What is Code 43 Error and How to Fix it

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.