Device manager is blank

Anonymous
2009-10-18T10:41:49+00:00

I tried Microsofts suggestion of clicking on plug and play and making sure it was set on automatic but that didn't work.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2009-10-20T17:05:54+00:00

Hello Estridge48,

Thank you for your post.  Try the following registry edit to resolve your issue:

  1. Go to "Start", "Run", and enter "regedt32"
  2. Maximize the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" window.
  3. Scroll down to "SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum"
  4. With "Enum" selected click the "Security", "Permissions" menu.

Note: At this point you will probably notice there are no permissions on this key.

  1. Click "Add".
  2. Add the group "Everyone" and the user "SYSTEM".
  3. Select "Everyone" and check "Read" ONLY!
  4. Select "SYSTEM" and check "Full Control".
  5. Click the "Advanced" button at the bottom of the window.
  6. On the Advanced window check "Reset permissions on all child objects..."
  7. Click "OK"
  8. On the warning window click "Yes"
  9. Close REGEDT32

Modifying REGISTRY settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of REGISTRY settings can be solved. Modifications of these settings are at your own risk.

Please let us know if  this did or didn't help to resolve your problem.

Cheers

Jason Microsoft Answers Support Engineer Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-09-16T16:40:13+00:00

    This one works! I was having multiple problems related to the blank device manager, including inability to install any wireless device manually, and see any usb connections near the clock at the bottom. Everything fixed. Just make sure to not get discouraged by a message along the lines of "some subtypes could not be changed." Just continue these steps and it will work!

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-06-10T20:22:44+00:00

    Thank you beautiful people this was driving me not so quietly nuts!!! It worked!!!! You clever lot!!!

    Louise Darby

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-04-25T17:50:16+00:00

    This was so helpful! I spent HOURS on this problem and this finally fixed it. I wanted to note that the language on the box I checked in the Advanced window (step 10) was different. It read "Replace all child object permissions with inheritable permissions from this object". Even though I got an error message after accepting ("Registry editor could not set security in the key currently selected or one of its subkeys") the device manager now works! It took a leap of faith to do this, but I'm glad I did.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-03-14T19:45:23+00:00

    Same problem here, followed all the above...

    in permissions for root I see "system" "everyone" and "OWNERS RIGHT" 

    WTF I am the owner!!

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