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REALLY uninstalling devices
- Thread starter NullOp
- Start date
CorruptedLogic
IS-IT--Management
- Aug 1, 2001
- 193
Hey, I used to use a trick a couple of lifetimes ago which would allow me to do exactly what you're trying to do.
This was on W2K Pro though (I'm assuming you're using XP?)
I've never tried it on XP, so tread carefully..backup the registry BEFORE you do this!
1. Boot into Safe Mode
2. run regedit
3. Browse to the HKLM > System > Current Control Set > Enum Key (this is where all your hardware information stored).
4. Now, to delete ALL of the hardware info, just remove the entire enum key, next time you boot windows, it will re-detect ALL of your hardware. To remove a specific device, expand the relevant key, then delete the underlying data (for example, to remove my floppy drive, i'd expand the FDC key, then delete the Generic_floppy_drive key).
5. Reboot, cross fingers!
Like I said, i have never tried this with XP. I'm not sure whether or not you'll run into licensing / activation issues if you remove the whole key. Someone else may be able to shed some light on that part...or, you could always just suck it and see! (providing the PC isn't mission critical and yo ucan afford the downtime to re-install if needed!)
Good luck!
CCNA, CCDP, Net+, A+
Work Smarter, Not Harder....
This was supposed to be the future.....Where is my JetPack?!
This was on W2K Pro though (I'm assuming you're using XP?)
I've never tried it on XP, so tread carefully..backup the registry BEFORE you do this!
1. Boot into Safe Mode
2. run regedit
3. Browse to the HKLM > System > Current Control Set > Enum Key (this is where all your hardware information stored).
4. Now, to delete ALL of the hardware info, just remove the entire enum key, next time you boot windows, it will re-detect ALL of your hardware. To remove a specific device, expand the relevant key, then delete the underlying data (for example, to remove my floppy drive, i'd expand the FDC key, then delete the Generic_floppy_drive key).
5. Reboot, cross fingers!
Like I said, i have never tried this with XP. I'm not sure whether or not you'll run into licensing / activation issues if you remove the whole key. Someone else may be able to shed some light on that part...or, you could always just suck it and see! (providing the PC isn't mission critical and yo ucan afford the downtime to re-install if needed!)
Good luck!
CCNA, CCDP, Net+, A+
Work Smarter, Not Harder....
This was supposed to be the future.....Where is my JetPack?!
- Thread starter
- #5
CorruptedLogic:
Followed your directions but controller in question was not listed. I too was interested in seeing how XP would react to some low-level clubbing. But, this is my personal machine, so I didn't do any experimenting.
Thanks everyone for the input.
"Life Is Good!
Followed your directions but controller in question was not listed. I too was interested in seeing how XP would react to some low-level clubbing. But, this is my personal machine, so I didn't do any experimenting.
Thanks everyone for the input.
"Life Is Good!
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