Cannot install ANY hardware anymore (XP Pro)

[Guest]

I am running windows XP SP2 (Installed with XP Pro incl SP2 disc). Everything
was running fine on my computer. Then all of a sudden any hardware i try to
install, fails. I receive the "Cannot install this hardware" message, stating
the software is missing, or the inf file was written for a previous version
of windows or something similar.

This happens with every piece of hardware i try to install or nearly all
drivers i try to update.. My digital camera, usb gamepad, usb hub, new HDD
etc.

This wasnt a huge probem until recently, when i added my new HDD to an
existing RAID Stripe. Windows booted, tried to install the driver but failed
(same message as above) but everything worked fine. Now every time i restart,
my computer fails to boot (just resets and starts from Bios) unless i use
"Last good configuration" (which has the Driver installed from my XP initial
installation) Then the whole process is repeated.

I was wondering if perhaps my registry, or inf files were corrupt as i know
the driver files are present on my machine. Or if this is another problem.

Can anyone help me ?
Thanks for your time.
acellardoor

Specs:
AMD 64 3500+
1GB 400mhz RAM
2x Maxtor Diamondmaxplus 10 200GB HDD's (RIAD Striped)
ATI Radeon 9800 pro
Soundblaster Audigy 2 with livedrive
MSI K8n Neo2 Platinum Motherboard

any help is appreciated, i dont want to have to format if i can help it.

 

[Galen]

In acellardoor <[email protected]> had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

I am running windows XP SP2 (Installed with XP Pro incl SP2 disc).
Everything was running fine on my computer. Then all of a sudden any
hardware i try to install, fails. I receive the "Cannot install this
hardware" message, stating the software is missing, or the inf file
was written for a previous version of windows or something similar.

<snip>

Try start > run > type "scf /scannow" without the quotes, hit enter, and
insert your CD when it asks for it. I don't know if that will fix your
problem but that's personally where I'd probably start this troubleshooting
given the information you've given us.

Galen

 

[Guest]

Try start > run > type "scf /scannow" without the quotes, hit enter, and
insert your CD when it asks for it. I don't know if that will fix your
problem but that's personally where I'd probably start this troubleshooting
given the information you've given us.

Galen

Just done it, a progress bar came up, didnt really move, by my hdd light
flickered and then the sfc program closed itself. I assume that means
everything was ok there. Unfortunately it doesnt seem to have fixed anything