Device Manager - opens but is empty?

Device manager opens but window remains empty?

 

device manager window blank

Hi thanks, I thought that would work but alas it was already set to automatic. I really don't know what further info I can supply to give you a clue. thank you again.

 

tried running sfc /scannow

Ran it, it checked and no error messages came up.No message at all actually, not even a checked OK message. It's starting to look like re-format time?

 

I did some searching on this in the Google groups and the general recommendation is to try stopping and re-starting the plug and play service. If that doesn't do it there's some malware out there that causes this too. The name of it Apropos.C. You can read about it here.

If you have it, there's a removal tool available you can try if you want. You can read the details here.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14679793

 

didn't work

Thanks Zander,
Tried turning plug and play off and on and searched for apropos.c but still no good. When I open device manager not only does it not show devices it doesn't even show the computer name. Can I do a repair install without losing stuff?

 

You may find this bbs post useful. It spans many dates and many users experiences and solutions. That registry "enum" setting looks interesting. In any case, you may wish to walk through and check for the solutions that have worked for others:
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/t1051715405

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I am curious if you have tried logging in as another user or have tried "system restore ", selecting an older restore point. If an older restore point takes care of the problem, this may help to pin down what the problem was/is.

 

Thanks will try that site. Same on all users and system restore says no restore points available. Not sure how that happened as everyone claims they didn't turn it off! I cant find that enum thing when i try it says not available offline and i cant connect to internet

 

Device Manager fixed!!!

Thank you all for your help, indeed it turned out to be apropos.c that was the culprit. Had to use a program called Spy Sweeper to find it then aproposfix.exe to remove it. Now i can get on with fixing up the other probs. will search here for more help. thanks again!

 

You're welcome! Thanks for letting us know what worked for you.