System32 Folder Keeps Popping up at Startup

There are times when you install a Windows update to your Windows 10 computer but you only got an error message saying, “The update isn’t applicable to your computer”. This is unusual as Windows was the one that downloaded them in the first place. To understand the reason behind this error, read on as this post will also give you a couple of suggestions you can try to fix the problem. One of the main reasons why this error occurs is that your computer might not have the required installed updates and many more. Other reasons include:

1. The update might be replaced. There are instances when a newer Windows version is already available on the computer and that the version you are trying to manually install is an older version which is why the Windows update failed.
2. The update might already be installed. There are times when the update process is still in progress and the earlier payload might have already been installed.
3. It could also be that it’s a wrong update for architecture. As you know, updates are designed accordingly based on the architecture of the computer so if the update you are trying to install does not match the architecture of your CPU then it’s no wonder you’re getting an error message.
4. Your computer might be missing a prerequisite update. There are Windows updates that depend on other updates so if you missed one and you’re installing another one, it could be the reason why you’re getting the error.

To fix the problem, here are some suggestions that might help.

Option 1 – Try verifying the package and the Processor Architecture

As pointed out earlier, updates are made according to the Windows versions. Thus, if one of the updates failed to install, you need to check if it’s applicable or not. The best way to do that is by searching the Windows update name on the official website of Windows. It could be that the Processor Architecture is not compatible with the Windows Update you are trying to install. If you have an X86-based processor, you can’t install x64-based installations of Windows and vice-versa. This usually happens when you’ve downloaded the update manually and then tried installing it.

Option 2 – Try checking if the update is old

The issue might be because you are trying to install an old Windows update which is why it didn’t work. To check, go to Settings > Update and Security > View Update history. From there, you can look for the update.

Option 3 – Try checking if the update is already installed

To verify the update, just go to the Windows Update history once more as you did in option 2, and then see if the update is already installed or not.

Option 4 – Try checking the prerequisites

AS mentioned earlier, there are some updates that depend on other updates before they get installed on your computer. The best way to verify is by checking the Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB). And to verify if the prerequisite updates are installed or not, just run the command below in PowerShell:

get-hotfix KB1111111, KB2222222, KB3333333

Note: In the command given above, you need to replace “KB1111111, KB2222222, KB3333333” with the actual update KB numbers.

Option 5 – Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter

As you know, Windows 10 has various auto-repair built-in tools to help users fix small issues which used to get fixed manually. And in this case, you will need the Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix the issue.

• Go to Settings and click on Update and Security.
• From there, click Troubleshoot and click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” option.
• After that, it will try to detect and automatically fix common issues in the Windows Updates which can be resolved by Windows itself. Note that the process may take several minutes before it completes so you need to wait until it’s done. Once it’s done, in case you have some pending update that wasn’t realized by the system early on, it will apply the fix right away and restart the Windows Update service.

Windows has tendencies to remember WIFI passwords so it can reconnect automatically to them. But from time to time we change passwords and Windows does not let us change it since he has network remembered. In this case, we will not be able to connect to the internet. In this helpful guide, we will let you know which steps you will need to take in order to solve this issue and to be able to connect to the internet again.

1. Restart Modem

   First thing first, restart your modem. Windows might see it as a new network and offer you to type in the password for it.

2. Update driver

   Sometimes the issue could be due to driver problems, open device manager and update WIFI driver or reinstall it.

3. Reset WIFI password

   Press ⊞ Windows + R type “Control” > hit Enter. Now click Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click on the connected Wifi and select Status. Click Wireless Properties, change the password from the Network security key section, and then click OK to reset your WiFi password.

4. Forget the network

   Click on Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Click the Manage known networks link Select the network you are looking for Select Forget.

5. Delete your WIFI profile

   Press ⊞ Windows + X to open the secret menu and click on Command prompt (admin) In command prompt windows type: netsh wlan show profile netsh wlan delete profile name=<profile name> Reboot

There are instances when you have to connect to another Windows 10 PC via remote connection from another Windows 10 PC. However, when you encountered an error saying, “Your password may have expired or the remote pc might not accept blank passwords” while doing so then read on as this post will walk you through how you can fix it. Here is the full content of the error message:

“Your password may have expired, or the remote PC might not accept blank passwords. Try connecting again. If this keeps happening, ask your admin or tech support for help.”

