Instruction Manual

If Windows has started properly, but you still have aproblem using the computer, Windows Help
can assist you in troubleshooting the problem.
1.Click the Start button and click Help.
2.Click the Contents tab and double- click Troubleshooting.
3.Double- click the problem with which you would like help, and follow the steps onthe screen.
Resolving ahardware conflict
If you receive an error message telling you there is adevice driver conflict or ageneral hardware
problem, try touse Window's Help totroubleshoot the problem first.
1.From the Windows Help menu, click the Contents tab and select Troubleshooting.
2.Click If you have ahardware conflict and follow the steps.
If there is still aproblem, Windows should display amessage that explains the conflict.
Aplan of action
The recommended procedure for getting multiple devices towork together is toadd and set up
one device at atime. After you add each device, test it tomake sure it and all previously
connected devices work.
The device most recently connected tothe system is the one most likely tobe causing ahardware
conflict.
Resolving hardware conflicts onyour own
Computer components need resources toaccomplish atask. Adevice, such as aCD-ROM drive
or amodem, needs achannel tothe computer's central processing unit (CPU). It also needs
adirect channel tothe computer's memory tostore information as it works. These channels of
communication are commonly referred toas system resources.
Interrupt request channel
An interrupt request (IRQ) is the channel tothe CPU because it interrupts what the processor is
doing and requests some of the processor's time. If two or more devices use the same IRQ, the
processor does not know which device is asking for attention.
Direct Memory Access
Similarly, the data required by the device are stored in aspecific place or address in memory
called the Direct Memory Access (DMA). The DMA provides adedicated channel for adapter
cards tobypass the microprocessor and access memory directly. If two or more devices use the
same DMA, the data required by one device overwrite the data required by the other. If this
occurs, you have ahardware conflict.
Plug and Play
Windows NT does not support this mode at this time.
When supported, Plug and Play prevents hardware conflicts. Plug and Play is acomputer standard
that helps the system BIOS and the operating system toautomatically assign system resources
toPlug and Play- compliant devices. In theory, if every device connected tothe computer is Plug
and Play- compliant, no two devices will compete for the same system resources. You simply plug
in the device and turn onthe computer. Windows automatically sets up your system
toaccommodate the new device.
However, if you install an older (legacy) device that Windows cannot recognise, Windows may
have difficulty assigning system resources toit. As aresult, ahardware conflict can occur. Tosee