Re: Problem editing Registry

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

"John John (MVP)" <audetweld@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:eFS$uf9$IHA.3756@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bob Lucas wrote:

Win XP Professional (SP3) - using administrator account

Running:

Avast antivirus

ZoneAlarm free Firewall

Spy Bot Search & Destroy (without Tea-timer add-on).



Last year, I installed a PCMCIA card reader. My first attempt to install the hardware failed and produced an error message that the device "might not work properly".



Fortunately, a subsequent installation succeeded. However, the initial failure left the following residual entries in the Registry:



HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\PCMCIA\MTD-0002\1 and at

HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet003\Enum\PCMCIA\MTD-0002\1

(Default) REG_SZ (value not set)

Capabilities REG_DWORD 0x00000014 (20)

CompatibleIDs REG_MULTISZ

ConfligFlags REG_DWORD 0x00000040 (64)

DeviceDesc REG_SZ PCMCIA MTD-0002

HardwareID REG_MULTI_SZ PCMCIA\MTD-0002 PCMCIA\MTD-0002



Device Manager does not show an MTD-0002 device, so I cannot uninstall or delete all references to this hardware via Device Manger. I attempted to remove these entries from the Registry and received an error message; "Error Deleting Key, Cannot Delete 1; Error while deleting key."



The Registry also includes references to the another non-existent device.



HKLM\SYSTEM\Controlset001\Enum\USB\Vid_0000&Pid_0001\[Long List of numbers] and

HKLM\SYSTEM\Controlset003\Enum\USB\Vid_0000&Pid_0001\[Long List of numbers]

CompatibleIds REG_MULTI_SZ USB\UNKNOWN

LocationInformation USB Device



My attempt to delete these entries produced the same error message.



Is there any way to remove references to non-existent hardware items from my computer?

First verify that it isn't a phantom device. Look for it's ghost in the device manager:

Device Manager does not display devices that are not connected to the Windows XP-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315539

This little batch file will automatically set the Device Manager to show phantom devices and open it for you:

----------------------------------------------------
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices-1
start devmgmt.msc

----------------------------------------------------

Are those keys causing you problems? You cannot delete the keys because you do not have permission to do so, grant yourself the necessary permissions and you will be able to remove the keys. Before you do that keep in mind that there is a good reason why only the System account has permission to delete keys in the in the \Enum branch!

Are you familiar with the creation and use of Control Sets and have you verified the use the sets in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Select key?

Before you change the permissions and delete keys please read the following:

Enum
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/regentry/30004.mspx?mfr=true

System and Startup Settings
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb742541.aspx

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Select
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/regentry/34102.mspx?mfr=true

John



Thank you so much.

I ran "set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1" from a Command Prompt. Then, I opened Device Manager and selected "show hidden devices".

The list of devices included the problem items, both of which were highlighted with a yellow exclamation mark. I merely selected and right clicked on each item. Then, I selected the "uninstall" option, which resolved the problem. I did not need to change any permissions.

Your advice has also provided an opportunity for me to uninstall obsolete entries for various devices, which I will never use again.

.

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