It is unknown what the exact cause of the error message is as it could involve several factors. Even so, there are still various potential fixes you can try to fix this kind of error. You can try to check if your password has expired or troubleshoot any issues with the network. You could also use a remote desktop application or configure the settings of firewall or restart the remote desktop service. For more details, refer to each one of the given options below. But before you proceed, make sure that you have someone to help assist you on the other side to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Option 1 – Try to check if the password has expired

The first thing you can do to fix the problem is to check if the password has expired as it could be the reason why you’re experiencing this problem. You have to make sure that you are using a user account that is on the remote computer and then check if the user account password has not expired yet. And if your PC is not within your access, then you can just ask someone to verify the password for you.

Option 2 – Try to troubleshoot network issues

To troubleshoot network-related issues that might be the one that triggers the error, you need to run the Network Troubleshooter. To get started, refer to these steps:

• Open the Search bar on your computer and type in “troubleshoot” to open the Troubleshoot settings.
• Next, scroll down and select the “Network Adapter” option from the right pane.
• Then click on the Run Troubleshooter” button.
• After that, your computer will check for any possible errors and will pinpoint the root cause of the problem if possible.
• Restart your computer.

Option 3 – Try to use a remote desktop software

A number of users reported that the issue occurred when they used the universal app for Remote Desktop and they were able to fix it by switching to the Remote Desktop application. Thus, you can try to switch to the remote desktop software and see if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 4 – Try to configure Firewall settings

You might also want to configure the settings of the Firewall as it could also help in fixing the problem. It is possible that the firewall is blocking the incoming connection on the remote computer. To check if whether the firewall is the culprit or not, follow the steps below.

• Go to Windows Security and then go to Firewall and network application.
• Next, click on the Advanced Settings link. This will open the classic Windows Defender Firewall and Advanced Security application.
• From there, look for the rule named “Remote Desktop – User Mode (TCP-In)” under inbound rules and check if it has been disabled or not.
• If the rule is disabled, you have to enable it.
• Once done, check if the error is now fixed or not.

Option 5 – Try to restart the Remote Desktop service

If none of the four given options given above worked, you might want to restart the Remote Desktop service as it can help you in fixing the problem. To do so, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
• Next, from the list of services, look for the Remote Desktop Service and right-click on it, and then click on the Restart option.
• Once done, check it was able to fix the “Your password may have expired or the remote pc might not accept blank passwords” error or not.

Error Code  0x80070490 - What is it?

Error code 0x80070490 occurs in versions of Windows including Windows 8 or 8.1 and Windows 7 or Windows Vista. This error often arises when users attempt to install updates via Windows Update or Microsoft Update.

The main reason for the error relates to the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) manifest which has become damaged. When the error occurs, the Windows device is unable to successfully install updates.

Solution

Error Causes

Error code 0x80070490 might appear for various reasons but is most prominent in the following cases:

• Attempts to install Windows 8 or 8.1
• A corrupted Component-Based Servicing (CBS)

Further Information and Manual Repair

The solutions for error code 0x80070490 vary so users may need to attempt each solution to find the best results.

1. Repair Corrupted Windows Files with System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC.exe) is a Windows-based utility that enables users to check and repair corrupted or damaged system files. It can also restore missing systems files which can be the cause of errors such as error code 0x80070490.

To repair files, begin scan by swiping the right edge of the screen then opening the search box. Type Command Prompt, right-click this option, then select Run as Administrator. Once the scan begins, wait for the process to be completed then restart your device. Check if the error is resolved by reattempting updates. If error code 0x80070490 in Windows 8 or 8.1 persists on your device, proceed to the solution below.

2. Perform Clean Boot

A clean boot is one of the best ways to reduce conflict among files – an issue that may arise whenever users update, install or run programs on their Windows device.

To run a clean boot, your device reboots using limited drives and programs. The process allows you to identify which conflict among programs is causing errors on your Windows device.

You can access the clean boot tool by entering msconfig in the search box. Select Services, then System Configuration. Check the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox then select Disable all. Next, go to the Startup tab, click and open Task Manager. After selecting the Startup tab, make sure you right-click each startup program. Click Disable from the context menu then close Task Manager when done. Select OK on the System Configuration menu then restart your machine to clean boot Windows 8 or 8.1.

