ErrorVault.comHow to fix the Device Manager Error 38 Code 38
Error Information
Error name: Code 38Error number: Error 38
Applies to: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP
Description: Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory.
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DOWNLOAD NOWAbout Device Manager
Each device you connect to your computer has a compatible driver to help you run processes that utilize that component. You will find a list of all devices within the computer in the Device Manager's hardware device properties. When something is wrong with these components, you will see indicators on that list. These indicators will give you an idea whether it is a driver issue, a conflict with system resource or other devices. You may see an exclamation point, a question mark or a down arrow on the list.
Device Manager errors come with error messages that describe the situation you are having with your computer hardware. Known as hardware error codes, these tell you exactly which part of the computer is having an issue. When you come across Device Manager error codes, you can correct the problem by making changes in the Device Manager section.
The Device Manager window and its contents are similar in all Windows version. To view status of components in Device Manager, you can simply search for the term "Device Manager" or run the process "devmgmt.msc".
Definitions (Beta)
Here we list some definitions for the words contained in your error, in an attempt to help you understand your problem. This is a work in progress, so sometimes we might define the word incorrectly, so feel free to skip this section!
- Device - Electronic devices: computers, smartphones, tablets, electronic hardware and platforms.
- Device driver - A device driver is a specialized software component usually considered "system software" which allows a system to interact with a particular type or class of hardware device, such as a keyboard, serial port, disk drive, video display, memory controller, or other peripheral.
- Driver - Device driver or software driver is a computer program allowing higher-level computer programs to interact with a hardware device
- Hardware - Programming questions related to the physical components of a computer
- Instance - In object-oriented programming an instance is an occurrence or a copy of an object, whether currently executing or not.
- Load - A measure of the amount of work a computer is performing
- Memory - Use this tag for memory management or issues in programming
- Windows - GENERAL WINDOWS SUPPORT IS OFF-TOPIC
Symptoms of Code 38 - Code 38
As previously discussed, you will see indicators on the Device Manager window when you are experiencing problems with it. The problematic device might have a red X mark, an exclamation point or a question mark or a down arrow on it depending on what case you are facing.
An exclamation point denotes your computer detects a device but doesn't recognize it but if you see a question mark with an exclamation point, there may be conflicts between two devices connected to your computer. A red X mark means that your operating system cannot find the device, it might have been disabled or needs to be reconnected or rediscovered by your computer. A down arrow means a device is temporarily disabled.
Other than icon indicators on Device Manager, you may also receive errors that will tell you the symptoms your computer is displaying.
(For illustrative purposes only)
Causes of Code 38 - Error 38
Regardless of the kind of Device Manager error you are getting, these errors are normally caused by the following:
- Recent changes made in the system such as installation of a new program or hardware
- Registry changes due to other error troubleshooting
- Updates that your computer automatically installed
- Virus infection that targets Device Manager settings
- Not enough memory
- Defective hardware due to normal device wear and tear
Repair Methods
There is no need to be afraid of receiving a Device Manager error. Device Manager errors are tools that help us properly identifying which component or software you need to troubleshoot.
If a repair method works for you, please click the upvote button to the left of the answer, this will let other users know which repair method is currently working the best.
Please note: Neither ErrorVault.com nor it's writers claim responsibility for the results of the actions taken from employing any of the repair methods listed on this page - you complete these steps at your own risk.
- Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
- Click System Restore and then click Next.
- Choose your restore point when you know your computer is doing fine
- Keep clicking Next and the click Finish
- It will take time so be patient, wait for the operation to completely stop
- Right-click the Start button, then click System.
- Once in System window, click System and Security.
- Tap System and on the left side, click System protection.
- Click System Restore, follow the instruction to select your restore point and then click Next until you see the Finish button.
- Wait for the restore process to finish.
- If you received a Device Manager error code, take note of the description so you can pinpoint the driver or the component that is causing the error
- Launch device manager by either searching for Device Manager or running "devmgmt.msc"
- Find the driver on the list and right click on it
- Click Uninstall in case you want to reinstall the driver, or Update Driver Software if you are trying to update it.
- You will see a confirmation window, make sure the Delete driver software item is unchecked.
- Click ok then reboot your computer.
You may alternately do this:
- You may manually download the driver from the manufacturer.
- Run it to replace the current driver you are using.
- Once done, let your computer reboot.
It is the simplest single step you perform to correct problems with your device. Whenever you get a Device Manager error, first thing you would want to do is to restart your computer and let your computer go back to previous setup without reinstalling or restoring your OS.
Also, keep it a habit to turn your computer off after use. It's an easy enough task to do and very helpful in maintaining proper system operations. Leaving your computer on a sleep or hibernate mode can shorten the life of your computer anyway, so, again, make it a point to shut down your computer after every usage.
- On Device Manager, find the problematic driver.
- Right click the device and click Properties.
- When you see the Properties window, click the Driver tab.
- You will see the Roll Back Driver button, click that.
- Confirm the rollback by clicking Yes when you see a question that says "Are you sure you would like to roll back to the previously installed driver software?"
- Restart your computer after this.
- Click Start, Search for Update.
- You will see Windows Update as one of the listed search items, click it.
- This will automatically run a search for the most recent updates you should have. You may want to check the descriptions of the updates and install only those that are compatible with your system.
Other languages:
Wie beheben Fehler 38 (Code 38) - Windows kann den Gerätetreiber für diese Hardware nicht laden, da sich noch eine vorherige Instanz des Gerätetreibers im Arbeitsspeicher befindet.
Come fissare Errore 38 (Codice 38) - Windows non può caricare il driver del dispositivo per questo hardware perché un'istanza precedente del driver del dispositivo è ancora in memoria.
Hoe maak je Fout 38 (Code 38) - Windows kan het apparaatstuurprogramma voor deze hardware niet laden, omdat een eerder exemplaar van het apparaatstuurprogramma zich nog in het geheugen bevindt.
Comment réparer Erreur 38 (Code 38) - Windows ne peut pas charger le pilote de périphérique pour ce matériel car une instance précédente du pilote de périphérique est toujours en mémoire.
어떻게 고치는 지 오류 38 (코드 38) - 장치 드라이버의 이전 인스턴스가 아직 메모리에 있기 때문에 Windows에서 이 하드웨어의 장치 드라이버를 로드할 수 없습니다.
Como corrigir o Erro 38 (Código 38) - O Windows não pode carregar o driver de dispositivo para este hardware porque uma instância anterior do driver de dispositivo ainda está na memória.
Hur man åtgärdar Fel 38 (Kod 38) - Windows kan inte ladda enhetsdrivrutinen för den här maskinvaran eftersom en tidigare instans av enhetsdrivrutinen fortfarande finns i minnet.
Как исправить Ошибка 38 (Код 38) - Windows не может загрузить драйвер устройства для этого оборудования, поскольку предыдущий экземпляр драйвера устройства все еще находится в памяти.
Jak naprawić Błąd 38 (Kod 38) - System Windows nie może załadować sterownika urządzenia dla tego sprzętu, ponieważ poprzednie wystąpienie sterownika urządzenia nadal znajduje się w pamięci.
Cómo arreglar Error 38 (Código 38) - Windows no puede cargar el controlador de dispositivo para este hardware porque todavía hay una instancia anterior del controlador de dispositivo en la memoria.
About The Author: Phil Hart has been a Microsoft Community Contributor since 2010. With a current point score over 100,000, they've contributed more than 3000 answers in the Microsoft Support forums and have created almost 200 new help articles in the Technet Wiki.
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