subject: How to Troubleshoot Device Driver Error Codes 31 to 38 – Part 1 [print this page] How to Troubleshoot Device Driver Error Codes 31 to 38 Part 1
The Device Manager, a built-in Windows utility, is a great tool for troubleshooting and resolving problems. If this utility has reported an error code ranging from number 31 to 38, it typically means that your PC needs immediate attention. In this three-part article series, we will show you how to resolve these errors on Windows XP, starting with error codes 31 to 33.
Accessing Codes
You can view driver error codes from within the Device Manager. There are quite a few ways to launch this utility, but one of the easiest is to open the "Control Panel," double-click on the "System" icon, and click the "Device Manager" tab. Once inside, you can view errors by double-clicking any device that has a "yellow exclamation" mark at the left of the icon. Below are explanations on the error codes and probable resolutions:
Device Driver Error Code 31
"This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)"
This error code means there is a problem with a device driver. To resolve this problem, you will need to update the driver in question. There may be a chance that you already have the appropriate driver on your computer. If so, you may be asked to provide the path. If not, you can search for the most recent version on the manufacturer's website. To update the driver, right-click on the device in question, and then click "Update Driver" to launch the Hardware Update Wizard. Simply abide by the guidelines for updating the driver.
Device Driver Error Code 32
A driver (service) for this device has been disabled. An alternate driver may be providing this functionality. (Code 32)
This error means that the start type setting for this particular driver is disabled in the Windows registry. To restore it, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. In the Device Manager under properties, click on the "Driver" tab and then click "Uninstall." Next follow the instructions for installing the driver. Reboot your system and allow the changes to take effect. Once the system boots up, go back into the Device Manager, right-click on the device in question, and select "Scan for hardware changes." From here, Windows will locate the device and reinstall the driver. Select the "Install From a Specific Location" option to specify the version of the driver you obtained from the vendors website.
If this does not work, the last resort would be changing the start type in the Windows registry. You can launch the Registry Editor by clicking on the "Start" button, clicking "Run," and tying "regedit" in the text box.
Take note that Registry Editor is a tool only recommended for advanced users. Any mistakes made inside the registry could cause damage to your PC.
Device Driver Error Code 33
"Windows cannot determine which resources are required for this device. (Code 33)"
This error code means that failure has occurred in the translator component used to determine what types of resources this particular device needs to function. To start troubleshooting this error, run the "Troubleshooting Wizard" under "Properties." If this does not work, the best resolution is to replace or alternately configure the hardware in question. You should contact the hardware manufacturer to learn more about configuring or replacing the device.