Usually, the problematic devices have been connected via USB and the problem can be resolved by managing those ports. We have prepared several useful methods which have worked for other users and we hope it will enable you to resolve the problem!
What Causes the ‘Windows cannot Load the Device Driver for this Hardware because a Previous Instance of the Device Driver is still in Memory (Code 38)’ Error?
The list of possible causes is not very long but it pretty much deduces which solution you are ought to use in order to resolve the problem. Let’s have a look!
Solution 1: Hold Shift While Shutting Down
This amazingly simple method definitely deserves its spot at the top of our list because of its sheer simplicity and because of the fact that it managed to help countless users who struggled with the “Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory (Code 38)” error. This method is the most useful for laptops. Simply hold the Shift button while clicking the Power Off option in the Start menu or the physical button. This will completely turn off your laptop and drain it of everything, making the next power up a sort of a new beginning. Check to see if this resolves your problem!
Solution 2: Reinstall USB Devices in Device Manager
This solution is generally easy even though it may take a few minutes more than other solutions depending on how many USB devices there is under Device Manager. This method has helped out the most users by far and we highly recommend you try out this method before the rest!
Solution 3: Make sure Hard Disk is never Turned off
This is yet another amazing solution which can be performed easily and which has helped plenty of people who have struggled with the same problem. This method will make sure your hard disk is never turned off when your computer is idle. This may seem like a drastic change but it’s minor when compared to the fact that your device will finally start working properly!
Solution 4: Run the Hardware & Devices Troubleshooter
This troubleshooter is the standard part of Windows troubleshooting suite inside Control Panel. Since Device Manager doesn’t offer the troubleshooter inside the device’s properties, this one is probably the most useful you can try out in order to get the job done. This has helped plenty of people and we hope it will help you as well.
Solution 5: Clean Boot
Clean booting in order to successfully detect a service or a process which starts up with your computer is definitely the number one solution. Some other services or programs are simply problematic and this can help you pinpoint them out.
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