Geek School: Learning Windows 7 - Configuring Devices

Windows 7 Hardware Configuration: A Geek School Guide

This installment of Geek School focuses on configuring hardware within the Windows 7 operating system. We invite you to explore this essential topic with us.

Don't forget to review the preceding articles in this series, which include:

Introducing How-To Geek School
Upgrades and Migrations
Managing Disks

Exam Relevance and Focus

The 'Hardware and Application Configuration' section represents 14 percent of the overall exam weighting. Although extensive theoretical knowledge isn't required, these areas frequently appear in practical simulation questions.

Consequently, we've separated hardware configuration from application configuration. This allows us to present a focused guide, delivered in the signature How-To Geek format, detailing precisely what you need to understand.

Understanding these configurations is crucial for success. We aim to provide clarity and practical application for these often-tested concepts.

Device Manager

The Device Manager provides a graphical interface for viewing all hardware components connected to your system. It’s a crucial tool for managing your computer’s devices. Furthermore, it enables several key functions.

Hardware driver management is facilitated through this utility.
Hidden devices can be revealed for advanced configuration.
Faulty or malfunctioning drivers can be identified and addressed.

Multiple access points to Device Manager exist, and familiarity with each is essential for certification purposes.

Accessing via the Windows Interface

Initiate access by clicking the Start Orb and subsequently opening the Control Panel application.

Within the Control Panel, navigate to the 'Hardware and Sound' category.

A hyperlink labeled 'Device Manager' will be visible within this section.

Utilizing Computer Management

An alternative, frequently used method involves the Computer Management Console. This console is launched by clicking the Start Orb, then right-clicking on 'Computer' and selecting 'Manage' from the resulting context menu.

Upon opening the console, select 'Device Manager' from the panel located on the left side.

Launching via the Command Line

Computer Management can also be initiated through a command prompt, the Run dialog box, or the Start Menu’s search functionality by entering the following command:

mmc compmgmt.msc

Driver Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Driver issues frequently lead to significant system problems, with the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) being a common outcome. Proactive driver updates are generally recommended to mitigate these risks.

However, a contrasting viewpoint exists – the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” philosophy, shared by many experienced technicians. While this approach has merit, exam requirements often necessitate adherence to the recommended practice of regular updates.

Updating Your Device Drivers

Initially, determine the specific driver currently in use by the device. This can be accomplished by right-clicking the device and selecting 'Properties' from the menu.

Next, navigate to the 'Driver' tab and then click the 'Driver Details' button.

This action will display the exact files utilized by the driver. It’s prudent to record this information, as it may prove valuable when analyzing kernel dumps following an update.

With this information noted, proceed to update the driver by clicking the 'Update Driver' button.

Disabling Drivers

Should your PC experience crashes, particularly after a recent hardware installation, removing the newly added hardware is a primary troubleshooting step. However, if multiple components were recently installed, or if you’ve built a new computer, a more methodical approach is preferable.

Disable components one at a time through Device Manager. To do this, right-click on the device in question and select 'Disable' from the context menu.

A downwards-pointing arrow will then appear overlaid on the device’s icon, visually indicating that it has been disabled.

Identifying Resource Conflicts

A final exam objective concerns the identification of resource conflicts affecting drivers. Begin by accessing the device’s properties, as previously described.

Then, switch to the 'Resources' tab.

At the bottom of the window, you’ll find the 'Conflicting device list' box. Thankfully, such conflicts are relatively uncommon in modern Windows versions.