Member Avatar for jimskiski

Actually, I have two problems. The title pretty much explains the first one. I installed scanner software from the disc itself instead of using the new hardware wizard (Windows xp home edition, if it matters) on my new HP. Now every time I start the computer, I get the 'found new hardware wizard' -- and I can't seem to shut it off!! Could this have to do with xp preferring (more like insisting on) 'authentic Microsoft signed software' to 'assure compatability'?(howd: howls of derisive laughter)

'Cause that's part of my second problem. I've got a printer, and now this computer won't even load the old driver, even when I've shut off the 'don't-bug-me-if-it's-not-signed-software' feature. Just loggin' on and getting an updated driver isn't possible 'cause I don't have an internet connection at home. Any way around these? :confused:

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Short, practical addendum for anyone still seeing the persistent "Found New Hardware" pop-up on Windows XP (scanner/printer installs and similar). The usual root is an incomplete or “ghost” device entry so Windows keeps trying to finish the install at every boot. was on the right track with uninstalling flagged devices; when that alone doesn't stick the steps below reveal and remove the hidden/non-present entries that typically cause the repeat behavior, and then show safe follow-ups for printer-driver and unsigned-driver situations.

  1. Reveal and remove non-present (ghost) devices
  • Open a command prompt and run the following to make Device Manager show non-present devices, then launch Device Manager:
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
start devmgmt.msc
  • In Device Manager choose View → Show hidden devices. Expand categories (Imaging devices, Universal Serial Bus controllers, Other devices) and uninstall any greyed-out or yellow-exclamation items that match the troublesome hardware. Reboot and recheck.
  1. Clean up printer/driver leftovers (if printer drivers won’t reinstall)
  • Use the Add Hardware wizard (hdwwiz.cpl) to remove mistakenly added devices, and open Print Server Properties (Drivers tab) to remove old printer driver packages. The Print Server Properties UI can be opened with:
rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /s /t2
  • If the wizard still asks for drivers, copy the manufacturer's driver files from the original CD or download them on another PC and transfer them by USB. XP will warn about unsigned drivers; accept only drivers from a trusted source.

Advanced notes and cautions: check that the Plug and Play service is running, create a System Restore point before any registry edits, and back up the registry if planning to remove keys under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum (advanced). If all else fails, restoring to a pre-problem restore point or a clean OS install will remove persistent device-entry corruption (’s hardware swap solved his case, but the steps above fix the underlying registry/device entries for most users).

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Member Avatar for mikeandike22

well you might wanna get internet connection and update the drivers

Member Avatar for Lurch

I had to reload my HP desktop. I kept geting the 'add new hardware' idiot icon every boot. I went to the device manager to see what was flagged as not working. Those I simply uninstalled, and rebooted. Thankfully, upon reboot, Windows found enuff decent drivers to get everything back on track..

Member Avatar for jimskiski

Never mind. My wife solved the problem by saying, "why don't we just by a new combination scanner-printer?" So we did.Problem solved.
I just noticed I typed 'howd' instead of 'hodl' for 'howls of derisive laughter'. Chalk it up to temporary brainphart syndrome.

Member Avatar for lepuschurn

I too have the same problem. I got our ID office to burn a CD with the software for a HP Sanjet 2300c which we had lost. It installed OK but thereafter every time I boot up XP finds new hardware. I have ininstalled and reinstalled but still the same. It is annoying rather than a real problem. Does anybody know how I can fix this?

Member Avatar for mlesniak

I have a similar problem, with an installation of a Samsung ML-4500 laser printer. The printer is already installed and working but whenever I log on to Windows XP as Admin I get a 'Found new hardware message'. I can cancel it but it will appear the next time I reboot and log in as Admin. If I try continuing to install the printer I get to near the end of the process and it says that the operation cannot be completed. I have the correct driver CD.
So what's up with Windows, that it can do something so basically stupid? I guess I'm going to have to edit the registry or something so if anyone has the solution to this problem please let me know.

Member Avatar for DMR

Hi mlesniak,

First of all- welcome to DaniWeb :)

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Member Avatar for DMR

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