Updated April 2025: Stop these error messages and fix common problems with this tool. Get it now at this link
Code 19, full error message: Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or corrupt. (Code 19), indicates that there is an error in your operating system’s registry that is causing serious problems with the hardware devices attached to your system.
This can cause hardware devices to malfunction and not work in your operating system, most often the CD/DVD drive. This is frustrating and can make you think you have faulty hardware when it is just an error in the registry.
Before you panic and think there is something wrong with your hardware, try the methods below. Many users have reported that they have solved this problem, and they are pretty easy to follow if you are careful.
Table of Contents:
What causes error code 19 “Cannot start this hardware device” in Windows 10
Error code 19 is usually caused by an error in the configuration information. This eventually causes hardware devices and the operating system to stop working. Registry changes can also affect drivers.
If you recently installed or uninstalled a new operating system or performed an upgrade and then noticed a change in your PC’s performance, this may be the cause.
You may also repeatedly see an error when you connect a certain hardware device to your computer. This error may also occur when your computer becomes slow or hangs when you click or click on the keyboard.
The recommended Windows solution for this error is to uninstall and then reinstall the drivers. However, there are other ways to solve this problem. Read on to learn how to fix the Windows 19 error code.
Here’s how to fix Windows 10 error code 19, “This hardware device cannot boot”
This tool is highly recommended to help you fix your error. Plus, this tool offers protection against file loss, malware, and hardware failures, and optimizes your device for maximum performance. If you already have a problem with your computer, this software can help you fix it and prevent other problems from recurring:
Updated: April 2025
Run the hardware and device troubleshooter
- Click on the Start menu and look for Troubleshooting. Under the search query, click Troubleshooting.
- Click the Show All link in the left pane. The entire Troubleshooting menu opens.
- Find Hardware and Devices in the list and click on it. This will launch the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter.
- Click Next to begin the process.
Updating drivers manually
- Click on the Start menu and search for your device. In the search results, click Device Manager. The Device Manager window will open.
- Locate the drivers marked with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click on them, and select Update Driver Software. You must be connected to the Internet before updating the driver software.
- Select “Automatically check for updated driver software”. It will search the Internet for the latest driver software.
- If you already have a local driver software file, select “Search for driver software on your computer” and search for a local copy of the drivers.
Increase system memory
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Click “Details.”
- Click the “Performance” tab and analyze the amount of system memory available for use.
Troubleshoot corrupted drivers
- Click on the Start menu and look for “Device”.
- Now open the Device Manager from the search results.
- Select the problematic device -> Right-click it and select Properties.
- Click the Drivers tab and click Uninstall to remove the driver.
- Reboot your computer.
- Open the Device Manager again and go to Action -> Check Hardware Changes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix error code 19?
- Open the system under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
- Open Management and go to the Class section.
- Delete the registry entry.
- Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter.
- Update the device drivers.
- Automatically check for driver software updates.
How can I fix error code 19 'Can`t start this hardware device' in Windows 7 8 and 10?
- Reboot your system. Most registry errors are temporary and occur very rarely.
- Check if iTunes is causing the problem.
- Remove UpperFilters and LowerFilters from the registry.
How can I fix CD ROM 19 error code in the registry?
- Try rebuilding your system.
- Remove the UpperFilters and LowerFilters.
- Uninstall the DVD/CD-ROM device drivers.
- Uninstall the problem driver.
- Run the Driver Verifier program.
How do I reconnect my hardware device?
First click on the Start icon, then click on Settings. On the next screen, select the Devices option. At this step, select the "Printers and Scanners" menu in the left pane. On the right side, you will see the connected devices.