How to Resolve Exclamation Mark Driver Error with SM Bus Controller in Device Manager

Summary: Information on how to resolve the issue when An Exclamation Mark Appears on the SM Bus Controller in Device Manager.

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Instructions

Table of Contents

What is an SM Bus Controller?

SM Bus Controller or System Management Controller is a Chipset on the Motherboard. Its main purpose is to monitor the board's voltage and temperature.

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Why an Exclamation Mark Appear?

This is typically seen after you reinstall the operating system. Windows does not have native driver support for the chipset that is included on the system board.

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Download and Install the Chipset Driver

  1. Browse to Dell Support website.
  2. Identify your Dell product:
    • Under This PC, click Download and Install SupportAssist or select your Dell product from the list.
      Note: SupportAssist automatically identifies your Dell computer. If SupportAssist is not installed, follow the prompts to download and install SupportAssist.
    • Or, enter the Service Tag, Serial Number, or Model and click Search.
    • Or, click Browse all products and select the Dell product from the catalog.
  3. On the product support page, select Drivers and downloads.
  4. Switch the Show drivers for Service Tag button to retrieve a list of the drivers for your system’s factory-installed hardware and other recommended drivers. Detect Drivers option scans the computer and presents a concise list of recommended drivers and software that requires updates.
  5. Click Change OS and ensure that the correct version of Windows that is installed on your computer is selected.
  6. Find the Intel or AMD Chipset Device Software Driver that is applicable for your computer. See How do I Determine the Components in my Computer? section for more information.
  7. Click Download. You may receive a warning and an option to run or save the file.
  8. Click Save and select a preferred location to save the downloaded file.
  9. Once the download is complete, run the .exe file. You might be prompted to restart the computer(If required).

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The PCI Simple Communication Controller may also show an Exclamation Mark due to an outdated Chipset Driver. See Dell Knowledge Base article How to fix PCI Simple Communication Controller Driver error for more information.

Informational Videos

How to update device drivers - English only

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Article Properties
Article Number: 000131196
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 31 Dec 2024
Version:  6
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