ImportantWhen you install a Plug and Play device, Windows 2000 automatically configures the device so it will work properly with the other devices that are installed on your computer. As part of that configuration process, Windows 2000 assigns a unique set of system resources to the device you are installing. These resources can include one or more of the following:
Each resource that is assigned to your device must be unique or the device does not function properly. For Plug and Play devices, Windows 2000 automatically ensures that these resources are configured properly.
Occasionally, two devices require the same resources, resulting in a device conflict If this occurs, you can manually change the resource settings to be sure that each setting is unique. However, sometimes two devices can be shared, such as interrupts on PCI devices, depending on the drivers and computer.
When you install a non-Plug and Play device, the resource settings for the device are not automatically configured. Depending on the type of device you are installing, you may have to manually configure these settings, which should be supplied in the instruction manual that came with your device.
Generally, you should not change resource settings manually, because when you do so, the settings become fixed, and Windows 2000 will then have less flexibility when allocating resources to other devices. If too many resources become fixed, Windows 2000 may not be able to install new Plug and Play devices.
You can configure devices using the Add/Remove Hardware wizard in Control Panel or the Device Manager
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