sub0-
asked on
Device manager got empty (o.0)
After I installed some soundcard drivers that were not meant for my hardware, after rebooting Windows 2000 something got messed up.
Now device manager shows absolutely nothing and scan for new hardware doesn't work. So... besides not detecting that soundcard and also the dissapearance of network connection, everything works normally.
I have many programs installed and I don't want to reinstall Windows.
Do you have any ideea how to 'revive' my device manager?
Now device manager shows absolutely nothing and scan for new hardware doesn't work. So... besides not detecting that soundcard and also the dissapearance of network connection, everything works normally.
I have many programs installed and I don't want to reinstall Windows.
Do you have any ideea how to 'revive' my device manager?
sub0-,
Couple of options:
A) Boot up with the "Last Known Good Configuration"
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/en/server/help/boot_last_good.htm
B) Go into "Device Manager", under "View" select "Show Hidden Devices". See if the NIC and Sound Card appear now. If they do, "Uninstall" them and Reboot.
C) Try the same info above, only in safe mode.
D) Use Microsoft's "Sysprep". This tool is for mass production of machines. What it does is simply remove all of the hardware and then shuts down the PC. When the PC is booted, it will go through a "mini hardware detection", much like when the Operating System is first installed. This keep all of the apps intact and simply just redetects all of the hardware.
This is a link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/tools/sysprep/default.asp
If you want to go this route, please post it and I will help you in creating a "sysprep.inf" file. After that it will be pretty easy.
Just let me know a couple of things if you need to use Sysprep:
1) Is this a Upgrade or Fresh install of Windows 2000?
2) Are you running SCSI or IDE Drives?
Hope one of these helps you.
Mirfster.
Couple of options:
A) Boot up with the "Last Known Good Configuration"
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/en/server/help/boot_last_good.htm
B) Go into "Device Manager", under "View" select "Show Hidden Devices". See if the NIC and Sound Card appear now. If they do, "Uninstall" them and Reboot.
C) Try the same info above, only in safe mode.
D) Use Microsoft's "Sysprep". This tool is for mass production of machines. What it does is simply remove all of the hardware and then shuts down the PC. When the PC is booted, it will go through a "mini hardware detection", much like when the Operating System is first installed. This keep all of the apps intact and simply just redetects all of the hardware.
This is a link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/tools/sysprep/default.asp
If you want to go this route, please post it and I will help you in creating a "sysprep.inf" file. After that it will be pretty easy.
Just let me know a couple of things if you need to use Sysprep:
1) Is this a Upgrade or Fresh install of Windows 2000?
2) Are you running SCSI or IDE Drives?
Hope one of these helps you.
Mirfster.
ASKER
Mirfster, first of all I wanna say thanks.
A) Tried. Didn't work. (It was too late :))
B) Of course it doesn't work...
C) Same as B) :)
D) Ok, now we're getting somewhere...
I have the following hardware: Mainboard Abit ST6 i815 (with ac97), 128 sdram, hdd quantum IDE, cd writer jvc SCSI, yamaha pci and geforce mx200.
So... before I start experimenting with sysprep I wait for your suggestions.
P.S. My device manager: http://extasy2.home.ro/devicemanager.jpg
:D
A) Tried. Didn't work. (It was too late :))
B) Of course it doesn't work...
C) Same as B) :)
D) Ok, now we're getting somewhere...
I have the following hardware: Mainboard Abit ST6 i815 (with ac97), 128 sdram, hdd quantum IDE, cd writer jvc SCSI, yamaha pci and geforce mx200.
So... before I start experimenting with sysprep I wait for your suggestions.
P.S. My device manager: http://extasy2.home.ro/devicemanager.jpg
:D
I am at work right now, but will respond a little later on.
Mirfster.
Mirfster.
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ASKER
It might have worked if my Windows wasn't almost an year old and not that messed up.
At some point, about 80%, of the detection progress it simply stoped doing stuff. It didn't hang because I could move the mouse. So after trying this several times, I inserted the win2000 install cd and tried repair. Same thing happened. (so, Mirfster, my win was beyound repair there was nothing I could do :) )
Now I'm on a fresh install, and from now on I'll do backups more often. Thank you very much for your bother. :)
At some point, about 80%, of the detection progress it simply stoped doing stuff. It didn't hang because I could move the mouse. So after trying this several times, I inserted the win2000 install cd and tried repair. Same thing happened. (so, Mirfster, my win was beyound repair there was nothing I could do :) )
Now I'm on a fresh install, and from now on I'll do backups more often. Thank you very much for your bother. :)
Since the problem wasn't resolved, you should see if you can get your points refunded.
Mirfster.
Mirfster.
This question is still open and getting old. If any of the comment(s) above helped you please accept it as an answer or split the points who ever helped you in this question. Your attention in finalising this question is very much appreciated. Thanks in advance,
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Hope this helps.
Dawne:)