[PhyllisW]

Hello folks, I hope you can help me.

I have a Windows XP Professional machine, SP 3. It was working fine. A couple days ago I noticed there were some Windows Updates, and I installed them. They included Internet Explorer 8.

Now the software for my digital camera won't open, even after reinstalling. The camera people told me to uninstall using Device Manager, and reinstall. So I navigated to My Computer>Properties>Hardware and clicked on Device Manager. I got this error message:

"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

I ran a Malwarebytes virus scan. No viruses.

I opened the Control Panel>Internet Options and tinkered with the security, setting each item as liberally as I could. This fixed a couple other problems I was having too. But not the one with the Device Manager.

I would be very grateful for your help.
Blessings,
PhyllisW

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I would start with a sfc /scannow from a command line. Make sure to have an XP disc handy.

[diabillic]

I would start with a sfc /scannow from a command line. Make sure to have an XP disc handy.

[NeonFx]

Hi there

Could you tell me what kind of security software you have running and whether or not you have uninstalled any security software lately? Some are known to have these kinds of blocking settings.

Try to access your Device Manager using the run tool. Go to Start > Run and type in devmgmt.msc then press OK. Are you able to open it that way?

Edited by NeonFx, 16 June 2009 - 02:38 PM.

[PhyllisW]

Diabillic,
I will work on running running sfc /scannow . I have to locate my XP disks first? Backup first?

NeonFx,

I am running ESET Smart Security on this computer, have made no changes for quite some time.

BUT running devmgmt.msc from the run line DID bring up my device manager!!!!!

I'll take that for now, but would sure like for the button to be working.

Gratefully,
PhyllisW

[rshaffer61]

Right click on your Desktop where there are no Icons
Click on New and then on Shortcut
In the new window type in devmgmt.msc then click Next
In next window type in Device Manager and click Finish

You will now have a new shortcut for Device Manager
Please let us know how this works for you.

[PhyllisW]

I am running the scf /scannow.

Turns out uninstalling the camera and reinstalling using device manager didn't work. The computer still isn't seeing the camera.

Will keep you posted.
PhyllisW

[PhyllisW]

RSchaffer61,
I set up the shortcut as you advised.
Very Cool!! Thank you!!

[rshaffer61]

You are very welcome. If the SFC doesn't help try these steps

Reboot the system and enter Safe Mode
Uninstall Camera through Add\Remove programs.
If not there then go to Device Manager and right click on camera
Then click on uninstall
Restart computer and go into Normal Mode
Reinstall camera software first. Then connect camera and see if it works. Please let us know if this works.

[NeonFx]

You might also look for updated drivers for the camera on the manufacturer's website. It is possible an older driver is not compatible with some of Windows' updates.

[PhyllisW]

Hi folks,
I did download the latest software for the camera, so that's not the problem.

I ran the sfc scannow or whatever it is, and rebooted, and the two situations are still the same: the device manager button doesn't work (but I don't care any more) and the camera software kills itself after one minute of connection.

Now I am looking for the safe mode, and, ahem, am having trouble finding it. I know it's one of the F keys. So I mashed all of them while starting up and got something else, not safe mode. How do I find safe mode?

Thank you for your patience!!!
PhyllisW

[NeonFx]

As soon as you turn on your computer just continuously tap the F8 key until you see the menu come up.

[rshaffer61]

the device manager button doesn't work (but I don't care any more)
Is this the new one that no longer works now?

When you tap F8 you will get to a text filled screen.
There will be a option for Safe Mode
You will have to use your arrow keys to scroll down to it. Once it is highlighted then click Enter

[diabillic]

What antivirus application are you running on that machine?

[PhyllisW]

Hi folks,

I followed the directions for entering Safe mode, removing the camera program, restarting into normal mode, and reinstalling the camera software, then connecting the camera.

It didn't work, same result.

Concerning the antivirus, I have the ESET Smart Security as a firewall etc., and run MalwareBytes once in a while to check for viruses. Don't have a specific antivirus running all the time, I guess. I did run a MalwareBytes scan this afternoon and found nothing wrong.

I am REALLY appreciating your helping me.
PhyllisW

[PhyllisW]

The new Device Manager shortcut is working fine. Sorry to confuse.