How to Fix Error Code 38

Whenever you connect a USB device to your system, whether it be a controller, flash drive, camera or some other peripheral, the OS will, in many instances, automatically assigned drivers to the appropriate device. However, there are times when this isn’t the case, when a user may encounter an error code 38.

Of the various operating systems, Microsoft Windows sits head and shoulders above them all. People love Windows for a variety of reasons, from its institutive interface, to its wide customisation options. Windows uses a plug and play system which allows users to connect a wide assortment of devices to their Windows computer. However, occasionally this system may fail, resulting in an error code 38. The exact error message of which, reads like this:

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.

If you’re unfortunate enough to encounter this error message in Device Manager, it means, as the message states, an instance of the driver still remains in system memory.

Every time you connect a device to your system, to be used, an assigned driver set is loaded into memory, these files are then unloaded, when the device is removed. Error code 38 will oftentimes occur when the operating system fails to unload the drivers, or loads the wrong drivers.

What Causes Error Code 38?

To give you a better understand of the exact cause of this error, we’ll go through the most common culprits of this problem. Which are, as described:

• The drivers belonging to the USB controller have been corrupted.
• The OS is attempting to use outdated drivers.
• Your hard disc drive has been set to “turn off” during “idle” time.
• An outdated version of the device drivers is still active on the system.
• A third-party tool or app is interfering with the driver installation process.

Of the many reasons why this error may occur, those listed above have proven to be most the likely. Below, we will go through a number of solutions you can adopt to fix it.

That said, given the circumstances, it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. For this reason, it’s likely you will be forced to attempt every solution outlined below.

How to Fix It

When dealing with any plug and play driver related issue, the first thing you’re going to want to try is a simple system reboot. This way, the appropriate circumstance will be created for the operating system to offload the driver from memory.

However, in this instances, you don’t simply want to restart the computer. You first, want to flush all data from memory first. To do that, follow the simple steps below:

1. First, hold down the Shift key, then click on Shut down (located in the Start menu).

2. Once the system successfully shuts down, power it back on.

Remove BitDefender

BitDefender is a highly advanced antimalware tool, which, unfortunately has been found to cause error code 38 in Windows 10/11. End users have discovered that, in certain situations, the apps Program Guard, prevents the system from assigning a driver to the USB device.

This usually happens because the app (BitDefender) considers the Windows process (responsible for the plug and play system) to be a potential threat to the overall operating system. This in turn, prompts the block.

Thus, if you have BitDefender up and running on your system, then it’s definitely a recommendation, that you consider removing it, at least to determine whether or not it is the culprit.

Removing an app is a relatively simple process, but if you need any help, then I suggest you checkout my post on fixing ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED errors.

Use Windows Repair Tool to Fix Error Code 38

If your Windows 10/11 system is no longer running as fast as it once did, or is showing a litany of error messages, every time you turn it on, then it’s probably time you scanned it, using a Windows repair tool.

The tool I have in mind is called Advanced System Repair Pro and it is a multifaceted maintenance tool. Capable of detecting and fixing a wide range of issues, from virus infections, to computer errors, to data corruption, to Windows performance issues.

If you’d like to learn more about this tool, including the various ways it can help your system, visit the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ADVANCED SYSTEM REPAIR PRO

Update Chipset Drivers

Another possible cause of error code 38 is a corrupted USB controller driver. To fix this potential problem, you will need to download the latest drivers for the USB controller, which usually can be found in the chipset drivers set.

To find your chipset drivers, you will first, need to know the brand, model and version of motherboard installed in your system. From there, you can visit the appropriate website and download the drivers from there.

Alternatively, if you’re unable to find this information, then there’s a much simpler option. That is, to use a driver automation tool, such as DriverFinder.

This tool, when run, will search the internet for the latest drivers for all the various devices in your system, and download them. An entire update process made easy.

Anyway, you can learn more about this powerful tool, from the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT DRIVERFINDER

The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Reinstall USB Controller

Error code 38 indicates that the operating system was unable to load the appropriate device driver because an instance of it was already stuck in memory. This could be the result of the OS failing to detect the device after installation.

To rectify this issue, you can attempt a reinstallation of the USB controller. To do that, follow the steps outlined in my post titled how to repair power surge on USB port.

Check HDD Is Not Turned Off

It’s possible your hard disc drive is set to turn off when the system enters an idle state for a set period of time. If the error code 38 appears on an external hard drive, then you may want to check that it hasn’t been configured to turn off, in the Power Options.

For step-by-step instructions on how to do that, check out my post how to fix driver WUDFRd failed to load.

The steps outlined above are applicable to both PC and Laptop systems. Use the Power Option to modify your battery plans for your laptop.

Run Hardware Device Troubleshooter

Another option all Windows users have available to you, is the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter. This troubleshooting tool is designed to ensure all devices (and hardware components) that make up your computer, are working as they should. It is a built-in tool, which means it has its limitations, but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out entirely.

To use this tool, follow the steps below:

1. First, ensure you’ve booted into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press + R, type cmd and press CTRL + Shift + Enter.

3. Once Command Prompt loads up, type the command below and press Enter.

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

4. This will bring up the Hardware and Devices applet, from here, click on Next.

The troubleshooter app will conduct a scan, then give you a rundown of all issues it has identified. All you need to do is apply the recommended fixes and you’re done.

Are you looking for a way to repair all the errors on your computer?

If the answer is Yes, then I highly recommend you check out Advanced System Repair Pro.

Which is the leading registry cleaner program online that is able to cure your system from a number of different ailments such as Windows Installer Errors, Runtime Errors, Malicious Software, Spyware, System Freezing, Active Malware, Blue Screen of Death Errors, Rundll Errors, Slow Erratic Computer Performance, ActiveX Errors and much more. Click here to check it out NOW!