Code 12: This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use

  • Article

Updated: August 3, 2011

Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista

Device Manager displays the following message in the Device Properties dialog box, on the General tab, in the Device Status text box:

This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use. If you want to use this device, you will need to disable one of the other devices on this system. (Code 12)

Diagnosis

Two devices have been assigned the same input/output (I/O) ports, the same interrupt, or the same Direct Memory Access channel. The assignment was made by either the basic input/output system (BIOS), the operating system, or a combination of the two.

Resolution

The resolution for this issue can be very hardware specific. For detailed information, try searching for “code 12” and your hardware type, name, or model number on the Microsoft support site (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=538). For example, for code 12 issues with a CS4281 card, search for “code 12” CS4281.

Additional information

To run a diagnostic and repair tool, Hardware devices are not working or are not detected in Windows, go to the Microsoft Fix it Center.