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General discussion

XP Pro (SP3) no longer pairs recognized hardware w/ software

by VSB312 Feb 14, 2009 11:28PM PST

Situation: Microsoft Windows XP Pro (SP3) no longer pairs XP-recognized hardware with successfully installed and otherwise functioning software (e.g., bluetooth hub with bluetooth software, scanner software with scanner, DVD-R/CD burner and player, etc.). Both hardware and software function effectively on the desktop.

Additionally, the Microsoft Management Console (3.0) Device Manager no longer any identifies computer hardware and generates error messages indicating that snap ins are not functioning. Attempts to repair the MMC proved unsuccessful.

Attempts to fix the problem. While not a tech professional, but a serious end user, multiple unsuccessful attempts to isolate/resolve the problem(s) include:

-System restore
-Reinstalling non-functioning software
-Connecting hardware to different USB and Firewire ports.
-Testing hardware and software on a separate machines,
-System scans (e.g., virus, malware) report no "infections".
-XP troubleshooters and Microsoft on-line solution centers offer no guidance.

I am truly at a loss. Can someone make a suggestion?

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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Did anyone run a registry cleaner?
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Feb 15, 2009 12:07AM PST
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XP Pro (SP3) no longer pairs recognized hardware w/ software
by VSB312 Feb 19, 2009 3:46AM PST

Thanks for your follow-up question: I mistakenly forgot to mention my regular use of CCleaner. Also, sorry for my delayed response..

Actually, until 10 days ago, I ran CCleaner fairly regularly. Since the laptop has a fairly small hard drive a trusted friend/colleague suggested CCleaner. or Gleary Utilities 2-3 time/week. Today I transfer data on flash drives that are regularly backed up onto a truly portable hard drive. [N.B. When purchased, this hard drive offered the best value.]

While Gleary offered more bells and whistles, CCleaner seemed more focused and conservative (i.e., more discriminating as to what was deleted, moved, deemed unnecessary). In fact, the two times I ran the Gleary utilities, the to be deleted file was at least 3x the greater (i.e., number and size of files) than CCleaner.

It is possible that these "registry repairs and fixes" resulted in this seemingly never ending and ever escalating roller coaster of errors. At this point, each time I boot up the computer, I find myself faced with another function with a case of "amnesia."

Sorry for the mixed metaphor, but my current goal is simple: slow down the roller coaster so I can jump off and minimize the damage and time needed to rebuild the computer.

Thanks again for the question. You forced me to think through where I may have contributed to the problem.

Victor

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Just sharing.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Feb 19, 2009 3:48AM PST

I have an opinion on that one. I won't write but the first has cause little trouble and the second is one I'd had to give up and reload the OS.
Bob

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