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.

Windows XP does not detect my new device

Cause:  

If you attach a new device to your computer and Windows XP does not detect and automatically install the new device, there are several different possible solutions. First, you need to carefully check the device to make sure you have plugged it into the correct port. Devices usually work with some type of port found on the back (or even the front) of your computer. Common examples are parallel ports (printers), serial ports (mice, keyboards, modems, and so on), and USB ports (for all kinds of devices). Some devices even work with infrared wireless ports (called IrDA ports), if your computer has one. The trick is simply this: 

• You have to plug the device into the right port in order for it to work, so check the device documentation to make sure you have it hooked up correctly before going any further.

• Once you are sure that the device is attached correctly, restart the computer. Even though Windows XP can usually detect devices without a reboot, the reboot may help get the device installed. If this doesn’t help, do the following:

1.  Check the device’s documentation for instructions. If a device came with a CD or floppy disk, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it.
   
2.  Check the HCL
   
3.  If both of these options do not help, use the following Pain Killer.

Update Drivers in Windows XP

Why should we update hardware driver`s in windows`s Xp?

Each hardware device installed on your Windows XP computer has drivers that run it. These drivers can be updated by the manufacturer of the device in order to help the device run better or to fix issues with software or other devices. Go to the manufacturer`s website to download the newest version of these drivers. Sometimes drivers are downloaded as self-executing files that install automatically when you click them. Other times, you may need to use the Windows Device Manager to update the driver files.

Uninstall Service Pack3 From RECOVERY CONSOLE In Windows XP

The following article will help you when you are unable to boot your computer including any of the Advanced Boot Menu after installing Service Pack 3

1. Boot to the Recovery Console using the Windows XP disc
2. Type in the Administrator if you are prompted to and then hit ENTER.
   Note: This Password is of the Local Administrator. If you have not set a password, just hit ENTER leaving the password space blank.

You would be taken to C:\WINDOWS\>

3. Type in cd $ntservicepackuninstall$ and hit ENTER
   You would be taken to C:\WINDOWS\$NTSERVICEPACKUNINSTALL$>
4. Now type in cd spuninst
   You would be taken to C:\WINDOWS\$NTSERVICEPACKUNINSTALL$\SPUNINST>
5. Now type in batch spuninst.txt and hit ENTER
6. Now the SP3 uninstallation will go on for about ten minutes and after it is complete, you would be taken back to C:\WINDOWS\$NTSERVICEPACKUNINSTALL$\SPUNINST>
7. Type Exit and hit ENTER

The computer would restart and take you to the desktop of Windows XP with Service Pack 2

WINDOWS ADVANCED OPTIONS MENU - Enable VGA Mode

The Windows Advanced Options Menu or the The Windows Advanced Boot Menu helps to boot the computer in safe mode, safe mode with networking, the DOS mode etc.

The primary objective of the The Windows Advanced Options Menu is to let the computer to boot with minimal drivers and services when there is any problem for the computer to boot normally.
One Important feature of the The Windows Advanced Options Menu is the Enable VGA Mode

The Enable VGA Mode option enables the computer to boot Winodws in normal mode but with 640 x 480 display mode using the current video driver installed on the computer like nvdia or ATI

The screen might look similar to the safe mode where VGA.sys video drivers are loaded. But in fact it is the current driver that is loaded.

In a nutshell, This mode helps you to get the computer booted even when the monitor is unable to display high resolution of your video.

Update or change a device driver In Windows XP

Ensure the latest device driver for each of the devices is loaded in Windows XP. Manufacturers frequently update their drivers to fix problems and take advantage of operating system features. These drivers are usually available from the manufacturer's Web site, and Microsoft also maintains driver files for many devices on its Web sites.

Upon downloading drivers, read the manufacturer's instructions before attempting to use the files to update the device. Often, downloaded driver files are compressed into a self-executing file that needs to be extracted in order to use the driver. In the Hardware Update Wizard, click to select the Have Disk option, then click the Browse button to locate the driver files.

Install a new driver from Device Manager

1. Double-click the type of device you want to update or change.

2. Right-click the specific device driver you want to update or change.

3. Click Update Driver to open the Hardware Update Wizard. Follow the wizard instructions.