Description of Code 10-related errors that Device Manager generates on Windows XP-based computers

This article describes the Code 10-related errors that Device Manager generates on Windows XP-based computers. This article also describes possible issues and suggested troubleshooting steps to resolve these errors.

Code 10 is a default error code that Device Manager generates when the operating system cannot determine which specific error code to return after an issue occurs. For example, Device Manager may generate a Code 10 error when hardware devices are accessed by a user or by software that is installed on the computer. The Code 10 error resembles the following:Additionally, in a Code 10 error situation, hardware and software on the computer may not function as expected. Or, one or more of these elements may be configured incorrectly.

Typical Code 10 error issues

The Code 10 error pertains mainly to hardware issues and to compatibility issues between hardware and software. Therefore, we recommend that you troubleshoot these issues by focusing on device drivers, on device configuration issues, and on hardware compatibility issues.

Incompatible, outdated, or corrupted device drivers

If you suspect that the Code 10 error is related to incompatible, outdated, or corrupted device drivers, try the following troubleshooting methods:

• Update the hardware’s device driver through Windows Update. To access Windows Update, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)
• Download a device driver from the Internet, and then install it.
• If the device was preinstalled on the computer, visit the computer manufacturer's Web site.
• If the device was installed after the purchase of the computer, visit the device manufacturer's Web site.
• If the device was preinstalled on the computer, and the computer manufacturer does not have an updated driver for the device, visit the device manufacturer's Web site.
  
  Important Make sure that the device driver is compatible with Windows XP.

Device configuration issues

If you suspect that the Code 10 error is related to device configuration issues, try the following troubleshooting methods:

• Make sure that the device is enabled in Device Manager. For more information about how to enable a device in Device Manager on a Windows XP-based computer, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
  283658  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283658/ ) How to manage devices in Windows XP
• Make sure that the device is enabled in the computer's BIOS. For more information about how to do this, see the system documentation. You can also contact the computer manufacturer.
• Disable advanced features for the device. For more information about how to do this, see the device documentation. You can also contact the device manufacturer.
• Adjust the configuration settings for the device. For more information about how to do this, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
  307970  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307970/ ) How to configure devices by using Device Manager in Windows XP

Software and operating system updates

If you suspect that the Code 10 error is related to missing software updates and service packs, try the following troubleshooting methods:

• Install the latest Windows XP service pack. For more information about how to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
  322389  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389/ ) How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
• Use Windows Update to install the latest updates for Windows XP. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com)
• Install the updates that are specific to the computer or to the device. To do this, we recommend that you visit the computer manufacturer's Web site or the device manufacturer's Web site.

Hardware compatibility issues

If you suspect that the Code 10 error is related to hardware compatibility issues, use the Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) to verify that the device is compatible with Windows XP. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site: If the hardware is incompatible with Windows XP, we strongly recommend that you replace the device with a device that is compatible with Windows XP.