How can you get real-time device status information?

| Jun 29, 2009 | Comments 2



One of your customers has a specialized USB input device that usually works without a problem, but occasionally when starting the computer the device will not operate at all. What Windows utility can provide you with real-time information on the status of the device?

A) MSCONFIG

B) Device Manager

C) Task Manager

D) Event Viewer


The answer: B) Device Manager

The Device Manager provides a comprehensive view of all devices and their current status.


The incorrect answers:

A) MSCONFIG
The MSCONFIG utility is useful if you need to change a configuration file or modify the startup parameters of the Windows operating system.

C) Task Manager
The Windows task manager provides a real-time view of active applications and services, but it doesn’t show the status of any hardware devices.

D) Event Viewer
The Windows event viewer can provide you with a historical log of the system operations. Using the event viewer, you could look back in time to a point where the driver didn’t load properly and examine any errors associated with the initialization process.

Want to know more? Watch “Diagnostic Utilities and Tools.”

There are numerous utilities that can assist with the diagnosing of problems in the Windows operating system. In this video, we’ll work with the Task Manager, Device Manager, Event Viewer, MSCONFIG utility, Remote Desktop, System File Checker, Registry Editor, and demonstrate the features of the Computer Management console.

1. The Question2. The AnswerOn Last Page

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  • Rayburn

    I don’t agree that Device Manager gives real-time information on device status that could be used to diagnose a intermittent problem. Just because Device Manager says something’s working properly doesn’t mean it is.

    • http://www.ProfessorMesser.com Professor Messer

      Rayburn -

      Device Manager may not be the final word when troubleshooting, but that doesn’t diminish its use as real-time feedback on the status of devices. Given the nature of this particular problem and the choices provided, Device Manager is the best choice.