Device Manager is totally blank but PC is working?

Bliz · #1 Feb 11, 2006, 01:56 AM

Hi,

My computer is running Windows2000pro. Recently my device manager has no information in it whatsoever. It's totally blank. My computer is still working but I want to install new graphics drivers for a new graphics card. I install the latest forceware drivers from the nvidia site without any errors but when I look at the driver settings (right clicking on the desktop, going through to adapter > driver etc.) It's still the old driver info.

I used the 'sfc /scannow' command but that doesn't seem to have done anything. It's like the OS refuses to record any driver changes though new devices work?

SHAVED · Feb 11, 2006, 02:48 AM

It seems to me that the files in the Device Manager are hidden. How long you have been using the system? Is this the first time you are finding this error? Did you ever disable your Device Manager?

SHAVED · Feb 11, 2006, 03:15 AM

Hi,
As per my first post make sure that the files are not hidden or you have not disabled the Device Manager. If that is not the case then it will be a problem with the registry (security permissions) which you have to correct. Do the following very carefully.

You must use regedt32 in Windows 2000. Be careful while making changes in the registry.

Log in as Administrator.

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

At this level you will probably notice that there are no permissions on this key.

5. Click > Add
6. Add the group "Everyone" and the user "System".
7. Select "Everyone" and check "Read" only
8. Select "System" and check "Full Control".
9. Click > Advanced button at the bottom of the window.
10. On the Advanced window check "Reset permissions on all child objects----"
11. Click > OK
12. On the warning window click > yes
13. Close regedt32

Hope you will be able to see everything in the Device Manager

Bliz · Feb 11, 2006, 04:19 AM

I followed the regedt32 steps and I did get an error message about it not being able to set all keys or subkeys of the selected item but when I looked at my device manager it's all gloriously working and functionable.

Thankyou very much!!!!

iibert · Feb 22, 2007, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bliz

Hi,

My computer is running Windows2000pro. Recently my device manager has no information in it whatsoever. It's totally blank. My computer is still working but I want to install new graphics drivers for a new graphics card. I install the latest forceware drivers from the nvidia site without any errors but when I look at the driver settings (right clicking on the desktop, going through to adapter > driver etc.) It's still the old driver info.

I used the 'sfc /scannow' command but that doesn't seem to have done anything. It's like the OS refuses to record any driver changes though new devices work?

i'm using a windows xp program. my device manager is blank but my pc is still running.

SHAVED · Feb 22, 2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iibert

i'm using a windows xp program. my device manager is blank but my pc is still running.

Hi libert,
As you are using Windows XP I think the following link will give you the solution for your problem.

No Items Appear in the Device Manager List When You Open It



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