Microsoft KB Archive/315419

= HOW TO: Use Device Manager to Configure Devices in Windows 2000 =

PSS ID Number: 315419

Article Last Modified on 11/19/2003

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

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This article was previously published under Q315419



IN THIS TASK

 * SUMMARY
 * ** How to Configure a Device in Device Manager
 * How to View Resource Settings in Device Manager
 * Troubleshooting
 * *** Use Device Manager to Check for Device Conflicts
 * Windows 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter
 * REFERENCES



SUMMARY
This step-by-step article describes how to use Device Manager to configure the hardware devices that are installed on your Windows 2000-based computer.

Device Manager displays a graphical view of the hardware that is installed on your computer. Use this tool when you want to view and to manage hardware devices and their drivers. You must be logged on to the computer as an administrator or as a member of the Administrators group to add or to remove devices or to configure device properties in Device Manager.

When you install a Plug and Play device, Windows automatically configures the device so that it works correctly with the other devices that are installed on the computer. During the configuration process, Windows assigns a unique set of system resource settings to the device. The following list describes the four types of resources that a device can use:
 * Interrupt request (IRQ) line numbers
 * Direct memory access (DMA) channels
 * Input/Output (I/O) port addresses
 * Memory address ranges

Each resource that is assigned to a device is given a unique value. Occasionally, a device conflict may occur if two devices require the same resources. If this conflict occurs, you can manually configure the device to assign unique resources to each device. In some situations, depending on the device drivers and the computer, two devices can share a resource (for example, interrupts on PCI devices).

When you install a non-Plug and Play device, Windows does not automatically configure resource settings for the device. Depending on the type of device, you may need to manually configure these settings. Before you do so, either contact the hardware manufacturer or refer to the documentation that is included with the device for more information.

Typically, Windows identifies devices and their resource requests, and then automatically allocates the resource settings for your hardware. In most situations, you do not need to modify resource settings for your hardware. Do not change resource settings for a Plug and Play device unless it is absolutely necessary. When you manually configure a resource, the setting is fixed. Therefore, Windows cannot modify resource assignments if it is required, and Windows cannot assign that resource to another device.

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How to Configure a Device in Device Manager
To configure a device in Device Manager, follow these steps.

IMPORTANT: Use caution when you configure resource settings for a device. If you configure resources incorrectly, you can disable your hardware, and you can cause your computer to stop working. Only change resource settings when you are sure that the settings that you want to use are unique and do not conflict with settings for other devices, or when a hardware manufacturer has provided you with specific resource settings for a device.
 * 1) Log on to your computer as an administrator or as a member of the Administrators group.
 * 2) Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
 * 3) Under System Tools in the console tree, click Device Manager.

The devices that are installed on your computer are listed in the right pane.
 * 1) Double-click the type of device that you want to configure, for example, Ports.
 * 2) Right-click the device that you want to configure, and then click Properties.
 * 3) Click the Resources tab.
 * 4) Click to clear the Use automatic settings check box.

NOTE: The Use automatic settings check box is unavailable and appears dimmed on either devices in which there are no other settings to configure or on devices that are controlled by Plug and Play resources and that do not require user modification.
 * 1) In the Settings based on box, click the hardware configuration that you want to modify, for example, Basic configuration 0000.
 * 2) Under Resource type in the Resource settings box, click the type of resource that you want to modify, for example, Interrupt Request.
 * 3) Click Change Setting.
 * 4) In the Edit   dialog box, type the value that you want for the resource, and then click OK.
 * 5) Repeat steps 8 through step 11 to configure the resource settings that you want for the device.
 * 6) Quit Device Manager.

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How to View Resource Settings in Device Manager
To view a list of resources and the devices that are using them by type or by connection, follow these steps:
 * 1) Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
 * 2) Under System Tools in the console tree, click Device Manager.

The devices that are installed on your computer are listed in the right pane. The default view lists devices by type.
 * 1) Do one of the following steps:
 * 2) * To view a list of resources by type, click Resources by type on the View menu.

-or-
 * 1) * To view a list of resources by connection type, click Resources by connection on the View menu.

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Use Device Manager to Check for Device Conflicts
A device conflict occurs when the same resources are allocated to two or more devices. Use Device Manager to check for device conflicts. To do so:
 * 1) Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
 * 2) Under System Tools in the console tree, click Device Manager.

The devices that are installed on your computer are listed in the right pane.
 * 1) Double-click the type of device that you want to check, for example, Sound, video and game controllers.
 * 2) Right-click the device that you want to check for conflicts, and then click Properties.
 * 3) Click the Resources tab.

Any conflicts that exist for the device are listed under Conflicting device list.

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Window 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter
Use Windows 2000 Hardware Troubleshooter to help you troubleshoot and resolve a hardware conflict or other hardware-related issues. To start Hardware Troubleshooter:
 * 1) Log on to your computer as an administrator or as a member of the Administrators group.
 * 2) Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
 * 3) Under System Tools in the console tree, click Device Manager.

The devices that are installed on your computer are listed in the right pane.
 * 1) Double-click the type of device that you want to troubleshoot, for example, Modems.
 * 2) Right-click the device that you want to troubleshoot, and then click Properties.
 * 3) Click the General tab.
 * 4) Click Troubleshooter.

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