XP SP2 find new hardware that doesn't exsist.

Question

I recently installed a new multi format dvd drive on my computer, I now have two drives.  Since then every time I start windows xp sp2 I get informed that xp has 'found new hardware' 'printer'.  I uninstalled all the software for my printer and then re-installed it from CD, but the problem persists. I tried to follow through with the 'found new hardware wizard' but it goes nowhere because xp can't find software for the non existant printer and I obviously can't choose software from a list. Any ideas? Thank you.

reverseswing200 · Answer

what does the device manager show? any bangs or exclamations.what about in bios?

X-Rogue · Answer

Conmir,

Did you set the jumper on the new drive to Cable Select, this is Dell`s standard.
Next enter the BIOS and make sure the IDE channel is ON and that both drives are on too.
Then Clear the NVRAM using this Dell FAQ from ChrisM
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_bios&message.id=41042

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reverseswing200 · Answer

what does the device manager show? any bangs or exclamations.what aboutdevice detection  in bios?

datapod · Answer

@conmir wrote:

I recently installed a new multi format dvd drive on my computer, I now have two drives. Since then every time I start windows xp sp2 I get informed that xp has "found new hardware" "printer". I uninstalled all the software for my printer and then re-installed it from CD, but the problem persists.

I tried to follow through with the "found new hardware wizard" but it goes nowhere because xp can't find software for the non existant printer and I obviously can't choose software from a list.

Any ideas?

Thank you.

See "The New Hardware Wizard may detect the printer device after every restart of the computer" @

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;298370

conmir · Answer

No printer in the device manager I can view my printer via the control panel, the printer is working fine. I also have a program that converts files to pdf format, this program installs as a printer, I've had this program on my computer for a good few months and never had problems with it before. I don't know how to look in bios. I don't know how to do device  detection in bios. On the new drive I set it to master, ie I put the jumper on the two pins that were on the right hand side. On the existing drive I set it to slave, ie I put the jumper on the middle two pins. Both drives seem to be working properly. I don't know what 'cable select' is. I don't know how to enter bios. I don't know how to turn IDE channel on or off. I'll clear the NV RAM now and leave another message in five minutes with the results. Thank you,

conmir · Answer

Problem seemingly fixed.

NVRAM cleared: No effect

Went to microsoft website and followed instructions but could not delete registry key (error)

Restored my system to a previous date

Eventually was able to delete most of old epson printer software

Installed new driver from epson website

Problem seemingly solved

Thank you

Windows General

XP SP2 find new hardware that doesn't exsist.

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