Change the startup type for non-Plug and Play drivers

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To change the startup type for non-Plug and Play drivers

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Click the View menu, and then click Show hidden devices.

  3. Double-click Non-Plug and Play Drivers, right-click a device, and then click Properties.

  4. On the Driver tab, in Startup select a Type, and then click OK.

Caution

  • Improperly changing the startup type of a boot device or system device can cause the system to become unstable or to no longer boot, or cause the device to stop working altogether. You should fully understand the instructions before changing this setting.

Notes

  • To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using Run as to perform this procedure.

  • To open Device Manager, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools, double-click Computer Management, and then click Device Manager.

  • The Startup Type defaults to the type required by the driver when the driver is first installed. You can use the options described in the following table to change the default. Use caution when changing the startup type; be sure that you fully understand the instructions before you change this setting.

    Type Description

    Automatic

    Starts every time the system starts, after the boot and system devices start. Click this option for devices that are not critical to basic system operation.

    Boot

    Starts every time the system starts, before any other devices start. Click this option for critical devices that are essential to system operation.

    Demand

    Starts when the device is detected or it is needed for a specific event. Click this option for devices that are not critical to basic system operation or required for device detection.

    System

    Starts every time the system starts, after the boot devices start. Click this option for critical devices that are essential to system operation.

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Update or change a device driver
View devices and resource settings
View information about a device driver
Using the runas command with MMC