Using Xbox controller for Laptop

[Teppo]

I have a wired Xbox that I have been using for my desktop; for FFXI, but It doesn't seem to work with my brand new laptop. I suck with computers so any help and ideas would be nice. Thank you in advance.

[The Stig]

Are the drivers installed?

What happens when you plug it in?

Have you configured it?

Has Windows picked it up (via Control Panel --> Game Controllers)?

[Teppo]

Are the drivers installed?

What happens when you plug it in?

Have you configured it?

Has Windows picked it up (via Control Panel --> Game Controllers)?

None of that; any quick explanations on how to go about those would be nice and I would be very happy to try them in the morning. I thank you for giving me this much information though.

[McGoonagle]

You might just want to spend a few bucks on a Logitech Rumble Pad controller. It's designed for use with PCs.

The Xbox controller is designed only to work with the Xbox. Getting it to work with a Windows machine probably involves some major hacks and patent infringements.

[MogKnight]

If your Laptop is an XP machine, you probably will need to download drivers off of the Microsoft website.

If your Laptop is a Vista or a Windows 7 machine, you should already have the drivers built into it and it should work out of the box.

We're gonna need more details though. Saying it "doesn't work" could mean anything. Does your Laptop respond to the controller being plugged in? Is the light lit up on the ring? etc etc

The Xbox controller is designed only to work with the Xbox. Getting it to work with a Windows machine probably involves some major hacks and patent infringements.

Actually, the Xbox controllers are designed to work for both the Xbox and Windows. There are even Windows Branded Xbox 360 controllers and newer games on Windows have an Xbox 360 default config if you don't want to use a Mouse/Keyboard setup.

[Teppo]

If your Laptop is an XP machine, you probably will need to download drivers off of the Microsoft website.

If your Laptop is a Vista or a Windows 7 machine, you should already have the drivers built into it and it should work out of the box.

We're gonna need more details though. Saying it "doesn't work" could mean anything. Does your Laptop respond to the controller being plugged in? Is the light lit up on the ring? etc etc

Well it lights up, just doesn't seem to respond. I truly can't remember what i did with the last controller, but i still wanted to try and avoid spending money if i had too. Again I'm sorry for the lack of information. This was also the only way i could talk on Vent as well.