these options varies between Windows versions.
5. Restart and verify operation. Restart if prompted, then check that the controller appears without a warning icon in Device Manager. Reconnect your FireWire device and test it with the appropriate application.

If Windows reports that a suitable driver is already installed, an update may not be necessary. For an attached device that still does not work, check its power supply, FireWire cable, and any separate driver requirements before replacing the controller driver.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or rolls back: Use the in-box Microsoft 1394 OHCI driver via Device Manager > Update driver > Browse > Let me pick. Remove any third-party FireWire driver first, reboot, then retry as administrator.
• Device not detected: Check BIOS/UEFI for IEEE 1394 enabled, reseat the PCI/PCIe card, and try another FireWire cable/port. In Device Manager, enable Show hidden devices and scan for hardware changes.
• Version conflicts / Code 10 or 43: Uninstall old 1394 OHCI or legacy FireWire drivers, delete hidden controller entries, reboot, and let Windows reinstall the Microsoft NEC 1394 OHCI driver. Roll back if a newer update causes errors.