Multiple device failure (Code 12) after Windows 10 Creators Update

I have a system here with almost the same hardware as the above. I have the same issue.

After a long search to find this very helpful and extremely difficult to find post I was able to restore the devices!

Now after updating the Fall Creators update via Windows update and rebooting I find myself back in the same situation. Its as if the update reverted the changes. I hope this is isn't going to be a pattern for future updates. 

Don't get me wrong I am glad that the Solution by registry hack*: worked but*

I have not yet found a permanent solution for this issue but I am looking at the file permissions fix and will post the result.

Thank you Rainer & Sebastian for the post!

Renaming the pcmcia.sys worked for me also,

This brought my 2006 custom built laptop up-to-date.

It works!!!!!

These hacks work:

(Original 04.04.2018) Thank you MaBow and MikeMiCal - I worked with your suggestions.

(Updated 07.04.2018) Thank you SamuelLazarin for having confirmed that it's working.

Solution by registry hack*:*

(Update 07.04.2018 from a reply by Le Hobo Bob:

"A much simpler way that won't get undone by sfc or corruption repair and doesn't require complicated steps to take permissions on files would be to disable the driver service in the registry, I've tested this on Toshiba Satellite A135 and it works (well, other than my SD card reader which uses pcmcia not working anymore, everything else was fixed):

* hit start

* type regedit, hit enter

* accept prompt

* navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\pcmcia on the left

* Double click "Start" on the right and change the value to 4 (the default is 0)

* Reboot"

//End Update)

COMMENT: By resetting the registry value back to default and rebooting, the pcmcia service might work again without causing the failure. Should be tried.

Aparently it also should help to shove in any PCMCIA card, though in my case that solution didn't help. However, renaming files did the job and the update from Windows 10 version 15xx/16xx to the creatore's update versions 1703, 1709 and 1803 is operating well. After your Windows 10 got updated and your network hardware gave up while the device manager went to apocalypse by showing multiple device failure / errors (code 12) try this hack:

Solution by renaming pcmcia.sys*:*

Before starting, make sure you are logged in with an account having administrator permissions ascribed. Also, you need to enabled 'all files visible' and 'file extensions visible' in the file explorer. If you don't know what this is or how to do it, ask a technican to guide you through and rather don't continue alone.

1.) Open the folder: c:\windows\system32\drivers and find the file pcmcia.sys

2.) Change the file access permission to 'full control' as follows:

2a.) Right mouse click on pcmcia.sys - choose 'properties' - choose the tab 'Security' - click button 'Advanced' for special permissions - a new window opens called 'Advanced Security Settings for pcmcia.sys'

2b.) In the new window you see 'Name' in the first line and 'Owner' in the second*.*In the owner line Click 'Change' - a new window opens called 'Select User or Group' - click button 'Advanced...' - a new window opens also called 'Select User or Group'- click 'Find Now' - in the lower part of the window you see 'Search results' - Scroll to the 'Name' that equals your user name and that shows your PC name under 'In Folder' - click (highlight) your name and click 'OK' - the current window closes -you returend to the first 'Select User or Group' window - click 'OK' - window closes and you are back to 'Advanced Security Settings for pcmcia.sys' - check whether the owner now is your user name and click 'OK' - you might get ask for confirmations and get system info pop-ups which all need to be acccepted or confirmed.

2c.) You are back in window 'pcmcia.sys properties' - in the list 'Group or user names:' choose your 'Users (PC-Name\Users)' - in the lower part of the window change the 'Permissions for Users' by ticking the check- boxesto 'Full control' and 'Modify' - then click 'OK' - confirm the corresponding security warnings.

3.) Rename pcmcia.sys to pcmcia.sys.old - Reboot windows

Either problem solved or continue with 4:

4.) Open folder *c:\windows\system32\driverstore\filerepository* and find the folder *\pcmcia.inf_amd64_(hashtag)* - Right click and change permissions for the user 'Everyone' to enabled 'Full control' and 'Modify' - you might have to go through the process of step 2a-c.

5.) Open folder c:\windows\system32\driverstore\filerepository\pcmcia.inf_amd64_(hashtag) - rename pcmcia.sys to pcmcia.sys.old- rename pcmcia.inf to pcmcia.inf.old - Reboot windows

The multipe device failures (Code 12) should have disappeared. The WLAN/LAN should be functional and connect again.

After all this completed, I have renamed all three files to their original name, then rebooted and it STILL WORKS including the PCMCIA card**.** I also recommend to change all permissions of files and folders back to the original setting.

Further help: The following website explains how to get the required rights: https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/you-require-permission-from-trustedinstaller-error-fixing-guide/

Please let us know whether it has helped.

Best regards and good luck,

Rainer & Sebastian