Hardware Information Database Freezes

[reppo30]

Odd one this,

I am trying install another modem, as the other one is playing up, it keeps slowing right down and then stopping the data flow. !

So I thought i would take that one out and put another one, just to see if that cured it.

Now when windows Me boots up, it goes to do its usual checking for new hardware and brings up the box HARDWARE INFORMATION DATABASE.

The problem is the % stays at 0 and the system locks out, when i ctrl alt del the task manager confirms that the hardware information database is not responding, so i have to shut down remove the new hardware and reboot, and then it ok.

Is there a reg setting thats got corrupted somewhere??
I cant think what would cause this, and I need to get it sorted, so that i can install new hardware. I know i can go the easy route and re-install windows ME, but i just thought i would ask you guys first to see if anyone has a cure for it.!

[GaryRouth]

Sounds like the older modem's drivers are still installed. Perhaps the uninstaller didn't work as well as it should have.

You could check in Add/Remove Programs for any software listing for that older modem & make sure that's uninstalled. While you're in Control Panel, see if the older modem had an applet stuck in there - it might have an "uninstall" option also. And then from Safe Mode, if you still show any modems in Device Manager, remove them.

See if the computer boots fine with no modems installed.

If so, then reinstall the new one. If it's a "WinModem", "software modem", or "controller-less" modem, follow the directions exactly, they are very particular and sometimes take a few tries to get the com settings happy.
. . . Gary