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

This article describes the Code 10-related errors that Device Manager generates on Windows-based computers that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

The Code 10 error code is generated when Device Manager has insufficient information or the error that is bubbled up by the device drivers is not recognized by Device Manager. Additionally, this error may occur when one of the drivers that the device needs does not start. If many drivers are being used by a particular device, it can be difficult to determine the one that failed.

The Code 10 error resembles the following: The most common resolution is to update the drivers that are associated with the failing device. To do this, follow these steps:

1. In the device's Properties dialog box, click the Driver tab.
2. Click Update Driver to start the Hardware Update Wizard.
3. Follow the instructions to update the driver.

Note You may be prompted to provide the path of the driver. Windows may have the driver built-in, or the driver files may still be installed from the last time that you set up the device. If you are asked for the driver and you do not have it, you can try to download the latest driver from the hardware vendor’s Web site.

Typical Code 10 error issues

The Code 10 error pertains mainly to hardware and device driver issues or to compatibility issues between hardware drivers and additional software that is installed in Windows. 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Incompatible, outdated, or corrupted device drivers

If you suspect that the Code 10 error is related to incompatible, outdated, or corrupted device drivers, try the following troubleshooting methods.

Method 1

Update the hardware's device driver through Windows Update. To access Windows Update, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Method 2

Update the device drivers from the vendor's Web site. Follow their installation or update instructions.

• 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.

Note Make sure that the device drivers that are being installed are compatible with your current Windows version and platform.

Note In reviewing customer feedback, many of the Code 10 error issues are related to devices connected by using a USB port. As mentioned earlier, make sure that you have the most current drivers installed for the device together with any updates for Windows. In the specific case of Windows XP, review the following article to determine whether it applies to your situation:
If you are running Windows XP and cannot install Windows XP Service Pack 3, review the following article to determine whether it applies to your situation:

Device configuration issues

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 service pack.
• Use Windows Update to install the latest updates for Windows. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
  http://update.microsoft.com (http://update.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.

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:

• Use Windows Update to install the latest updates for Windows. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
  http://update.microsoft.com (http://update.microsoft.com)
  For more information about how to obtain the latest Windows service pack, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
  322389  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389/ ) How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
  935791  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935791/ ) How to obtain the latest Windows Vista service pack
  889100  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/889100/ ) How to obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2003
  968849  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968849/ ) How to obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2008
• 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

Another possibility is that the device was not designed to work with the particular version of Windows that you are using. You can use the Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL), to determine whether the device is listed as compatible with your current version of Windows. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site: