htttp://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/n1051715405

i have the problem where device manager is empty ... thing is i don't know since when..could have been after a windows update possibly .

i suspect this problem is related to the fact that i cant update nvidia display drivers (see a thread down) had to do a system restore so i could play games again.. lucky i set a restore point the other day when i installed IE7..

my plug and play devices are set to automatic and Started...
don't think i have any viruses / spyware

anyone come across this before?

some people are mentioning that uninstalling a specific windows update fixed it for them, as its to do with security of plug n play devices. not tried that but am not confident in doing so, had a worrying screen saying a lot of applications may not work as a result.....

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Well im pretty confident that its my nvidia drivers that are causing my blue screens of death

nv4_disp.dll error

0x0000008e - that says Ram on MS website when i send error report but its probly caused by Drivers (thats what the ms error report said anyway (1 of them).

problem is now i can't system restore back to september to see if device manager contents re-appear because it blue screens..with device driver error message 0x0000000A - i think

i might try uninstalling the MS update i mentioned maybe in another thread...

an ultimate fix may be to just format or reinstall windows, but i Cant be fussed..might get a second HDD so i dont have to put my music and videos on again.

another possible suspected cause of this is that i installed the nvidia drivers when i had my Old (failed mobo) which i got RMA'd and replaced with the (same model) - which has fixed the old issues of PCIE voltages and Mouse lockups..

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You sure are having trouble with that PC. Reminds me of my old P2 400 days, never did get that working well. Can't offer any advice but good luck.

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Don't worry Sony, I'll just cancel my date of birth and get a new one.

meh i just thought, if i get a new hdd then i'll want to consider a new psu as people say im pushing it as it is..

... might just live with it.. everything works satisfactory, not going to format till i need to

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WOOT perserverence FTW

after about 2 hours of googling..

i found a comment that worked..
installed a program called Tune up Utilities 2006 - did a Tune up registry Defrag and it worked.. device manager is back!!

YAY

gonna try installing new nvidia drivers now

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worked ...


wooot

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