Fixed Error Code 19 Windows Start Hardware Device - Complete Solution

Understanding Error Code 19 - Windows Cannot Start Hardware Device

Error Code 19 is a Windows device management error that indicates Windows cannot start a hardware device due to incomplete or corrupted registry configuration. The registry contains device configuration information, and when this information is corrupted, Windows cannot properly initialize the device.

Where this error typically occurs:

• Device Manager - when viewing device properties
• USB devices - when external storage, printers, or other USB peripherals are connected
• Storage devices - when external hard drives or SSDs are connected
• Network adapters - when network adapters fail to start
• Audio devices - when sound cards or audio devices fail to initialize

Common error messages you might encounter:

• "Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged (Code 19)"
• "Error Code 19 - Windows Cannot Start Hardware Device"
• "This device cannot start (Code 19)"
• Device appears with yellow warning triangle in Device Manager
• Device not functioning despite being connected

Why Error Code 19 occurs:

• Registry corruption: Corrupted registry entries for device configuration
• Driver configuration issues: Improperly configured or corrupted device drivers
• Missing registry entries: Required registry entries for device are missing
• Hardware conflicts: Multiple devices competing for same resources causing registry corruption
• Windows Update changes: Updates modifying device registry entries incorrectly
• Driver installation failures: Incomplete driver installations leaving registry incomplete
• System file corruption: Corrupted system files affecting device registry management

Method 1: Remove and Reinstall Device (Recommended First Step)

This method addresses the most common cause of Error Code 19: corrupted device registry entries. Removing and reinstalling the device forces Windows to recreate registry entries.

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X → Device Manager
   • Or search "Device Manager" in Start menu
2. Locate device with Error Code 19:
   • Look for devices with yellow warning triangles
   • Expand device categories to find problematic device
   • Right-click device → Properties to confirm Error Code 19
3. Uninstall device:
   • Right-click device → Uninstall device
   • Check "Delete the driver software for this device" if available
   • Click Uninstall
   • Wait for uninstallation to complete
4. Disconnect and reconnect device:
   • If device is external (USB), unplug it
   • Wait 10-15 seconds
   • Reconnect device to computer
   • Windows will automatically detect and reinstall device
5. Scan for hardware changes:
   • In Device Manager, click Action → Scan for hardware changes
   • Or press F5 to refresh
   • Windows will reinstall device with fresh registry entries
6. Verify device is working:
   • Check Device Manager - yellow warning should disappear
   • Device status should show "This device is working properly"
   • Test device functionality
   • If Error Code 19 persists, proceed to Method 2

Why this works: Corrupted registry entries prevent Windows from starting devices. Removing and reinstalling the device forces Windows to create fresh registry entries, resolving Error Code 19 caused by registry corruption.

Method 2: Clean Device Registry Entries (Advanced)

If removing and reinstalling doesn't work, manually cleaning corrupted registry entries can resolve Error Code 19. This method requires careful registry editing.

1. Backup registry:
   • Open Registry Editor (regedit) as Administrator
   • Click File → Export
   • Save registry backup to safe location
   • This allows restoring registry if something goes wrong
2. Find device registry entries:
   • In Registry Editor, navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB
   • Or for other devices: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum
   • Look for device entries (may show as VID/PID codes or device names)
3. Delete device registry keys:
   • Right-click device registry key → Delete
   • Confirm deletion
   • Also check: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class
   • Delete device entries from Class keys if found
4. Restart computer:
   • Restart to clear device from memory
   • After restart, reconnect device
   • Windows will create fresh registry entries
5. Verify device is working:
   • Check Device Manager for Error Code 19
   • If error persists, restore registry backup and try Method 3

Warning: Registry editing can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Always backup registry before making changes. If unsure, use Method 1 or Method 3 instead.

Method 3: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause Error Code 19. Updating drivers can resolve driver configuration issues causing registry problems.

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X → Device Manager
   • Locate device with Error Code 19
2. Update driver automatically:
   • Right-click device → Update driver
   • Select Search automatically for drivers
   • Wait for Windows to search and install updated driver
   • Restart if prompted
3. Download driver from manufacturer:
   • If automatic update fails, visit manufacturer's website
   • Download latest driver for your device model
   • Install driver as Administrator
   • Restart computer after installation
4. Verify device is working:
   • Check Device Manager - Error Code 19 should be resolved
   • Test device functionality
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 4

When to use this method: Use Method 3 when Error Code 19 appeared after driver installation, when device drivers are outdated, or when Method 1 doesn't resolve the error.

