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Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support. How to use Device Manager to configure devices in Windows Server 2003
In this articleThis article describes how to use Device Manager to configure the hardware devices that are installed on your Windows Server 2003-based computer. Applies to: Windows Server 2003 SummaryDevice Manager displays a graphical view of the hardware that is installed on your computer. Use this tool when you want to view and 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 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:
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 Peripheral Component Interconnect [PCI] devices). When you install a non-Plug and Play device, Windows doesn't automatically configure resource settings for the device. Depending on the type of device, you may have to manually configure these settings. Before you do so, either contact the hardware manufacturer, or see the documentation that is included with the device for more information. Typically, Windows identifies devices and their resource requests, and then automatically gives the resource settings for your hardware. In most situations, you don't have to modify resource settings for your hardware. Don't change resource settings for a Plug and Play device unless it's necessary. When you manually configure a resource, the setting is fixed. So Windows can't modify resource assignments if that is required, and Windows can't assign that resource to another device. How to configure a device in Device ManagerTo 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. Change resource settings only when you are sure that the settings that you want to use are unique and don't conflict with settings for other devices, or when a hardware manufacturer has provided you with specific resource settings for a device.
How to view resource settings in Device ManagerTo view a list of resources and the devices that are using them by type or by connection, follow these steps:
Use Device Manager to search for device conflictsA device conflict occurs when the same resources are given to two or more devices. Use Device Manager to search for device conflicts. To do so, follow these steps:
Windows Hardware TroubleshooterUse the Windows Hardware Troubleshooter to help you troubleshoot and resolve a hardware conflict or other hardware-related issues. To start the Hardware Troubleshooter, follow these steps:
ReferencesFor more information about how to manage devices by using Device Manager, see Error codes in Device Manager in Windows What is boot System Configuration?What is MSConfig? System Configuration MSConfig is a system utility designed to troubleshoot the Microsoft Windows startup process. It can disable or re-enable software, device drivers or Windows services that run at startup, and it can change boot parameters.
What are the ways to start System Configuration in all Windows?Open the System Configuration tool by using the Run window (all Windows versions) The Run window offers one of the fastest ways to open the System Configuration tool. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch it, type "msconfig", and then press Enter or click/tap on OK.
Which built in Windows utility can be used to modify the boot process?The Microsoft System Configuration Utility, aka MSConfig, is a built-in utility that lets you customize boot settings and disable (or enable) services and drivers. It allows you to choose which programs and services will run when Windows boots up.
Which tool should you use to configure computers to communicate with external disks over standard Ethernet networks?iSCSI Initiator: It allows computers to communicate with external disks over standard Ethernet networks. Ethernet networks. External storage devices that support iSCSI are known as iSCSI targets.
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