If the clean boot successfully identifies and resolves issues with corrupted files, you will be able to access updates using Windows Update or Microsoft Update. Error code 0x80070490 will no longer occur. But if that proves unsuccessful, other options are available below including running Windows Update Troubleshooter.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

This method can provide a simple solution for users as it verifies whether your Internet connection, network adapter and Windows Update services are functioning properly. However, if you are uncertain as to whether you will be able to troubleshoot, seek assistance from a qualified Microsoft technician.

To run Windows Update Troubleshooter, simply download from Microsoft’s website. Be sure you are downloading the tool recommended for your operating system, in this case Windows 8 or 8.1. After you download Windows Update Troubleshooter, run it to enable the tool to check for and resolve update issues on your device.

4. Use DSIM or System Update Readiness Tool

The System Readiness Tool or DSIM is another method you can use to correct issues related to error code 0x80070490. This tool checks problems on your system that might prevent your computer from performing Windows updates including issues related to damaged system files.

Once you download and install this tool, it will be able to run automatically. The process may be technical, however, requiring specialized knowledge to successfully download and run the tool. Consider getting assistance from an IT professional in this case. Also, check Microsoft's online resources to download the tool.

5. Use an Automated Tool

Having an automated tool at hand will enable users to always be prepared. Download a powerful automated utility tool to provide solutions whenever error codes or other problems affect your Windows 8 device.

In case you didn’t know, the new Windows 10 v1903 has brought tons of new features around Windows 10 Updates. One of these features is the ability to automatically adjust the Active Hours based on your computer activity. This feature is really useful as it tells the operating system when to install the Windows Updates. A lot of users use the Active Hours feature to ensure that the Windows Update won’t force them to restart their PCs to install the update. So if your computer is turned on, it won’t apply the update during the active hours you’ve specified. In addition, the active hours change for many users and they are not that strict. For instance, if you set the active hours between 10 am to 5 pm, Windows Update won’t be forcing you to restart your computer to install the updates at those times. Note that Windows Update allows enabling an option using where it can monitor the active hours in your computer and change it. To configure this setting, here’s what you have to do:

• Frist, go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.
• Next, take note of your current active hours and click on the “Change active hours” link.
• Then toggle the option that says, “Automatically adjust active hours for this device based on activity”. This will change the active hours and if you match it with the previous one, it should be different.

As you can see on the image given above, the earlier active hours were between 8:00 to 17:00 and were changed to 11:00 to 19:00. If you have been using this feature for a while you’ll find how useful and handy it is especially when you’re using your computer and don’t want any notifications like the prompts for Windows Updates to bother you while working.

If you receive an error message saying, “File System Error 2147219196” when trying to open a picture, access a file or when moving a folder on your Windows 10 computer then read on as this post will help you resolve this error. According to experts, this error started to appear right after the Windows Update v1803 was released. Users who installed the new Windows version faced the same dilemma. This error might be caused by a corrupted disk or it could be due to some broken Windows components or due to file system encryptions. Before you troubleshoot the problem, make sure that you are logged in as an administrator.

Option 1 – Update Windows

The first thing you can do to Resolve File System Error -2147219196 is to update Windows. Since Microsoft is already aware of this issue, they might have already released a fix for this in one of their new updates so make sure to check for any available updates on your computer and have it installed right away.

• Tap Win + S to open Search then type “update” in the field and from the search results that appear, click on Windows Update.
• After that, it will open Windows Update under Settings and from there click the Check for Updates button and let Windows check for any available updates.
• And if there are any updates available, download and install them on your Windows 10 computer.
• Restart your PC and check if the error is now fixed or not.

Option 2 – Run CHKDSK to check your disk for errors

When it comes to some issues concerning the hard drive or removable devices, there is a utility in Windows that might help which is called “chkdsk”. This error check utility can help with several issues in the system including File System Error -2147219196.

• Tap the Win + S keys to open the Search box.
• Then type “command prompt” in the field and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
• After opening an elevated command prompt, copy and paste the following command and hit Enter:

chkdsk /r /f

• Now if you are prompted to run CHKDSK after your reboot your PC, just tap Y and reboot your PC.
• If CHKDSK is not able to find any errors, tap the Win + E keys and navigate the access window. From there, right-click on the concerned drive and click on Properties.
• After opening Properties, click on the tab Tools and then click on the “Check” button under the Error-checking section.
• Wait until the process is completed and then restart your computer.
• Once your computer has restarted, try accessing the file and check if the error persists.

