PCMech Forums - View Single Post - Fast way to remove all from device manager/ENUM key (Win9x/ME ONLY)

***glc*** · 05-11-2001, 07:40 AM

I've had to do this a lot recently - and here's a few tips.

Before starting, make sure the Windows "cab" files are on the hard drive, plus any drivers that are not included with Windows (video, sound, modem, etc.) and expand them into a folder if appropriate.

Yes, you can just delete the whole "enum" key. When you reboot, absolutely nothing will be found by itself. It will be in 640x480 16 color, and give you a display properties error. Cancel and close that and go to "add new hardware" and let it search. Reboot when prompted (this will happen several times) until you no longer get the prompts. If it prompts you to insert the Windows CD, point it to the cab files. If it asks for a manufacturer's driver disk, point it to the appropriate folder. Don't worry if a driver install fails, you can always go back later and reinstall that particular device from scratch. If you have a VIA based board, now is the time to install the "4 in 1" drivers.

Now, go into device manager. You will probably have some yellow flags. You will probably have 2 items that are flagged with unflagged duplicates - the keyboard and the DMA controller. Remove the entry that is NOT flagged. If you have 2 display adapters, one will be flagged - usually the "standard VGA" will not be flagged and the actual adapter will be flagged. Remove the unflagged standard VGA. By now you should have CD support, so any other devices that are flagged can be reinstalled using the appropriate CD if necessary.

05-11-2001, 07:40 AM	#12
*glc* Forum Administrator Staff Premium Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Joplin MO Posts: 37,727	I've had to do this a lot recently - and here's a few tips. Before starting, make sure the Windows "cab" files are on the hard drive, plus any drivers that are not included with Windows (video, sound, modem, etc.) and expand them into a folder if appropriate. Yes, you can just delete the whole "enum" key. When you reboot, absolutely nothing will be found by itself. It will be in 640x480 16 color, and give you a display properties error. Cancel and close that and go to "add new hardware" and let it search. Reboot when prompted (this will happen several times) until you no longer get the prompts. If it prompts you to insert the Windows CD, point it to the cab files. If it asks for a manufacturer's driver disk, point it to the appropriate folder. Don't worry if a driver install fails, you can always go back later and reinstall that particular device from scratch. If you have a VIA based board, now is the time to install the "4 in 1" drivers. Now, go into device manager. You will probably have some yellow flags. You will probably have 2 items that are flagged with unflagged duplicates - the keyboard and the DMA controller. Remove the entry that is NOT flagged. If you have 2 display adapters, one will be flagged - usually the "standard VGA" will not be flagged and the actual adapter will be flagged. Remove the unflagged standard VGA. By now you should have CD support, so any other devices that are flagged can be reinstalled using the appropriate CD if necessary.