Most Windows-based systems have the ability to show you if the processor (or any other h...

Most Windows-based systems have the ability to show you if the processor (or any other hardware device) is working properly. This project shows you how to test the processor, in Windows XP/Vista/7, and Windows Server 2003/ Server 2003 R2 or Server 2008/Server 2008 R2.

To test the processor in Windows XP/Vista/ 7 and Server 2003/Server 2003 R2:

1. Click Start, right-click My Computer (in Windows XP and Server 2003), or Computer (in Windows Vista/7), and click Manage.

2. Double-click System Tools in the left pane, if necessary, to display the objects under it.

3. Click Device Manager in the left pane (see Figure 3-3; depending on the computer, your display may list different devices).

4. Double-click Processors in the right pane. How many processors are displayed? Doubleclick a processor in the list (if there are more than one).

5. Make sure that the General tab is shown, and if not, click it.

6. What is the status of the processor? In Windows XP and Server 2003/Server 2003 R2 notice that there is a Troubleshoot button to help you diagnose a problem with the processor.

7. Close or click Cancel the Processor Properties dialog box, and then close the Computer Management Window.

To test the processor in Windows Server 2008/Server 2008 R2:

1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and click Computer Management.

2. Double-click System Tools in the left pane, if necessary, to display the objects under it.

3. Click Device Manager.

4. Double-click Processors in the right pane. How many processors are displayed? Doubleclicka processor in the list (if there are more than one).

5. Make sure that the General tab is shown, and if not, click it (see Figure 3-4).

6. What is the status of the processor?

7. Close the Processor Properties dialog box, and then close the Computer Management Window.