Option 3 – Disable the File System Encryption

File System Encryption allows you to encrypt drives to protect them from being accessed from another computer. This is the standard practice in various organizations in order to protect their data. However, there are times when the file encryption system caused issues for users in accessing files and throws the File System Error -2147219196 instead which is why you need to temporarily disable it to access your file. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “control” in the field to open Control Panel.
• From there, navigate to Security and select the BitLocker Drive Encryption option from the list.
• After that, make sure that all your drives are not encrypted and if any of them are encrypted, turn off encryption by selecting Turn off BitLocker.
• Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

Option 4 – Run SFC scan

• Tap Win + R to launch Run.
• Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
• After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
• Restart your computer once the scan is completed.

There are instances when instead of fixing problems the Windows Update brings you problems on your Windows 10 computer. You might even see some pending Windows Updates which for some reason, refuse to install no matter what you do. The good thing is you won’t have to deal with those failed and pending updates that are incompletely downloaded to your PC as you can actually delete them. Follow the instructions prepared below to delete the failed and pending Windows Updates.

Step 1: The first thing you have to do is delete all the contents in the Temporary folder

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type in “%temp%” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Temporary folder.
• From there, select all the folders and files within the Temporary folder and then delete them all.

Note: %temp% is one of the many environment variables in Windows that could open the designated folder by Windows as the Temporary folder which is usually located at C:\Users[username]AppDataLocalTemp.

Step 2: Next, remove the pending.xml file

• Go to the C:\Windows WinSxS folder.
• Once you’ve opened the folder, look for a file named “pending.xml” file and right-click on it and you can either rename it or delete it.
• After that, the Windows Update should delete the pending tasks and build a fresh new update.

Step 3: Delete all the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder

The Software Distribution folder in the Windows operating system is a folder that can be found in the Windows directory and is used to store files temporarily which might be required to install the Windows Update on your PC. Thus, it is required by the Windows Update and maintained by WUAgent. Aside from that, it also contains all the Windows Update History files and once you delete them, you will most likely lose the Update history. As a result, the next time you run the Windows Update, it may result in a longer detection time.

• Open the WinX Menu.
• From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
• Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.

net stop wuauserv net stop bits

• After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
• Next, got to the C:\Windows\Software\Distribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files thereby tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.
• Once all the contents in the Software Distribution folder are deleted, restart your PC and then go back to Command Prompt and input the following commands again.

net start wuauserv net start bits

Since the folder has already been flushed, it will be populated afresh the instant your restart your computer and open Windows Update.

Step 4: Try resetting the catroot2 folder

You can also try resetting the catroort2 folder as it is known to fix tons of Windows Update issues. Both the Catroot and catroot2 are Windows operating system folders that are required for the Windows update process.  So when you run the Windows Update, the catroort2 folders stores the signatures of the Windows Update package and helps it in the installation. It makes use of the “%windir%System32catroot2edb.log” file in the updating process. Afterward, the updates are stored in the SoftwareDistribution folder which is used then by the Automatic Updates in order to execute the updating process. Keep in mind that you must not rename or delete the Catroot folder. Although the Catroot2 folder is recreated automatically by Windows, the Catroot folder isn’t.

Afraid of the growing threats online? As you should be. But we’re here to show you what kinds of malware are out there and what you can do to keep them at bay.

Malware definition

Malware comes from the term malicious software. It’s software designed to attack and exploit devices and networks to the advantage of the hacker who made it.

Malware can be transmitted in different ways. Most commonly this happens via infected USB drives, downloadable files or malicious websites. Depending on the type and ultimate goal, the consequences of a malware attack can range from negligible to catastrophic.

What kinds of malware are there?

1. Virus

A virus is typically spread via infected files, websites or links. It’s one of the oldest malware types and one of the most difficult to get rid of. That’s because, once activated, it replicates itself - hence the name. 

It can perform different kinds of attacks, depending on what the creator wants to achieve. The main characteristic of a virus is that it really doesn’t show itself until you activate the host. So that’s a scary thought for sure.

2. Adware

Sometimes an ad blocker isn’t enough to fight off unwanted ads. And some of them can, unfortunately, be malicious. They may redirect you to infected sites or prompt downloads of risky files. Even just opening a malicious site can lead to data theft.

