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Video Card Identification Procedure

This procedure is used for identifying the manufacturer and chipset name and version of the video card, using the DOS "DEBUG" command. You'll need to do this typically when debugging problems or when you are looking for updated video drivers. An alternative option is to look carefully at the labelling on the video card and its components, but the advantage of this procedure is that it can be performed without the need to open up the system case.

Procedure Overview:

• Difficulty Level: 1 (Very low).
• Risk Factor: 1 (Very low).
• Hardware Required: None.
• Software Required: Any version of MS-DOS or Windows 95.
• Time to Perform: Less than five minutes.
• Preparation / Warnings: Make sure you have all work saved in open applications on your system before starting.

Procedure Steps:

1. Get to an MS-DOS Prompt: If you are running a version of Windows, you need to either open an MS-DOS prompt or shut Windows down to MS-DOS mode.
2. Enter the "DEBUG" Program: From the DOS prompt, type "debug" and then {Enter}. The system will display a single dash ("-").
3. Display the Video Card BIOS Area: Type the following, exactly (and nothing else, or you risk doing something to your system that you really don't want to): "d c000:0010". This will display the contents of the beginning part of the video BIOS ROM. The system will display a bunch of hexadecimal digits across most of the screen. On the left-hand side you will see text letters that correspond to these codes. For most video cards, you will see the name of the manufacturer and information about the video chipset type and version number.
4. Scroll Down If Necessary: On some systems you may need to scroll down further to find the information. Do this by typing just "d" and then {Enter}, one or more times. More information will display on the screen.
5. Exit "DEBUG": Press "q" and then {Enter} to quit the debug program.

Next: Windows 95 Version Identification Procedure

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