kemibond
asked on
Cannot remove multiple "unknown device" entries from Device Manager
Recently upgraded a machine from '98 to XP Pro. All working well with the
exception of trying to get the scanner recognised. Numerous unsuccessful
attempts to ADD Imaging Device have led to 4 yellow ! "Unknown device"
entries in the Device Manager under Image. Attempts to remove these are met
with the message that they cannot be removed as they may be needed for
windows to boot successfully - which is not true. The scanner is a Mustek
Scanmagic 1200CP which is irrelevant other than to let you know what I have
tried. Using Regedit I removed any reference to Mustek (Edit/Permissions
required), 1200CP and Scanmagic, but still could not remove references to
abortive setups. I have also gone through all the boot-up files but can
find no reference to the Image device. Safe mode makes no difference. Any alternative ideas welcome.
exception of trying to get the scanner recognised. Numerous unsuccessful
attempts to ADD Imaging Device have led to 4 yellow ! "Unknown device"
entries in the Device Manager under Image. Attempts to remove these are met
with the message that they cannot be removed as they may be needed for
windows to boot successfully - which is not true. The scanner is a Mustek
Scanmagic 1200CP which is irrelevant other than to let you know what I have
tried. Using Regedit I removed any reference to Mustek (Edit/Permissions
required), 1200CP and Scanmagic, but still could not remove references to
abortive setups. I have also gone through all the boot-up files but can
find no reference to the Image device. Safe mode makes no difference. Any alternative ideas welcome.
ASKER
I have solved this one myself. sirbounty advice did not allow removal and rbkumaran drivers resulted in a fifth "unknown device". After disabling the "unknown device " entries I decided to try another disc I had for a Canon scanner. This scanner was recognised but not successfully installed. However, it allowed me to get rid of 1 of the "unknown devices". Rebooting removed another but no more on reboots. Used ADD/Remove Progs to take out new scanner drivers and then reloaded them. With reboots this removed another 1. Repeated till all were removed and then used scanner disc to uninstall all refererences instead of ADD/Remove. Reloading Mustek drivers this time led to successful installation.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Click Start->Run->CMD
Type the following lines exactly from the command prompt (misspelling won't generate an error):
SET DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEV
START DEVMGMT.MSC
In the window that opens, Click View/Show all hidden devices.
You may find transparent icons listed - only uninstall/delete the ones you're referring to, if you're certain they're not required...