I can’t uninstall a device

Cause: At some point, you may want to uninstall a device from Windows XP. For example, let’s say that you replace your keyboard with a newer model. Windows XP should detect that the old keyboard is no longer attached to the system and remove it. Sometimes, though, Windows XP may not get the message that a hardware device has been removed, and the device may keep showing up on your computer.

Windows XP does not detect my new device

Cause:  

If you attach a new device to your computer and Windows XP does not detect and automatically install the new device, there are several different possible solutions. First, you need to carefully check the device to make sure you have plugged it into the correct port. Devices usually work with some type of port found on the back (or even the front) of your computer. Common examples are parallel ports (printers), serial ports (mice, keyboards, modems, and so on), and USB ports (for all kinds of devices). Some devices even work with infrared wireless ports (called IrDA ports), if your computer has one. The trick is simply this: 

• You have to plug the device into the right port in order for it to work, so check the device documentation to make sure you have it hooked up correctly before going any further.

• Once you are sure that the device is attached correctly, restart the computer. Even though Windows XP can usually detect devices without a reboot, the reboot may help get the device installed. If this doesn’t help, do the following:

1.  Check the device’s documentation for instructions. If a device came with a CD or floppy disk, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it.
   
2.  Check the HCL
   
3.  If both of these options do not help, use the following Pain Killer.