Monday, July 11, 2011

I need to stop a device from working without uninstalling it

Cause: Windows XP gives you the option to disable a device for a period of time instead of uninstalling it. This feature gives you the chance to troubleshoot problems or make configuration changes.

To disable a device, follow these steps:

1. Log on with an administrator account.
2. Click Start--> Control Panel--> System.

3. Click the Hardware tab--> click the Device Manager button.

4. Expand the desired category--> then right-click the desired device and click Disable--> Click Yes to the message that appears. You can return to the device at any time--> rightclick it--> and then click Enable to begin using it again.

Prevention: Do not try to disable a device by removing its driver. This uninstalls the device from your computer. If you do, Plug and Play will redetect it on the next reboot, so it will end up working again anyway. Always use the Disable option.

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