Chapter 13: System Resources^291
Ofcourse,yourfirstcluethatanIRQconflictmayexistisifanewdeviceisn’tworking
properly, if an existing device suddenly stops working, or if, when you begin using either
a new or existing device, another device stops working. If a resource conflict is detected,
Windows will mark it (as described in the preceding bullets) in the Windows System
Properties Device Manager tab.
If there is a device conflict, the details of the problem are listed in the Properties win-
dow for the device itself in the Conflicting Device List box at the bottom of the window.
Figure 13-7 shows a device with no device conflicts, so if this device is having problems it
is more likely to be a device driver issue than an IRQ conflict.
If you encounter an IRQ or I/O address conflict with a device, it may be necessary to
change its resource assignments. If required, follow these steps to change the resource
settings for a hardware device on a Windows PC:
- On the Device Manager Devices By Type list, locate the device for which
you need to change the IRQ setting. - Highlight the device name and click the Properties button or double-click
the device’s name to display its Properties window. - Choose the Resources tab. The display should be very much like that in
Figure 13-6. - Depending on the version of Windows running on the PC, you will have a
check box labeled Use Automatic Settings or something similar. Deselect this
box to leave it unchecked. - Highlight the IRQ setting and click the Change Resource button to open the
display shown in Figure 13-8.
Figure 13-6. The Device Manager tab on the System Properties window flags potential problems
with the yellow exclamation point symbol