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Error: Code 40 - Windows cannot access this hardware because its service key information in the registry is missing or recorded incorrectly.


How to fix the Device Manager Error 40 Code 40

This article features Error Code 40, also known as Code 40 and its description is Windows cannot access this hardware because its service key information in the registry is missing or recorded incorrectly.


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!

  • Access - DO NOT USE this tag for Microsoft Access, use [ms-access] instead
  • Hardware - Programming questions related to the physical components of a computer
  • Key - A unique identifier used to retrieve a paired value
  • Registry - The Windows Registry is a database where configuration settings for hardware, software and the Windows operating system itself are saved.
  • Service - A Service is a long-running executable that performs specific functions and which is designed not to require user intervention.
  • Windows - GENERAL WINDOWS SUPPORT IS OFF-TOPIC
  • Access - Microsoft Access, also known as Microsoft Office Access, is a database management system from Microsoft that commonly combines the relational Microsoft JetACE Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software-development tools

Symptoms of Code 40 - Code 40

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 40 (Error Error 40)
(For illustrative purposes only)



Causes of Code 40 - Error 40

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 1 down vote accepted

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.

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.
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.
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.
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 40 (Code 40) - Windows kann nicht auf diese Hardware zugreifen, da die Dienstschlüsselinformationen in der Registrierung fehlen oder falsch aufgezeichnet wurden.
Come fissare Errore 40 (Codice 40) - Windows non può accedere a questo hardware perché le informazioni sulla chiave del servizio nel registro mancano o sono registrate in modo errato.
Hoe maak je Fout 40 (Code 40) - Windows heeft geen toegang tot deze hardware omdat de servicesleutelinformatie in het register ontbreekt of onjuist is vastgelegd.
Comment réparer Erreur 40 (Code 40) - Windows ne peut pas accéder à ce matériel car ses informations de clé de service dans le registre sont manquantes ou enregistrées de manière incorrecte.
어떻게 고치는 지 오류 40 (코드 40) - 레지스트리의 서비스 키 정보가 없거나 잘못 기록되어 Windows에서 이 하드웨어에 액세스할 수 없습니다.
Como corrigir o Erro 40 (Código 40) - O Windows não pode acessar este hardware porque as informações da chave de serviço no registro estão ausentes ou foram registradas incorretamente.
Hur man åtgärdar Fel 40 (Kod 40) - Windows kan inte komma åt den här maskinvaran eftersom dess servicenyckelinformation i registret saknas eller registreras felaktigt.
Как исправить Ошибка 40 (Код 40) - Windows не может получить доступ к этому оборудованию, поскольку информация о его служебном ключе в реестре отсутствует или записана неправильно.
Jak naprawić Błąd 40 (Kod 40) - System Windows nie może uzyskać dostępu do tego sprzętu, ponieważ w rejestrze brakuje informacji o jego kluczu usługi lub są one nieprawidłowo zapisane.
Cómo arreglar Error 40 (Código 40) - Windows no puede acceder a este hardware porque falta la información de la clave de servicio en el registro o está registrada incorrectamente.




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.


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Last Updated:
21/09/23 07:33 : A Android user voted that repair method 1 worked for them.

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Article ID: ACX01663EN

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

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