Error code 38 while using the keyboard.

Anonymous
2010-04-23T19:57:48+00:00

My keyboard quit working and when I check it's status I get an error message that says Windows cannot load the device driver because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory (Code 38)

Can someone please help me fix this

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-12-25T18:22:13+00:00

    I have Windows 7 and get the SAME PROBLEM. I have had other problems/design issues that were  'solved in the past in other windows versions'  I AM SERIOUSLY THINKNG OF GOING BACK TO XP PROFESSIONAL.. WINDOWS 7 NOT ONLY IS a resource hog it looks like it was developed by ameteurs who did not look at  the past as one sourc of what to include in a new operating systems!!??

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-05-26T02:50:46+00:00

    i have xp and it wont let me run the link to fix and i have restarted my computer many times even tried new keyboard and software

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-05-11T14:53:40+00:00

    I have this issue also.  At work now looking up info.  Found two links:

    http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/My-keyboard-won-t-work-error-code-38-t276515.html

    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?s=1b652464ec252a7920a0e2590083fdcb&showtopic=310325&st=0&p=1718297&#entry1718297

    Tried contacting MicroSoft and they refuse to help because its XP, and suggested I get Windows 7 to fix the issue.  This will not happen, Win 7 is a resource hog.  Until they build a light frame work OS I will not change from XP.

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-04-29T19:15:50+00:00

    I have this problem on server 2008. Neither the mouse nor the keyboard will work.  I have to remote into the server because the mouse & keyboard don't wake the server.  Getting error code 38 in control panel. Tried the Microsoft tool listed above. No help.    Showed all devices using this:

    At a command prompt, type the following command , and then press ENTER:

    set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1

    Type the following command a command prompt, and then press ENTER:

    start devmgmt.msc

    Removed all instances of keyboards & mice from Control Panel, including hidden devices & previous devices.

    Rebooted server.  No help there.

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  5. Anonymous
    2010-04-27T11:04:55+00:00

    Restart your Machine; it'll load the new device  driver & the old corrupted driver will be lost from the memory.

    Run this tool if nothing helps:

    http://support.microsoft.com/gp/hardware_device_problems

    For more information please visit:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310123

    S.Chatterjee

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