Thanks.  I will do as you suggest for the external USB card reader, in fact I did uninstall it several times but did not go through the procedure of rebooting. However, the problem is also there for the built-in card reader. How do I uninstall it, both hardware wise and software wise?

Correction -- my computer is an WPS9000, not 9100.

Thanks.

I had not seen the Microsoft Guide. It seems that it is not actually a Microsoft Guide, the URL is http://www.softipblog.com/windows-code-43.php.

I downloaded and installed the three recommended tools. All ended up scanning my computer, found a number of Windows problems, and offered to fix them for a fee.

I'm reluctant to simply let any of the three companies make changes to my computer.

Does anyone have experience here?

Thanks.

Anyone?

If you didn't use the "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" function to eject/stop the memory card before removing it from the PC that is probably the problem.  If this function is not used the status of the device can get corrupted in Windows.  When this happens with a device, such as an SD Card, USB Flash drive, etc, in most cases you can connect the problem device, then go to the Device Manager and there will be an entry for an "unknown device" (usually in the USB section).  Uninstall the unknown device in the Device Manager then physically disconnect the device and restart the PC. After Windows starts, connect the device and windows should detect and reinstall the device.  Then when you want to remove the device, first use the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media function to stop the device BEFORE you physically remove it from the PC.

Hi have you seen this guide HERE by Microsoft.

If you search the internet for Windows 7 code 43 you will find many other posts than the previous link, one or other may offer a better fix.

One that seems to have solved for USB for many people is:

http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread249370.html

First, please disconnect all USB devices and then perform the following steps:

Using the mouse;

1. Click "Start" button, type “devmgmt.msc” (without quotes) in the “Search” bar and press "Enter". Click “Continue” if necessary.

2. In Device Manager, double click to expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers", right click on the Host Controller, click "Uninstall" and click "OK".

3. Repeat the step 2 to uninstall all items under "Universal Serial Bus controllers".

Then, restart your computer and Windows 7 will reinstall all USB controllers automatically.

Using the keyboard;
Again, disconnecting all USB devices

1. Press "Ctrl + Esc" to open the “Start” menu.

2. Type “devmgmt.msc” in the Search bar and press "Enter". Click “Continue” if necessary.

3. In Device Manger, press Tab and use "Up" and "Down" to move the highlight to "Universal Serial Bus Controllers".

4. Press "Right" and expand it.

5. Press "Down" to move to the first item and press "Delete" to remove it.

6. Repeat the step 5 and uninstall all items under "Universal Serial Bus Controllers".

Then, restart your computer and Windows 7 will reinstall all controllers automatically