How can windows run with no devices in the device manager?

[Guest]

It would be very helpful if anyone could explain how to repair a damaged
device manger.

What do you do when nothing appears in the device manager window at all?

If you go to add new hardware and search, no new devices are found there
either.

The system runs fine except for a very slow performance when you click on my
computer, which can take up to 35 seconds to find the drives, etc. (Little
flash light comes up and searches and searches. Meanwhile a shortcut to my
documents takes ½ second to open.

The system has been thoroughly defragmenter, check for viruses, ad ware, spy
ware, etc.

The system has had registry software installed to check the registry for
errors.

How can windows run with no devices in the device manager?

 

[R. McCarty]

It can't run without Devices. A Registry cleaner is probably the last
thing I would use to resolve it. Have you checked your Registry for
the Enum table. This is where Device Manager gets its information.
Look at HKey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Enum
A good test is the IDE subkey. Your hard drive and Optical devices
should appear in the key fanout. I would probably also check the
backup ControlSets 1 & 3 for their tables. Also, be sure that the
Service Plug and Play is started and set to Automatic.

 

[Guest]

Mr. McCarty,
The registry cleaner was the last thing I have tried. I am at wits end on
this one.
I did verify that the service PnP is enabled and on automatic based on
another thread I saw here. I very much appreciate your response and will look
for the registry entries you advised me to look for.

What is especially strange is that the system works great, except for very
slow performance when clicking on my computer.

Another IT manager suggested I reboot the system in safe mode, because
supposedly ever device that has ever been installed on the system should show
up in the device manager while in safe mode.

Well they did not, but interestingly enough, when I clicked on my computer,
it came up instantly!

I will let you know the results of my search of the registry tomorrow.

Again, thank you for taking the time to respond!

Paul