How often do you plug in your iPod, USB, or other such
external device into your computer, and be met by an error message that
contains the dreadful words: Windows has stopped this device because it has
reported problems (Code 43). You then try to resolve this issue by pulling out
the device and plugging it back in, but achieve little success. Code 43 is a
common error encountered by a majority of the PC users. Unfortunately, only a
minority actually know what this error is and how to get around such a problem.
Well, that is where we come in. This article is dedicated to explaining what
Code 43 is and how one can resolve this frustrating error in order to enjoy a
smoother device experience.
What is Code
43
Exclusive to the Device Manager, Code 43 is an error directly
linked to a bad device or bad device driver. When you plug in your external
device, the operating system runs the specific device driver and attempts to
load the instructions required to operate the device. However, if the device is
corrupted or the driver fails to start, the operating system has no other
option but to stop the device and generate the Code 43 error. And thus, you are
left with a pop up message displayed at the screen with that horrible “error
sound”.
Causes of
Code 43 Error
The causes of Code 43 Error are mostly unknown and very
vague. The specific cause is never listed in the error message and can therefore,
not be easily traced down as the leading reason for the error. However, listed
below are some common causes of Code 43 error that are mostly likely to occur
during this error:
·
Device driver is not installed or is not found
·
Device driver is out-dated
·
The device driver is misconfigured
·
Corrupt Registry Entries
·
The device is virus-affected
·
The cable connecting the device to the computer
is loose
·
Bad USB port
How to fix
Code 43 Error
Fortunately, fixing Code 43 error is easy and largely
identical to fixing other Device Manager related issues. Follow the solutions
mentioned is this article, and fix your Code 43 error.
1. Perform a System Reboot:
More often than not, Code 43 is an error temporarily
caused by the hardware which might get automatically fixed after a system
reboot. It is therefore advised that before you attempt the more complex
solutions, restart your PC and see if the error gets resolved by itself. If it
does, good enough. If it does not, only then proceed to the other methods.
2. Update Drivers:
As mentioned in the previous section, one
of the key reasons leading towards a Code 43 error is out-dated and obsolete
device drivers. In order to ensure successful operation of the device, keep the
drivers updated and constantly “fresh”.
Follow the steps below to update device drivers
in Windows 8:
a) Open the Control
Panel as demonstrated above
b) Enter Hardware
and Sound and then click Device
Manager
c) From the list of devices that are displayed,
locate the device for which you wish to update the driver. Right-click the
device and choose “Update Driver
Software…”
d) Choose and select the way through which you wish
to update the driver. The Wizard will then guide you through the steps
3. Reinstall the Device Drivers:
Corrupted or misconfigured device drivers
are one of the basic causes of Code 43 error. It is therefore suggested you uninstall
the previous device drivers and then perform a complete reinstallation
procedure.
Note: Before reinstalling the drivers,
you are advised to ensure your registry is free from remnants and leftovers i.e.
the orphaned and empty keys created during uninstallation process of old drivers.
For that, you are advised to either manually clean the registry or use a free registry cleaner to automatically fix the registry by removing leftovers.
Uninstallation can be done from the Control
Panel’s “Add or remove programs”
feature, as demonstrated by the steps below:
a)
Open the Search charm by pressing “Windows + f”
b) Type control
panel and double-click the Control
Panel icon displayed in the Apps section
c) Click Uninstall
a program listed under the Programs
sections
d) Right-click the program you wish to uninstall
and click on “Uninstall”. Confirm
your procedure by clicking Yes.
4. Use Another Data Cable:
A loose cable can hinder the communication
and data transfer process from the device into the system. Therefore, it is
helpful to replace this data cable with another, and check if the error gets
resolved.
This article mentioned the key causes and solutions to Code
43 error. Follow the methods described above, and rid yourself of this common,
yet mysterious device manager problem.
