How to Fix Windows XP IRQ

IRQ, or interrupt request, refers to a setting that Windows operating systems, such as Windows XP, assign to peripheral devices, such as keyboards, sound cards and video cards. The IRQ value identifies the device to the operating system so that the operating system knows how to exchange data with the device. If two devices are assigned the same IRQ, the operating system will not be able to properly connect with either device. In that case, you can fix the windows XP IRQ conflict by manually assigning a different IRQ to one of the devices.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button; then click the "Run" icon on the Start menu. This opens a Run window. Type "devmgmt.msc" in the "Open" text box; then click the "OK" button. This opens the Device Manager window.

2. Double-click the icon for the type of device you want to change, such as Keyboards; then double-click the specific device you want to change. This opens the Properties window.

3. Click the "Resources" tab in the Properties window. Click to clear the check box next to "Use automatic settings."

4. Click the hardware configuration you want to change in the "Setting based on" drop-down menu.

5. Click the IRQ settings under Resource Type; then click the "Change Setting" button.

6. Type a new IRQ setting in the dialog box; then click the "OK" button. Click the "OK" button to close the Properties window and complete the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Changing IRQ settings may cause your device to stop functioning. Only change IRQ settings as a last resort or when instructed to do so by a qualified professional.

References

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional Product Documentation: To change resource settings for a device