"the data is invalid" error message while installing any drivers, WHY ???

[Jack Watts]

I have tried to change permissions in the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\.....
I assigned Full Control to the current user, administrators and even
everyone (I know, security risk). I did the same under exact device
path, like:
....\Enum\PCI\MyDevice, etc.... and all its subkeys. Same problem.
I verified permissions of each subkey for the failing device.
I even removed them and let windows to recreate after restart.
Always same the problem.
I am trying to install 3 different devices, all of them fail.
Microsoft's excuse in Knowledge Base, that I should contact
manufacturer for an updated driver does not applicable, because one of
the drivers is Microsoft's printer driver, that came with Windows XP.

Please help, I hate to replace new car, just because I can't change a
flat tire; I mean reinstalling windows is not a solution, if something
goes wrong.

Thanks,
Jack Watts
jkwt (at) Yah00 {dot} com

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Sorry, it does apply. Device drivers are the sole responsibility of the
device manufacturer. Even the drivers that are native in the OS are
supplied by the device manufacturer. This is the manufacturer's issue.

 

[Guest]

THREE different drivers ?????
Even those that used to work ????????
NO, THAT'S NOT THE CASE !!!!

Anyone else with actual knowledge in computers
would like to help? Please?

Jack Watts.

 

[Lev Shamilov]

Dear Jack,

Move content of folder %SystemRoot%\Driver Cache\***
to another location and then re-initiate driver update.
You will be prompted for some system files, that windows
can not locate (obviously because you moved drivers backup
elsewhere).

Just unpack manually from SP1.cab those files, or find
them in that folder (outside of service pack) and copy
those files to some temporary folder. As windows prompts
you for those files point to the temporary folder. Do this
one by one, every time windows asks you for a file.
Depends on your driver or drivers it may be a few files or
a couple of dozens.

Just be patient and extract all necessary files manually.
Assuming you set permissions in the registry correctly,
this will definitely solve the problem

I'm sure Microsoft will give you better explanation, but
from out experience it seems that for some reason Windows
can not extract files from Service Pack cabinet file
automatically. But when you do this manually it resolves
the problem.

We have fixed at least 40 computers in our office this
way, and it always works. If you need additional help, our
technical support people can help you with that, just
contact us through our web site.


Sincerely,
Lev Shamilov
http://www.netchain.com/
"Reliable Hosting for pennies"

 

[Len]

I see in your post that you have given everybody security rights for your
hardware. Have you given "system" full rights? That is the important one
as it is "system" that is installing your devices.

FWIW, Len