Device Manager Completely Empty

[qwertyuiop098]

Hi all,

Tried to install drivers for my phone but computer failed to install so I checked out device manager and noticed it is completely empty.

Trawling through the web I found many forums giving the same two answers. Check Plug n Play is started and automatic which is fine for me.

The other one was this;

1. Go to "Start", "Run", and enter "regedt32"
2. Maximize the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" window.
3. Scroll down to "SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum"
4. With "Enum" selected click the "Security", "Permissions" menu.

Note: At this point you will probably notice there are no permissions on this key.

5. Click "Add".
6. Add the group "Everyone" and the user "SYSTEM".
7. Select "Everyone" and check "Read" ONLY!
8. Select "SYSTEM" and check "Full Control".
9. Click the "Advanced" button at the bottom of the window.
10. On the Advanced window check "Reset permissions on all child objects..."
11. Click "OK"
12. On the warning window click "Yes"
13. Close REGEDT32

Following this instruction however the groups and permissions were fine, and there was a third group named OWNERS RIGHTS which is not mentioned in the solution and when trying to "Reset permissions on all child objects..." it did not let me despite being on a hidden(?) administrator account.

Does anyone know any other solution?

Additional info:
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Norton antivirus
Malwarebytes antimalware

and if there is anythig else you would like to know just ask.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Sir George]

There may be a system file that has become corrupt. Trying SFC /Scannow may help. See the following link;

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

If the above fails to help, go to the following link and read Post #22 by Jenae;

http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f217/solved-device-manager-is-blank-545563-2.html

HTH

 

[qwertyuiop098]

Thanks for the help sir.

Ran sfc /scannow three times and each time returned "found corrupt files but unable to fix them". Also have the cbs log if that's of any use, seems fairly long if that means anything.

EDIT: Downloading the System Readiness Tool now. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947821

 

[Sir George]

Thanks for the help sir.

Ran sfc /scannow three times and each time returned "found corrupt files but unable to fix them". Also have the cbs log if that's of any use, seems fairly long if that means anything.

EDIT: Downloading the System Readiness Tool now. Fix Windows Update corruption errors such as 0x80070002 and 0x80070057

Based on the results from SFC failing to fix problems, you will probably need to do a repair install or a new install.

HTH