CONFLICTS SHARING MOTHERBOARD RESOURCES MANUAL
The motherboard user’s manual should specify which slots share IRQs and usually recommends which slots to use for devices such as modems and sound cards. Regarchrm was likely installing two IRQ-dependent devices in slots that share IRQs. Some PCs have one slot that is not shared.” “Sometimes,” wrote D_V Ant, “the only way to separate them is to try each card in a different slot and check BIOS to see which IRQ was assigned. Other slots are designed for use by devices that don’t allow IRQ sharing. The cause of the problem, as D_V Ant pointed out, is likely that specific PCI slots share IRQs. Though this was not an option for Regarchrm, it’s a good point to consider if IRQ conflicts occur. “My bios allows for IRQ settings and keeps Win out of it,” wrote Fred07. TR members presented good troubleshooting solutions, including one that specifically addressed the underlying cause in this case.įred07, for example, suggested that the IRQs could be assigned in the system BIOS rather than through Windows.
CONFLICTS SHARING MOTHERBOARD RESOURCES WINDOWS
Windows will not allow me to change the resource settings.” “I believe that I need to change the IRQ setting of either the modem or USB port so that they do not have the same IRQ setting (IRQ10). “I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled both the modem and USB port several times and still have conflict, although Windows says that there is no conflict,” said Regarchrm. Reinstalling the devices also failed to resolve the issue. When Regarchrm attempted to change the settings, the system stated that they could not be altered. I receive error that scanner can’t be initiated and the modem says the port is open and can’t connect.” Upon investigating, Regarchrm found that both devices were using the same IRQ. “I have an HP scanner connected to the USB port. “I recently installed a PCI USB card and have installed a PCI internal US Robotics modem,” wrote Regarchrm. An important first step is being familiar with the information provided by the motherboard manufacturer.Īfter installing two PCI cards in a system running Win98SE, Regarchrm discovered that neither device would function properly. Information provided by TR members can help you resolve such issues or even avoid them altogether.
![conflicts sharing motherboard resources conflicts sharing motherboard resources](https://www.fpga4fun.com/images/XPsysinfo.gif)
Many motherboard manufacturers have designated specific slots for specific types of cards. Yes, for many add-in cards, some PCI slots are actually better than others. As one user posting in our Technical Q&A forum discovered, installing cards in the wrong slots can make it impossible to use the devices because of the resulting IRQ conflicts. An easily overlooked component of installing expansion cards is the IRQ sharing of specific slots on the motherboard. Though Windows does a fairly good job of allocating resources, the hardware often dictates what it can do. This might not always be possible, however. Find out why other members believe his motherboard manual may hold the answer.įor the most part, IRQ conflicts can be easily resolved by assigning values manually to competing devices. When a TechRepublic member encountered an IRQ conflict, he consulted the Technical Q&A. Check your motherboard manual when troubleshooting IRQ conflicts