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Windows, rather than individual applications, is responsible for installing, configuring, and controlling printers.
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If Windows cannot detect your printer during installation, you can choose it from a list or supply the driver disk or CD.
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You should print a test page when you install a new printer to verify proper operation.
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USB printers often require you to install the driver software before installing the printer.
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A local printer is connected directly to your computer.
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A remote printer is a printer you can use via the network.
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A shared printer is connected to your computer and is also available to others on the network.
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The Windows print spooler holds print jobs before they are transferred to the printer, so you can hold or discard them as needed.
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To print to a network printer, you need the appropriate driver files as well as the path to the printer and permission to use the printer.
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Use the printer Properties sheet tabs to test the printer, adjust print quality, select a port, control the printer, and maintain print quality.
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Using an incorrect printer driver produces garbage output.
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Windows NT 4.0 doesn't have a Device Manager or PnP support, whereas Windows 9x/Me/2000/XP have these features to make hardware installation and support easier.
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PnP installations require PnP support in the device, the system BIOS, and the operating system.
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Digital signatures for drivers are usually not required but are recommended for reliable operation.
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A non-PnP installation might require the user to manually configure the hardware resources in the Device Manager after the card is installed.
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By default, the user is warned about unsigned device drivers, but these drivers can also be blocked or can be used without notice by adjusting the Driver Signing Options dialog.
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The Windows Device Manager indicates malfunctioning devices with a yellow exclamation point (!) and disabled devices with a red X.
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The General Properties tab for a device indicates whether it is working.
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Malfunctioning devices have a Device Manager code that can be used for troubleshooting.
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The Driver tab can be used to solve driver problems, and the Resources tab can sometimes be used to solve resource conflicts.
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System Information provides hardware and software information about a system without risk to the system's configuration.
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System Information can also be used to launch various tools such as DirectX Diagnostics and others.
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The System Restore feature lets Windows Me and XP users revert the system Registry to a previous state.
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File Signature Verification determines if unsigned system or device driver files are on the system.
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System File Checker replaces unsigned system files with signed versions.