Error message when you try to install a new hardware device on a Windows Vista-based computer: "Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device"
On This PageSYMPTOMSWhen you try to install a new hardware device on a Windows Vista-based computer, Windows Vista cannot install the driver for the hardware device successfully. Additionally, you may sometimes receive the following error message: Windows encountered a problem installing the driver software for your device. Windows found driver software for your device but encountered an error while attempting to install it. This problem occurs if the Infcache.1 file that is in the %Windir%\System32 folder is deleted or corrupted.Device_Name CAUSE If the Infcache.1 file is deleted or corrupted, Windows Vista does not re-create the Infcache.1 file. RESOLUTIONService pack informationTo resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Vista. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:935791 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935791/) How to obtain the latest Windows Vista service pack Update informationWindows Vistahttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=51F0EF25-280B-4613-A600-C61224BACD1C (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=51F0EF25-280B-4613-A600-C61224BACD1C)Windows Vista x64-based Systemhttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=1FD9BBC8-624E-442D-A36A-169C4B942BEF (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=1FD9BBC8-624E-442D-A36A-169C4B942BEF)Hotfix informationA supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next service pack that contains this hotfix.To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site: http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support (http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support) Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.PrerequisitesNo prerequisites are required.Restart requirementYou must restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.Hotfix replacement informationThis hotfix replaces hotfix 937187.Registry informationYou do not have to make any changes to the registry to use the hotfix in this package.File informationThe English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.Windows Vista, x86-based versions
Windows Vista, x64-based versions
STATUSMicrosoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Windows Vista Service Pack 1. MORE INFORMATIONSome third-party software programs may delete the Infcache.1 file by using the method that is described in Microsoft Knowledge Base article 830552. However, this method must not be used on Windows Vista-based computers.
For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
830552 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/830552/)
"The hardware was not installed because the wizard could not find the necessary software" error message when you connect a Microsoft Sidewinder USB game controller
For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 824684 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824684/)
Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates
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