ErrorVault.com

Error: Code 34 - Windows cannot determine the settings for this device.


How to fix the Device Manager Error 34 Code 34

This article features Error Code 34, also known as Code 34 and its description is Windows cannot determine the settings for this device.


About Device Manager

Each device you connect to your computer has a compatible driver to help you run processes that utilize that component. You will find a list of all devices within the computer in the Device Manager's hardware device properties. When something is wrong with these components, you will see indicators on that list. These indicators will give you an idea whether it is a driver issue, a conflict with system resource or other devices. You may see an exclamation point, a question mark or a down arrow on the list.

Device Manager errors come with error messages that describe the situation you are having with your computer hardware. Known as hardware error codes, these tell you exactly which part of the computer is having an issue. When you come across Device Manager error codes, you can correct the problem by making changes in the Device Manager section.

The Device Manager window and its contents are similar in all Windows version. To view status of components in Device Manager, you can simply search for the term "Device Manager" or run the process "devmgmt.msc".


Definitions (Beta)

Here we list some definitions for the words contained in your error, in an attempt to help you understand your problem. This is a work in progress, so sometimes we might define the word incorrectly, so feel free to skip this section!

  • Device - Electronic devices: computers, smartphones, tablets, electronic hardware and platforms.
  • Settings - Settings may refer to the tweaking which can be used to help improve the user-experience or performance etc.
  • Windows - GENERAL WINDOWS SUPPORT IS OFF-TOPIC

Symptoms of Code 34 - Code 34

As previously discussed, you will see indicators on the Device Manager window when you are experiencing problems with it. The problematic device might have a red X mark, an exclamation point or a question mark or a down arrow on it depending on what case you are facing.

An exclamation point denotes your computer detects a device but doesn't recognize it but if you see a question mark with an exclamation point, there may be conflicts between two devices connected to your computer. A red X mark means that your operating system cannot find the device, it might have been disabled or needs to be reconnected or rediscovered by your computer. A down arrow means a device is temporarily disabled.

Other than icon indicators on Device Manager, you may also receive errors that will tell you the symptoms your computer is displaying.


Fix Code 34 (Error Error 34)
(For illustrative purposes only)



Causes of Code 34 - Error 34

Regardless of the kind of Device Manager error you are getting, these errors are normally caused by the following:

  • Recent changes made in the system such as installation of a new program or hardware
  • Registry changes due to other error troubleshooting
  • Updates that your computer automatically installed
  • Virus infection that targets Device Manager settings
  • Not enough memory
  • Defective hardware due to normal device wear and tear

Repair Methods

There is no need to be afraid of receiving a Device Manager error. Device Manager errors are tools that help us properly identifying which component or software you need to troubleshoot.

If a repair method works for you, please click the upvote button to the left of the answer, this will let other users know which repair method is currently working the best.

Please note: Neither ErrorVault.com nor it's writers claim responsibility for the results of the actions taken from employing any of the repair methods listed on this page - you complete these steps at your own risk.

up vote 11 down vote accepted
Changes done to your computer can mess up your driver. If that happens, you can either reinstall your driver or update it. To do that, you can do the following.
  • If you received a Device Manager error code, take note of the description so you can pinpoint the driver or the component that is causing the error
  • Launch device manager by either searching for Device Manager or running "devmgmt.msc"
  • Find the driver on the list and right click on it
  • Click Uninstall in case you want to reinstall the driver, or Update Driver Software if you are trying to update it.
  • You will see a confirmation window, make sure the Delete driver software item is unchecked.
  • Click ok then reboot your computer.

You may alternately do this:

  • You may manually download the driver from the manufacturer.
  • Run it to replace the current driver you are using.
  • Once done, let your computer reboot.
For Window 7
  • Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
  • Click System Restore and then click Next.
  • Choose your restore point when you know your computer is doing fine
  • Keep clicking Next and the click Finish
  • It will take time so be patient, wait for the operation to completely stop
For Windows 8, 8.1 or 10
  • Right-click the Start button, then click System.
  • Once in System window, click System and Security.
  • Tap System and on the left side, click System protection.
  • Click System Restore, follow the instruction to select your restore point and then click Next until you see the Finish button.
  • Wait for the restore process to finish.
You may do the following to install Windows Updates:
  • Click Start, Search for Update.
  • You will see Windows Update as one of the listed search items, click it.
  • This will automatically run a search for the most recent updates you should have. You may want to check the descriptions of the updates and install only those that are compatible with your system.

