Device Manager will not open

[Guest]

When I try to open the Device Manager, I get this error: "Microsoft
Management Console has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are
sorry for the inconvenience." I've sent this error report to Microsoft
numerous times, with no help. Please help!!

Thanks,

Lisa

 

[Guest]

I am having a similar problem and worse still Device Manager when it opens is
empty and not showing any devices.

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

This issue showing up recently, seems to be caused by a Malware named
Apropos.C. It installs a Kernel driver with a random file name. More
information available at:

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/spyware.apropos.c.html

Removal tool:

See if running the AproposFix tool below helps:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14679793

Thanks to McCarthy for supplying the above URL. Note that the utility
referenced above removes a Malware reponsible for blank device manager.

Other possibilities:

No Items Appear in the Device Manager List When You Open It
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;311504

Also read this,
"If Device Manager is showing nothing, then Its the plug and play service
that is the problem. But if the Device manager is showing the system_name
and not showing any devices in the window, then check the security
permissions on the Registry key HKLM\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSET\ENUM .The
SYSTEM account must have full control permissions on this key in order for
the Device manager to list all the devices in the window."

Annoyances.org - Empty Device Manager (Windows XP Discussion Forum):
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/t1051715405

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User

Windows XP Troubleshooting
http://www.winhelponline.com

 

[Guest]

Ramesh I downloaded the Propusfix tool and it has not made any difference.
The problem is still there. I also checked that the Plug and Play was on
automatic in services as suggested by Carey but this has not resolved the
problem.

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Poplar,

Instructions to run Aproposfix.exe

Download AproposFix from here: http://swandog46.geekstogo.com/aproposfix.exe

Save it to your desktop but do NOT run it yet. Then please reboot your
computer in Safe Mode by doing the following:

1. Start Windows in Safe Mode.
2. Locate and double-click the downloaded file, aproposfix.exe.

This will create a new folder on your desktop called aproposfix. Open the
aproposfix folder on your desktop and run RunThis.bat. Follow the prompts.

If that did not help, follow-up with a thorough malware cleanup. Begin with
the stand-alone scanner from Trend Micro, named "Sysclean". Full
instructions at:

Generic Trojan / Adware Infestation Removal Procedure:
http://www.claymania.com/removal-trojan-adware.html

Trend Micro Sysclean package
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=10820

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php.

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User

Windows XP Troubleshooting
http://www.winhelponline.com