So, definitely be careful when clicking around. Even if an ad seems completely legitimate, you can never be too sure.

3. Ransomware

Through ransomware, cybercriminals gain access to a user’s data and use it to extort them for money. Basically, the user is threatened with data deletion or even exposure if a ransom isn’t paid by a specific deadline.

This is a particularly nerve-wracking type of malware. If it targets an individual, it preys upon their sense of anxiety, fear, guilt and even shame. If it targets a business (which is a lot more common), it preys upon not only that business’s profit but also every single one of their customers and their data.

4. Trojans

This type of malware disguises itself very well as a legitimate-looking program. Once you download it, hackers can get full access and control of your device, data and network. They can even be hidden in games, apps and attachments. They cannot self-replicate, though, so we guess that’s… good news?

5. Worms

Worms can replicate, just like viruses, but you don’t need to actually activate the infected program for them to get going. They can be used for various purposes, ranging from data deletion to file encryption to support a ransomware attack.

6. Spyware

Spyware refers to malicious software that stays hidden on your computer and monitors your activity. The best-known type is keyloggers. This can be used to steal sensitive data like passwords and banking information.

7. Rootkits

Rootkits are among the most dangerous types of malware. They allow administrative access and full control of a device, which lets hackers continue hijacking all your data and monitoring your activity without your knowledge.

8. Botnets

Botnets are networks made up of bots - computers that cybercriminals have infected with malicious software. Bots and botnets give hackers remote access to users’ devices and allow them to spy on your camera, take screenshots, memorize passwords and launch Distributed Denial of Service attacks. This one truly makes your hair stand on end.

What can you do about it?

You know the old adage - better safe than sorry. And trust us, malware attacks are such a pain in the you-know-what that you really don’t want to be sorry.

Luckily, there are simple solutions that can shield you from most digital threats these days. What you want to be looking at is a solid antivirus program. Well, technically, you need an antimalware program, but since the latter evolved from the former, we still mostly refer to them as antivirus software.
The majority of antimalware programs these days don’t just shield you from potential risks online, but include additional features as well. For example, some Bitdefender antivirus packages also include parental control and a VPN. And Bitdefender is not just for PCs either - it offers protection for your beloved iPhone or Android as well. You can throw in a password manager in there too, for an additional layer of security.

If you aren’t too concerned about all these various threats or feel like you don’t need extra security, you can at least take a step to protect your information from being exposed to lurking cybercriminals as you’re browsing. This can be done through a good VPN like Surfshark, which hides your identity in the digital space and prevents your data from being tracked.

Choosing the right protective software is especially important if you have children with access to the Internet, since they’re unfortunately even more vulnerable to malicious attacks. If you aren’t sure what the right kind of antimalware program is right for you, you can reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help keep your entire household or office digitally secure.

The bottom line

The truth is that there’s no way to be 100% protected in the online world. Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to infiltrate our devices. But malware-battling software evolves along with them and there’s still plenty you can do to keep risks away. Stay safe!

Error Code 0x80070008 - What is it

Error Code 0x80070008 generally appears on machines running Windows 10, although it may sometimes also appear on earlier versions of the software, going all the way back to Windows 7, when the error was first introduced.

Common symptoms include:

• Inability to complete the Windows 10 Update process fully
• Machine running slowly
• Messages about a lack of memory on the device in question

If Error Code 0x80070008 has appeared on your computer, there are several things that you can do in order to fix the error and be able to install updates as necessary. Most of these methods are simple enough to use, even for the most inexperienced users, but at least one of the methods may require advanced knowledge or comfort in changing your settings on a deeper level.

If you don’t feel comfortable in your ability to use the steps below to resolve Error Code 0x80070008, get in touch with a qualified technician who is experienced in memory issues and Windows 10 error code resolution to assist you.

Solution

Error Causes

There are three basic causes for Error Code 0x80070008. The first is that your machine may not have enough memory to finish the installation of an update. The second possible cause is that another program may be interfering with your machine’s ability to finish the update installation. Lastly, Error Code 0x80070008 can occur when a user has a lot of language packs, which may interfere with the ability to complete updates.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Because there are three different causes for Error Code 0x80070008, there are also three different methods to attempt to resolve the error. If you believe that the error may be caused by the number of language packs installed on your device, you should attempt method three first. Otherwise, use methods one and two first.

