Cannot open Device Manager from the Tasks pane in Windows Vista

When you click on Device Manager link in the Tasks pane in Control Panel - System, Device Manager does not launch. However, you may be able to launch Device Manager via the Control Panel or using other methods.

This problem is caused by interference of one or more third-party shell extensions, implemented in the following registry locations:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ * \ shellex \ ContextMenuHandlers
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ AllFileSystemObjects \ shellex \ ContextMenuHandlers

ISOLATING THE SHELL EXTENSION

Inspecting and temporarily disabling each shell extension needs advanced skill level with Windows and the registry. Instead of working with the registry directly, you may use ShellExView, a freeware from Nirsoft.net to tackle this issue. See our detailed troubleshooting guide Right-click is slow or weird behavior caused by context menu handlers. It is suggested that you proceed directly to Method 2 in that page. This should help you isolate the context menu handler shell extension that’s causing the problem.

Editor’s note: If the above info has helped you, feel free to leave a comment with your findings so that it helps other readers who’re experiencing this problem.

SEE ALSO

"Play All" link in the Common Tasks does not work

Problem caused by adding Copy To and Move To as context menu entries

Manage the context-menu entries for files, folders, drives and Namespace objects

Working with Context Menus, Open-with and Send To menu


Copyright © 2008 Ramesh Srinivasan. All rights reserved.

RELATED POSTS


BOOKMARK THIS PAGE

BlinkList | del.icio.us | Digg it | Furl | ma.gnolia | Newsvine | reddit | Spurl | Wink |


Add to Technorati Favorites Add to Google
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed! We feature Tips, Troubleshooting information, Scripts and Utilities for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems!
Prefer an E-mail subscription?

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

There Is 1 Response So Far. »

  1. Easiest Way - Click Start -> in the “Start Search” box type “Dev” (DO NOT HIT ENTER) and wait for list to show up then click Device Manager

Post a Response