Configure the Startup Type for a Non-Plug and Play Device Driver
Applies To: Windows Server 2008
This topic provides a procedure that you can use to configure how a non-Plug and Play device driver is started when you start your computer.
Warning
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. Make sure that you fully understand the instructions before changing this setting.
Membership in the local Administrators group, or equivalent, is the minimum required to complete this procedure.
To change the startup type for a non-plug and play device driver
Click the View menu, and then click Show hidden devices.
Double-click Non-Plug and Play Drivers, right-click a device, and then click Properties.
On the Driver tab, under Startup, select a Type, and then click OK.
The Startup Type defaults to the type required by the driver when the driver is first installed. You can use the options shown 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.
| Startup Type | Description |
|---|---|
Automatic |
Starts every time the system starts, after the boot devices 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 nor that are 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. |
Additional references
View Information About a Device Driver
Update or Change a Device Driver