If you're receiving the Code 40 - Windows Cannot Access This Hardware Because Its Service Key Information in the Registry Is Missing or Recorded Incorrectly error, here's how you can fix it.

Code 40 appears when the information in the registry's service subkey for the driver is invalid. Your best bet is to remove the device and allow it to reinstall.

1: Remove and Reinstall the Device

Press the Windows Key + S and begin typing in device manager and click on device manager. Windows 7 users can go to Start, Control Panel as well. Find the hardware that's giving you trouble. For this example, we'll use Realtek High Definition Audio. Right-click and select Uninstall.



You will receive a warning that says You are about to uninstall this device from your system. Also, check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device.



Reboot after Windows is finished. Windows will not redetect and reinstall the device you removed. You might want to update your drivers now with Driver Booster.

2: Repair the Registry

Should that fail, free apps including Tweaking.Com Windows Repair might be able to fix the broken registry key.

If you have a different Device Manager error code, here are all the device manager error codes and solutions.

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