Microsoft KB Archive/940199

= Error message when you try to install a new hardware device on a Windows Vista-based computer: &quot;Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device&quot; =

Article ID: 940199

Article Last Modified on 11/27/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Ultimate
 * Windows Vista Business

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SYMPTOMS
When you try to install a new hardware device on a Windows Vista-based computer, Windows Vista cannot install the driver for the hardware device successfully. Additionally, you may sometimes receive the following error message:

Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device. Windows found driver software for your device but encountered an error while attempting to install it.

This problem occurs if the Infcache.1 file that is in the %Windir%\System32 folder is deleted or corrupted.



CAUSE
If the Infcache.1 file is deleted or corrupted, Windows Vista does not re-create the Infcache.1 file.



Windows Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=51F0EF25-280B-4613-A600-C61224BACD1C

Windows Vista x64-based System
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=1FD9BBC8-624E-442D-A36A-169C4B942BEF

Hotfix information
A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement
You must restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information
This hotfix replaces hotfix 937187.

Registry information
You do not have to make any changes to the registry to use the hotfix in this package.

File information
The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, x64-based versions


STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the &quot;Applies to&quot; section.



MORE INFORMATION
Some third-party software programs may delete the Infcache.1 file by using the method that is described in Microsoft Knowledge Base article 830552. However, this method must not be used on Windows Vista-based computers. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

830552 &quot;The hardware was not installed because the wizard could not find the necessary software&quot; error message when you connect a Microsoft Sidewinder USB game controller

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

Keywords: kbfix kbqfe kbpubtypekc kbexpertisebeginner kbhotfixserver KB940199

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