Windows 10: Error code 38

Hi. Each time I unplug and re plug an USB memory I get this embarrassing message: Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. Code 38 The driver could not be loaded because a previous version of the driver is still in memory.So far I have not been able to solve the problem, having read ant tried out a lot of tips on the Internet. After restarting even with Shift down the USB works, but as soon as I unplug it and re plug the same or another USB stick, the problem occurs. I seems to be an issue with the USB 2,

:)

 

USB Devices not work - code 38

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are receiving an error Code 38 for USB mass storage device. I’ll certainly help you with the issue.



The error code 38 states that Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. It is caused because the driver could not be loaded because a previous instance is still loaded.
For more information, see
Error codes in Device Manager in Windows.



I would suggest you to refer the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:



Method 1: Reboot your computer



The simplest way would be to reboot your computer and check if that helps.



Method 2: Rollback the driver



If the issue persists, I would suggest you to try rollback the driver and check. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press and hold the Windows key + X, and select
   Device manager.
   
2. In Device manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
   
3. Right click on USB Mass Storage device and select
   Properties.
   
4. Navigate to the Driver tab and click on
   Roll Back Driver.
   
5. Restart the computer.
   

Method 3: Reinstalling the driver



If the issue persists, I would suggest you to try reinstalling the driver and check. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press and hold the Windows key + X, and select
   Device manager.
   
2. In Device manager, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
   
3. Right click on the USB Mass Storage
   device and click on Uninstall.
   
4. Uncheck the box Delete the driver software for this device
   and click on OK.
   
5. Restart the computer.
   

Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

38-character "product code"

I ran the troubleshooter for uninstalling a program that isn't listed in Windows 10 apps list that is described at Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

The troubleshooter asks for a 38-character product code.

To find the code, I tried running this command in a command prompt and an administrative command prompt:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product

That was not recognized as a command. Next, in Powershell, I ran
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product. I got a list of installed apps with 38-character codes, but the one that I want to uninstall was not on the list.

What should I try next?

 

Windows 10 WAN Miniport Code 38

Hi,

Code 45

Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)
This error occurs if a device that was previously connected to the computer is no longer connected. To resolve this problem, reconnect this hardware device to the computer.

No resolution is necessary. This error code is only used to indicate the disconnected status of the device and does not require you to resolve it. The error code resolves automatically when you connect the associated device to the computer.

Additional information

If Device Manager is started with the environment variable

DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES
set to 1 (which means show these devices), any previously attached (NONPRESENT) devices are displayed in the device list and assigned this error code.

Code 38

Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. (Code 38)
The driver could not be loaded because a previous instance is still loaded. Restart the computer.

Use the Troubleshooting Wizard

If you have not already run the Troubleshooting Wizard, do so now.

• In the device's Properties dialog box, click the General tab.
• Click Troubleshoot to start the Troubleshooting Wizard. The wizard asks you some simple questions and provides a solution to your problem based on the answers that you provide.
  
• Follow the resolution steps provided by the wizard to resolve the problem.

Restart your computer

Click Start, click Shut Down, and then select
Restart in the Shut Down Windows dialog box to restart the computer.

As you are using VPN I suggest you to post your query in
TechNet forum which is better suited for the issue. Thank you.