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The Device Has an Unrecognized Device ID

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista

This problem typically occurs when a device does not appear to have a valid device ID.

Diagnosis

Every hardware device has a special identifier used by Plug and Play. This identifier can include more than one identifier, such as a vendor ID, device ID, subsystem ID, subsystem vendor ID, or revision ID. If a device ID is not present, or your Windows-based computer does not recognize the device ID, Device Manager might list the device as unknown.

Software programs that require "virtual hooks" into hardware might create these virtual devices to communicate with and monitor the hardware. Additionally, devices that bridge between bus types, such as a device driver that permits a parallel port device to emulate a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) or AT Attachment Packet Interface (ATAPI) bus, are also known to generate an unknown-device response in Device Manager.

Resolution

If the hardware device does not report a valid device ID, then the device must be updated by the manufacturer. Verify that the failure to report a device ID actually prevents the device from working properly.

Contact the vendor of the software for an update.