Code 42: Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because there is a duplicate device already running in the system

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista

Device Manager displays the following message in the Device Properties dialog box, on the General tab, in the Device Status text box:

Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because there is a duplicate device already running in the system. (Code 42)

Diagnosis

A duplicate device was detected. This error occurs when a bus driver incorrectly creates two identically named devices, or when a device with a serial number is discovered in a new location before it is removed from the old location.

Resolution

Restart the computer.