6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers

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CCNA2 RSE Practice Skills Assessment - PT Type A

6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers

Lab – Managing System Files in Windows (Answers Version)

Introduction

In this lab, you will use Windows utilities to gather information about the computer.

Recommended Equipment

  • A computer running Windows

Answers Note: The students will be accessing sensitive settings during this lab. Stress the importance of following instructions to avoid damaging the operating system.

Step 1: Customize the Start Menu in Windows.

  1. Log on to the computer as an administrator.
    Note: If you are using Windows 8, skip to Step 2.
  2. To add Run to the Start menu, right-click Start and select Properties > Start Menu tab > Customize….

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 01

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 01

  3. Scroll down until you see the Run command. Click in the box next to select the Run command and click OK.

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 02

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 02

  4. Click Apply > OK to close the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window.

Step 2: Review the System Information.

  1. Open System Information by clicking Start > Run and type msinfo32. Click OK.
    Note: In Windows 8, search for msinfo32 by using the Search Charm.
  2. Click the plus sign next to Hardware Resources, Components, and Software Environment. Expand the window so you can see all the content.

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 03

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 03

  3. Under the System Summary heading locate and list the following:
    Processor: __________________________________________________________________________
    Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz, 2998 Mhz, 1 Core(s), 2 Logical Processor(s)
    BIOS Version/Date: __________________________________________________________________
    American Megatrends Inc. 080009, 9/1/2004
    Total Physical Memory: _____________________________________________________________
    3.00 GB
  4. Under the Hardware Resources heading, locate and list the following:
    DMA channels and the device using the resources.
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    Channel 2 Standard floppy disk controller
    Channel 4 Direct memory access controller
  5. Under the Components heading and Software heading look around to see what information is provided in these areas.
  6. Close the System Information window.

Step 3: Review the System Configuration.

  1. Open System Configuration by clicking Start > Run, and type msconfig. Click OK.
    Note: In Windows 8, search for msconfig by using the Search Charm.

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 04

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 04

    Note: Do not make any changes in this utility without Answers permission.

  2. Click the General tab.
    What are the startup options?
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    Normal startup, Diagnostic startup, or Selective startup.
  3. Click the Boot tab. This tab is for modifying boot options.
  4. Click the Services tab. This tab lists the computers services and status.
    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 05

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 05

    Can you enable and disable services at this tab? _____________________________________
    Yes

  5. Click the Startup tab. This tab lists the programs that are automatically loaded every time you turn on your computer.
    Note: In Windows 8, the Startup tab indicates that the Task Manager is used to manage startup items. There is also a link to Startup tab of the Task Manager on this tab.
  6. Click the Tools tab.
    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 06

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 06

    What can you do in this tab?
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    Launch Windows built-in utilities.

  7. Click Cancel to close the System Configuration window.

Step 4: Review DirectX Diagnostics.

  1. Open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool by clicking Start > Run, and type dxdiag. Click OK.
    Note: In Windows 8, search for dxdiag by using the Search Charm.
  2. If you are asked to have DirectX check driver signatures, click No.
    Note: When the DirectX Diagnostic Tool first opens, it may take a minute to load all information. Your DirectX Diagnostic Tool may not appear exactly as shown in this lab.

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 07

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 07

  3. Make sure the System tab is active.
    What does this tool report?
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    Detailed information about the DirectX components and drivers installed on the system.
  4. Click Next Page until you are at the Display tab.
    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 08

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 08

    What information is listed on this page?
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    Devices, Drivers, and DirectX Features

  5. Click Next Page until you are at the Sound tab.
    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 09

    6.1.4.4 Lab – Manage System Files in Windows Answers 09

    What information is listed on this page?
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    Devices and Drivers

  6. Click Next Page until you are on the Input tab.
    What information is listed on this page?
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    Input devices
  7. Click Exit.

Reflection

  1. Why would it be beneficial to turn off a service in the system configuration?_______________________________________________________________________________________
    _______________________________________________________________________________________
    Answers may vary. It may be beneficial to turn off a service if that service may have become unresponsive, or if a service is using too many resources.
  2. When would you use the startup tab of the system configuration tool?_______________________________________________________________________________________
    _______________________________________________________________________________________
    Answers may vary. There may be programs that you do not wish to start when the computer boots.