Method 4: Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can cause Error Code 19 by affecting device registry management. Running SFC repairs corrupted system files.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X → "Command Prompt (Admin)"
   • Click "Yes" when UAC prompts
2. Run System File Checker:
   • Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter
   • This scans and repairs corrupted system files
   • Process takes 15-30 minutes - do not interrupt
   • Wait for scan to complete
3. Review SFC results:
   • "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations" → Good
   • "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them" → Fixed!
   • If files were repaired, restart computer
4. Restart computer:
   • Restart to apply all repairs
   • After restart, check Device Manager
   • Error Code 19 should be resolved

Why this works: Corrupted system files can affect how Windows manages device registry entries. SFC repairs corrupted files, restoring proper device registry management and resolving Error Code 19.

Method 5: Perform System Restore

If Error Code 19 appeared after recent changes, System Restore can revert system to a point before the error occurred, restoring working device configuration.

1. Open System Restore:
   • Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, press Enter
   • Or search "System Restore" in Start menu
2. Select restore point:
   • Click Next on welcome screen
   • Select restore point from before Error Code 19 appeared
   • Click Scan for affected programs to see what will change
   • Review list - programs installed after restore point will be removed
3. Confirm restore:
   • Click Next → Finish
   • Confirm that you want to proceed
   • System will restart and restore
4. Wait for restore to complete:
   • System will restart multiple times
   • Process takes 15-30 minutes
   • Do not interrupt the process
   • Wait for "System Restore completed successfully" message
5. Verify device is working:
   • After restore, check Device Manager
   • Error Code 19 should be resolved
   • Test device functionality

When to use this method: Use Method 5 when Error Code 19 appeared after recent changes (updates, driver installations, software installations), when you have recent restore points, or when other methods fail.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Check Device Hardware

Ensure device hardware is working properly. Test device on another computer. If device doesn't work on other computer, device hardware may be faulty, not a Windows configuration issue.

Check for Hardware Conflicts

Hardware conflicts can cause registry corruption. In Device Manager, check device Properties → Resources tab for conflicts. Resolve conflicts by updating drivers or changing resource settings.

Update Windows

Windows updates often include device driver and registry management improvements. Install latest Windows updates, then check if Error Code 19 is resolved.

Prevention Strategies

• Keep drivers updated: Regularly update device drivers from manufacturer websites
• Backup registry regularly: Create registry backups before making system changes
• Use System Restore: Enable System Restore and create restore points before major changes
• Don't modify registry manually: Avoid manual registry edits unless necessary
• Keep system files healthy: Run SFC periodically to maintain system integrity
• Safely remove devices: Always use "Safely Remove Hardware" before disconnecting storage devices
• Install updates carefully: Review Windows updates before installing, especially driver updates

When to Seek Professional Help

If all methods fail to resolve Error Code 19, consider these scenarios:

• Persistent registry corruption: If registry corruption persists after all methods, professional registry repair may be needed
• Hardware failure: If device hardware is failing, professional repair or replacement may be needed
• Enterprise environments: In business environments, consult IT support before attempting advanced registry repairs
• Critical system devices: If Error Code 19 affects critical system devices, professional diagnostics may be needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Error Code 19 dangerous for my system?

A: Error Code 19 itself is not dangerous, but it prevents affected devices from working. However, if Error Code 19 affects critical system devices (like storage controllers), it can cause system instability. Resolve Error Code 19 promptly to restore device functionality.

Q: Will removing device delete my files?

A: No, removing device from Device Manager only removes device configuration, not files. For storage devices, files remain on the device. However, always backup important files before troubleshooting as a precaution.

Q: Can I fix Error Code 19 without reinstalling Windows?

A: Yes, Error Code 19 can usually be fixed without reinstalling Windows. Methods 1-5 should resolve the error. Windows reinstallation is only needed in severe cases where registry is extensively corrupted.

Q: Why does Error Code 19 keep coming back?

A: If Error Code 19 returns repeatedly, it may indicate deeper registry corruption, hardware conflicts, or failing device hardware. Check for hardware conflicts, update all device drivers, and consider professional diagnostics if problem persists.

Q: Can registry cleaning tools fix Error Code 19?

A: Registry cleaning tools can sometimes help, but they can also cause more problems. It's safer to use Windows built-in methods (Methods 1-5) or manually clean specific device registry entries (Method 2) rather than using third-party registry cleaners.