In this Part 3 of my Windows 7 Control Panel tutorial, I’ll review Devices and Printers.

When you open ‘Devices and Printers’ from either your Control Panel or Start menu you’ll discover all the devices connected to your computer.

From the panel you’ll be able to install, view and manage your devices and printers as well as troubleshoot one that isn’t working properly.

Devices displayed are typically:
* Portable devices you occasionally connect to your computer e.g., mobile phone, portable music player, digital camera.
* Devices you plug into a USB port(s) e.g., external USB hard drives, flash drives, webcams, keyboards and mice.
* Printers connected wirelessly or via USB cable or network.
* Wireless devices e.g., Bluetooth devices and Wireless USB devices.
* Your computer.
* Compatible network devices e.g., network - enabled scanners, media extenders, Network Attached Storage devices.

Devices and Printers does not display:
* Devices installed inside your computer case e.g., disc drives, video cards, sound cards, RAM (memory), processors, and internal hard drives.
* Older devices such as keyboards and mice connected through a PS/2 or serial port.
* Speakers connected to your computer with conventional speaker wires.

Note: USB and wireless speakers may be displayed.

From the presentation of Devices and Printers you can:
* Add a new wireless or network device or printer to your computer.
* Determine if a specific device is working properly.
* Find information about your devices e.g., make, model and manufacturer.
* Troubleshoot a device with a problem.
* Fix devices that aren't working properly.
* Perform tasks with a device.

Note: When you right-click a device icon in Devices and Printers, often you can select from a list of tasks. They may vary depending on the capabilities of the device e.g., you might be able to see what's printing on a network printer, view files stored on a USB flash drive or open a program directly from the device.

Note: To troubleshoot a device - right-click a ‘device’ or ‘computer’ with a yellow warning icon and click Troubleshoot. If the troubleshooter detects a problem it may provide instructions to solve the problem.

Important: If after you’ve right clicked on your ailing printer in Devices and Printers, clicked on ‘Remove’ and then re booted to see if Windows will re install the printer trouble free and if Windows 7 Troubleshooter cannot determine a solution for your printer problem, I recommend unless you’re an experienced user you contact your technician. Further attempts on your part to administer a solution may only add to the problem.

Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.