In this project, you use Device Manager to view where to install or update a driver in W...

In this project, you use Device Manager to view where to install or update a driver in Windows XP/Vista/7, Server 2003/Server 2003 R2 and Server 2008/ Server 2008 R2. You also use this utility to determine if a device is working properly and to view other information about a device.

To use Device Manager in Windows XP/Vista/7, Server 2003/Server 2003 R2 or Server 2008/Server 2008 R2:

1. In Windows XP, Vista, 7, and Server 2003/Server 2003 R2, click Start, right-click My Computer or Computer, and click Manage to open the Computer Management window (see Figure 6-17). In Windows Server 2008/Server 2008 R2, click Start, click Administrative Tools, and click Computer Management (the Computer Management window is nearly identical to Windows Vista/7).

2. Click Device Manager in the left pane (tree) under Computer Management (Local) and System Tools (refer to Figure 6-16 in the previous step). Notice the listing of devices in the middle pane.

3. Double-click Display adapters.

4. Double-click the specific adapter under Display adapters.

5. Make sure that the General tab is displayed.

6. What is the device status of the display adapter?

7. Click the Driver tab (see Figure 6-18). Notice that you can use the Update Driver button to either install a driver if one is not already installed or to obtain an updated driver. Also, the Roll Back Driver button (disabled if this is the first driver installed) goes back to a previously installed driver if there is a problem with updating a driver. And, you can use the Uninstall button to remove a driver.

8. Click the Driver Details button.

9. How many driver files are used for this device? In what folder (or folders) are the driver files?

10. Click OK.

11. Click the Resources tab. Notice the resource settings for the display adapter. What resource types are listed? Are any resource conflicts noted?

12. Click Cancel and then close the Computer Management window.