How to Repair Device Manager in Windows XP

The Windows Device Manager is an application that has been bundled with the Windows operating system since Windows 95. It gives you the ability to control and view the hardware that is attached to your computer. When the hardware is not working properly, you can also perform limited troubleshooting through the device manager. Additionally, you can add new drivers for hardware as well as disable malfunctioning equipment through the Device Manager. Many times, however, when your Device Manager in Windows XP starts displaying significant errors it is a sign that your Windows XP installation has become corrupt and requires repair. A repair installation of Windows XP will restore your operating system to its original state while leaving the remainder of your computer intact.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP product key that came with your installation of Windows XP
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Boot your computer from your Windows XP install CD by inserting Disk 1 of the your Windows XP Installation CDs in your CD or DVD drive.

2. Continue the XP Repair Installation by selecting the "Enter" button when you are prompted "To Set Up Windows XP now, press Enter." On the next screen, agree to the Microsoft User's Agreement by pressing the keyboard function "F8" key on your computer's keyboard.

3. Select the version of Windows XP on the next screen that you desire to fix or repair by using the keyboard arrow keys, then press the "R" key on your computer's keyboard.

4. Select the "Next" menu button that appears after the Windows XP repair installation has finished copying files to your computer.

5. Enter your Windows XP product code on the next screen that is found on the back of your computer or on the CD case that your repair CDs came in and select the "next" menu button to continue.

6. Reboot your computer and test common applications that you run every day, including the Windows Device Manager.

Resources

• Fixing Windows XP Device Manager errors
• Accessing the different manners of repair in Windows