If you are not confident that you can do the steps below on your own to resolve Error Code 0x80070008, get in touch with a certified computer repair technician that is familiar with Windows 10 issues in order to fix the issue.

Here are the top three methods to resolve Error Code 0x80070008 on a machine running Windows 10:

Method One:  Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

When Error Code 0x80070008 first appears on your computer, one of the first steps that you can take to resolve the issue is to open up the Windows Update module and click on the “Troubleshoot” tool. This will run a scan on the Windows Update tool to attempt to identify the root cause of the problem and to resolve it automatically for you.

If the troubleshooter finds a problem, simply follow the steps on the screen to resolve the error. In some cases, you may want to restart your computer after this process is complete before you attempt to run the Windows Update tool again.

Method Two:  Close All Programs Until Updates are Done

In some cases, a lack of memory on the machine can mean that running other programs while you are attempting to run Windows Update will cause the update process to fail. Closeout all of the programs that are running on the device, including any antivirus software or firewalls, before you run the update process. If this allows the Update process to run through to completion, you can then reactivate all of the programs that were running prior to the update.

Method Three:  Remove Unwanted Language Packs

This method generally applies to users who have an abundance of language packs installed on their machine, usually more than 20 in total, which may interfere with the update process. To remove unwanted language packs, follow these steps:

• Step One: Open the Start Panel and select “Control Panel.”
• Step Two: Find the setting for “Clock, Language, and Region” and choose “Region and Language.”
• Step Three: Select the option for “Keyboards and Languages,” then under the settings for “Display language,” choose “install/uninstall languages” and select “uninstall display languages.”
• Step Four: For any languages that you do not wish to keep, deselect them and choose “Next.” It may require several minutes for the process to complete.
• Step Five: After the unwanted language packs have been removed from your computer, you can attempt to run Windows Update again. You may want to restart your computer first for maximum efficiency.

Method Four: Use An Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

Each you connect time external devices like scanners, printers, and the likes to a Windows 10 computer, the device either pushes the drivers through the USB or any other port, or you are expected to install the drivers through external media. In both cases, the driver will be loaded into the system, allowing you to use the device. However, it doesn’t always go smoothly as you could encounter some errors like the “Windows cannot load the Device Driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the Device Driver is still in memory ( Code 38 )”. If you encounter such an error in the Device Manager, then this means that a previous version of the device driver is still in memory and that each time the device is used, that previous version is loaded into memory and then unloaded which triggers the “Windows cannot load the Device Driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the Device Driver is still in memory (Code 38)” error. This kind of error occurs if the operating system loads the unwanted driver or if it fails to unload the driver. It could be that there is an obsolete version of the driver that’s still installed in the system or it could also be that you need to update your USB drivers as they could be outdated or the problem could also be due to some third party program that is interfering with the installation. Whatever the cause is, here are some suggestions you can check out to resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Uninstall previously installed drivers and reinstall their latest working version from the manufacturer’s website

The first thing you can do is to uninstall the drivers that are currently installed on your computer and then reinstall their latest working versions from their official sites. This kind of error is commonly encountered while loading drivers for scanners and printers. This is due to the fact that their drivers and software come along with a package which is usually in external media like CD or DVD. So when you install the software package, there’s a possibility that a newer version has been launched by its manufacturer. When that happens, you have to uninstall the previously installed driver package and then download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install them.

Option 2 – Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

• The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
• After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
• From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
• Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
• After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.

Option 3 – Update or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller driver

Since it could be a driver issue, you can try to update or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller drivers using the Device Manager. Refer to the following steps:

• First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
• Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
• From there, look for the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option and then right-click on each one of the USB drivers and select the Update Driver from the menu.

Note: If it is a regular USB drive, then it will be listed as a USB Mass Storage Device but if you have a USB 3.0 device, then look for a USB 3.0 Extensible Host Controller.

• Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.

Note: If updating the USB Controller drivers didn’t work, you can try to reinstall them instead.

Option 4 – Restart your computer in a Clean Boot State

If the first three given options didn’t work and you still see the error when you connect external devices, you can try putting your computer in a Clean Boot State and then try connecting them again.

• Log onto your PC as an administrator.
• Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
• From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
• Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
• Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
• Click Disable all.
• Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
• Now try to connect the external devices and check if the error is now gone.