A How-to guide on solving Windows Bus Driver Error Code 42

(Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because there is a duplicate device already running in the system. (Code 42))
Read our guide on solving Windows Error Code 42 and use these tips. It will help you to troubleshoot your issue.

What happens

The Windows error code 42 indicates the fact that the operating system has detected a duplicate device. This is usually caused by a sub-process that the system accidentally named incorrectly.

What you should do in the case of Windows Bus Driver error #42

Though Windows error code can sound quite intimidating, fixing the issue is a matter of using the most basic troubleshooting technique there is. The recommended fix from Microsoft for this error is simply to restart your computer. Taking your computer down and back up again, gracefully, allows the system to clear out the cache memory and run some minor fix up tasks. This may seem like the easy way out, but it is the foundational technique for fixing computer related issues.

Some new users purchase computers and never learn how to properly shut their computer down. Many computer technicians tell stories of people that have shut their computers down for years by simply holding the power button in, or even unplugging the PC.

For people who have never been through the process of a graceful shutdown on their PC, here are the steps:

• Move your mouse pointer to the Start button in the lower left hand portion of your screen.
• Click on the Start button.
• Choose Shutdown and click on Restart.
• Allow the computer to shut down completely and restart.
• Wait a few minutes after start up to make sure that all of the programs from the Start Up folder are running.

Using this process is the recommended first step in resolving many computer issues. Some computer experts have said that up to 60% of computer problems could be resolved by simply taking these steps. If you get the Windows error code 42 on your computer, take these steps to resolve the problem.

TipFor more information, please see: How to fix Bus Driver error #42