Viewing Hardware Settings
One reason you might want to view hardware settings is if you plan to install any legacy hardware. Legacy hardware is any device not designed for Windows Vista plug and play support. If you have a hardware device that is not designed for Windows Vista plug and play, it is important to find out current hardware resource settings to avoid conflicts during installation, such as having two devices with the same resource settings. Before you actually place a legacy hardware device in your computer, you should browse through the devices currently attached to your computer system and ensure that your computer has the available resources to install the hardware device. With the Device Manager, you can view the device resources that are being used with your system hardware and determine whether your computer has the available resources to install a legacy or plug and play hardware device. Generally, you cannot install non plug and play hardware without performing some manual setup with the Device Manager. Check with the hardware manufacturer for installation specifics.
View Hardware Settings
Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click the Device Manager icon in Classic view.
Click the plus sign (+) next to the resource category you want to expand.
Click the device you want to view.
Click the Properties button on the toolbar.
Use the tabs to view or modify device settings and resources.
Click OK.
Click the Close button.
