Code 40: Windows cannot access this hardware because its service key information in the registry is missing or recorded incorrectly

  • Article

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:

Windows cannot access this hardware because its service key information in the registry is missing or recorded incorrectly. (Code 40)

Diagnosis

Information in the registry entry for this driver is invalid.

Resolution

Uninstall the driver, and then click Scan for hardware changes to load the driver again.