XP device drivers, and how to remove old ones.

[reboot]

As we all know XP (all MS apps) doesn't remove drivers properly.

Well try this:

1. Go to a command prompt box, (type CMD in the run box)
2. Type: set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
3. Type: start devmgmt.msc which starts the device mangler
4. Click View, Show hidden devices, to view all devices

All icons that are now semi transparent are drivers that your OS doesn't have installed anymore. However the OS is still managing them just in case the device is re-installed. This will obviously slow down the OS.

However don't go unstalling every driver (back up first). I have done it and I have noticed some difference, especially on boot up, especially in those system's that have had lots of hardware installed and uninstalled over time.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Kewl. Sounds like something I will try.

Thanks for the tip, Reboot.

[Markoman01027]

Reboot,

I have a big list of drivers, which are some gray and some more gray than others. I would notice like Sygate Personal Firewall be on there(I don't know why, since it's software and not hardware).

I also have 2 unknown devices. Removed 2 of them. Rebooted. 1 came up again. Maybe because when I installed my webcam drivers, it is a USB webcam, I unplugged it, Device Manager removed it, and thats why it shows up?

Let me know what to do . Should I remove all of them? LOL

[Nuclear Krusader]

If I type:

set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=0

it will re-hide the devices, right?

[reboot]

Mark, remove them all if you feel confident. They'll get reinstalled if needed, or you'll be prompted for the drivers disk.

Nuc, yes, or simply hit View, and take the tick off "show hidden".