It is the simplest single step you perform to correct problems with your device. Whenever you get a Device Manager error, first thing you would want to do is to restart your computer and let your computer go back to previous setup without reinstalling or restoring your OS.

Also, keep it a habit to turn your computer off after use. It's an easy enough task to do and very helpful in maintaining proper system operations. Leaving your computer on a sleep or hibernate mode can shorten the life of your computer anyway, so, again, make it a point to shut down your computer after every usage.

You may also go back to the original driver your computer came with. To do that:
  • On Device Manager, find the problematic driver.
  • Right click the device and click Properties.
  • When you see the Properties window, click the Driver tab.
  • You will see the Roll Back Driver button, click that.
  • Confirm the rollback by clicking Yes when you see a question that says "Are you sure you would like to roll back to the previously installed driver software?"
  • Restart your computer after this.
Peripherals may also cause issues on your computer. So, to eliminate the errors caused by these, you can simply unplug the device from your computer. Reboot your computer to help it remember your changes.
Other languages:

Wie beheben Fehler 34 (Code 34) - Windows kann die Einstellungen für dieses Gerät nicht ermitteln.
Come fissare Errore 34 (Codice 34) - Windows non è in grado di determinare le impostazioni per questo dispositivo.
Hoe maak je Fout 34 (Code 34) - Windows kan de instellingen voor dit apparaat niet bepalen.
Comment réparer Erreur 34 (Code 34) - Windows ne peut pas déterminer les paramètres de cet appareil.
어떻게 고치는 지 오류 34 (코드 34) - Windows에서 이 장치의 설정을 결정할 수 없습니다.
Como corrigir o Erro 34 (Código 34) - O Windows não pode determinar as configurações para este dispositivo.
Hur man åtgärdar Fel 34 (Kod 34) - Windows kan inte bestämma inställningarna för den här enheten.
Как исправить Ошибка 34 (Код 34) - Windows не может определить настройки для этого устройства.
Jak naprawić Błąd 34 (Kod 34) - System Windows nie może określić ustawień tego urządzenia.
Cómo arreglar Error 34 (Codigo 34) - Windows no puede determinar la configuración de este dispositivo.




The Author About The Author: Phil Hart has been a Microsoft Community Contributor since 2010. With a current point score over 100,000, they've contributed more than 3000 answers in the Microsoft Support forums and have created almost 200 new help articles in the Technet Wiki.


Follow Us: Facebook Youtube Twitter
Last Updated:
01/06/24 07:36 : A Windows 10 user voted that repair method 2 worked for them.

Recommended Repair Tool:


This repair tool can fix common computer problems such as blue screens, crashes and freezes, missing DLL files, as well as repair malware/virus damage and more by replacing damaged and missing system files.

STEP 1:
Click Here to Download and install the Windows repair tool.

STEP 2:
Click on Start Scan and let it analyze your device.

STEP 3:
Click on Repair All to fix all of the issues it detected.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Compatibility

Requirements
1 Ghz CPU, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB HDD
This download offers unlimited scans of your Windows PC for free. Full system repairs start at $19.95.

Article ID: ACX01657EN

Applies To: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000

Help someone else with this error and Share This Page:
Email Facebook Google LinkedIn Print Twitter

Speed Up Tip #63

How To Remove Extra Toolbars:

Removing extra toolbars from your Windows taskbar and Internet browser can give your computer a boost in terms of speed. These extra toolbars often get installed as a bundle when you install plugins and software. And most of the time, they overlap a feature that you already have.

Click Here for another way to speed up your Windows PC
Home     Blog     About     Privacy Policy     Contact Us


Errors in Alphabetical Order:  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Microsoft & Windows® logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft. Disclaimer: ErrorVault.com is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor does it claim such affiliation. This page may contain definitions from https://stackoverflow.com/tags under the CC-BY-SA license. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. © Copyright 2018