Article ID: 810882 - Last Review: July 27, 2009 - Revision: 3.0

Error Message: Cannot Install Hardware. An Error Occurred During the Installation of the Device

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SYMPTOMS

After you upgrade your computer to Windows XP, and you try to install a device (such as a printer), you may receive the following error message:
Cannot install hardware.
An error occurred during the installation of the device.
The Data is invalid.
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CAUSE

This issue may occur if the driver that is included with the device is incompatible with Windows XP.
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RESOLUTION

Method 1: Install Windows service packs

To update Windows by installing the latest service packs, visit the following Web site, and then select the version of Windows that you are using:
http://support.microsoft.com/sp (http://support.microsoft.com/sp)
After you install any available service packs, again try to install the device.
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Method 2: Replace the Driver.cab file with the original version of the file from the Windows installation disk, and then remove and reinstall your hardware device

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Restart the computer in Safe Mode.
  2. Rename the Driver.cab file that is in the following folder:
    C:\Windows\Driver cache\i386
    For example, rename the Driver.cab file as Driver.old.
  3. Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
  4. When the Welcome screen appears, click Perform additional tasks.
  5. Click Browse this CD, and then double-click the I386 folder.
  6. Click the Driver.cab file, and then on the Edit menu, click Copy.
  7. In Windows Explorer, open the following folder:
    C:\Windows\Driver cache\I386
  8. On the Edit menu, click Paste to paste the Driver.cab file in the C:\Windows\Driver cache\I386 folder.
  9. Remove the device that you tried to install.

    For example, if you received the error when you tried to install a printer, follow these steps to remove the printer:
    1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware.
    2. Click Printers and Faxes (or the icon representing the type of device that you want to remove).
    3. Right-click the printer that you want to remove, click Delete, and then click Yes to confirm deletion of that printer.
    -or-

    Use Device Manager to remove the device. For example, if you received the error when you tried to install a modem, follow these steps to remove the modem:
    1. Click Start, right-click My Computer, click Manage, and then click Device Manager.
    2. Expand Modems, select your modem, and then press DELETE. Click Yes to confirm.
  10. Restart the computer. Your new device should be detected and automatically installed.
You may also want to contact the device manufacturer to obtain the most recent drivers for your device. For information about how to contact your device manufacturer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendors (http://support.microsoft.com/gp/vendors)
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Basic Keyboard
  • Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse
  • Microsoft Basic Wireless Optical Desktop
  • Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000
  • Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse 3000
  • Microsoft Comfort Optical Mouse 1000
  • Microsoft Compact Optical Mouse 500 v2.0
  • Microsoft Cordless Wheel Mouse
  • Microsoft Digital Media Keyboard
  • Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard
  • Microsoft Habu Laser Gaming Mouse
  • Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro
  • Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 4.0
  • Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0
  • Microsoft Internet Keyboard
  • Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000
  • Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000
  • Microsoft LifeCam NX-3000
  • Microsoft LifeCam VX-7000
  • Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000
  • Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000
  • Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000
  • Microsoft LifeCam VX-500
  • Microsoft LifeChat ZX-6000
  • Microsoft Optical Mouse Mobile
  • Microsoft MultiMedia Keyboard
  • Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000
  • Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
  • Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
  • Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard
  • Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000
  • Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse 3000
  • Microsoft Notebook Optical Mouse
  • Microsoft Optical Desktop Elite for Bluetooth
  • Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader
  • Microsoft Optical Mouse
  • Microsoft Optical Mouse by Starck
  • Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Microsoft SideWinder Mouse
  • Microsoft Standard Wireless Optical Mouse
  • Microsoft Wheel Mouse 2.0
  • Microsoft Wired Desktop 500
  • Microsoft Wired Keyboard 500
  • Microsoft Wheel Mouse 1.0
  • Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical
  • Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000
  • Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 3000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 7000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000
  • Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000
  • Microsoft Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000
  • Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 4000
  • Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000
  • Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 700 v2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 3000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2.1
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 700
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro 1.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000
  • Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro 2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 3000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 1.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Wheel Mouse
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Keywords: 
kbprb kbfix KB810882
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