Error code 38

Question

Hi. Each time I unplug and re plug an USB memory I get this embarrassing message: Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because a previous instance of the device driver is still in memory. (Code 38)

The driver could not be loaded because a previous version of the driver is still in memory.

So far I have not been able to solve the problem, having read ant tried out a lot of tips on the Internet. After restarting (even with Shift down) the USB works, but as soon as I unplug it and re plug the same or another USB stick, the problem occurs. It seems to be an issue with the USB 2, since the USB 3 works fine.

Looking desperately for a solution,

Fredrik Forss

Answer 1

Other users are complaining with the same issue. At least some of them solved this problem by uninstalling Bitdefender Antivirus Free, which was causing the issue. Anyway, Bitdefender Antivirus Free is a discontinued software and it will receive updates only up to the final of June this year.

Answer 2

Hi Fredrik,

I came on this thread because I've been experiencing the same issue over the past week. It's so frustrating. A previous comment said that Bitdefender can be a culprit and, having tried everything else, I decided to uninstall Bitdefender. And the problem is solved!! I simply installed a free version of Avast to replace Bitdefender. What a relief that this is no longer an issue. I hope you solve the issue soon.

Answer 3

Good day FredrikForss,

I appreciate your time getting back to this thread, If the issue persists, perform Repair Upgrade, it will repair and replace any corrupted system files.

Step 1: Download Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

https://www.microsoft.com/fi-fi/software-downlo...

Click “Download Tool Now”

Step 2: Run MediaCreationTool.exe.

Step 3: Choose "Upgrade this PC now".

Step 4: Select "Keep personal files and apps".

Step 5: Let it install

Restart once done and check.

Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Carlo T.

Answer 4

Hi Carlo and thank you for your reply. The problem still remains. First after Uninstalling the USB devices, the USB works normally. When I unplug the USB Memory stick and re plug it again (I have tried with different USB devices), the computer does not recognize it any more. It´s the same with the USB 3 port. However, when I connect my mobile phone via the USB, the computer recognizes the phone, even if it does not find other USB devices like USB memory stick or mass storage devices. A bit annoying....Looking forward to a solution. Cheers, Fredrik (I live in Finland)

Answer 5

Good Day FredrikForss,

My name is Carlo, I am also using Windows 10 pc and community member like you. Let us work together to sort this out.

First you need to connect the USB using other device for us to check if the issue is with the computer or the USB itself.

If it does the same using different device means that the USB is faulty.

If the USB works using a different device proceed with the steps below.

-Press Windows key + X

-Go to Device Manager

-Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controller

-Look for USB 3.0 Root Hub and USB 3.0 Extensible Host Controller

-Right click and Uninstall

After restart the driver will be automatically installed

Restart and try to connect it,try also a different ports.

Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Carlo T.