Error "Code 31" when installing the driver: how to fix the problem?

Despite the fact that Windows-systems are able to install drivers for almost all devices independently, sometimes when integrating into a system of non-standard specific equipment, problems can occur. In particular, this concerns the "Code 31" error when installing the driver. Why this problem occurs and how to fix it, read on.

What does the "Code 31" error indicate when installing the driver?

First of all, let us pay attention to the nature of the error itself. Typically, it occurs when the system simply can not find the files of the installed driver, or the driver itself is not installed correctly.

Less common are situations where the driver does not match the installed device. So all attempts to activate his work lead nowhere. However, the problem of how to fix the "Code 31" error is solved quite simply. And perform such procedures will be able to almost any user who has even a primitive skills of working with a PC.

How to fix error 31: the main directions in fixing a failure

As a rule, the system does not report directly that some device is not working properly. Just some programs stop functioning. The failure itself can be seen only in the descriptive part of the properties of the "iron" component. Therefore, the main emphasis will be placed on the consideration of how to fix the fault (error code 31) in the "Device Manager", because this is where the information we are interested is displayed.

Among all that is proposed as methods for eliminating the problem, it is possible to identify the most effective methods:

• Restore the driver files or roll back the system;
• Reinstalling the drivers or the devices themselves;
• The use of devices in the "Device Manager" and in the BIOS.

There are also several additional methods, which will be discussed separately.

System rollback and data recovery

So, if for some reason the "Code 31" error pops up when installing the driver, the first thing to do is try to roll back the system to the point where there was no problem.

You can perform this procedure in the recovery section, which is located in the standard "Control Panel". Alternatively, you can use the F8 key (as is done for safe mode) when the system boots, and select the boot point for the last working configuration from the menu.

If this does not help, you can use special utilities to recover deleted data (maybe the driver files were deleted earlier), for example Hetman Partition Recovery or something similar.

Installing the Proposed or Alternate Driver

As one of the methods that can solve the problem of "Code 31" error when installing the driver, it can be reinstalled.

To begin with, in the same "Device Manager" you should delete the required driver, then set its installation and choose the automatic search offered by the system.

If the device continues to cause a failure, you can try installing the driver, previously downloaded from the Internet. Only then will it be necessary to specify a search for the driver on the local computer or from a specified location. But here you need to be sure that the driver is designed for this device. Otherwise, it will not work.

In some cases, to simplify the search for the right driver, it's best to immediately install the Driver Booster program or the like, which is able to automatically find and install the original and latest drivers for absolutely all hardware "hardware". But in this situation, you need to connect to the Internet.

Enable, remove the device and reinstall

Sometimes the problem may be that the device may simply be in the disconnected state. "Code 31" does not indicate directly when installing the driver, but indirect confirmation of this is there. What to do in this case?

It is necessary to look at the state of the device in the same manager by selecting properties in the right-click menu. If the device is inactive, you should press the power button ("Enable").

Sometimes it may be necessary to check BIOS settings, because some components are included from there (for example, the same web cameras or USB-drives).

If this does not help, the problem of the failure, in which there is a descriptive "Code 31", can be solved when installing the driver by completely removing the devices in the manager, and then re-integrating it into the system using the appropriate "New Hardware Wizard".

Removing Unused Devices

Finally, you can try to disconnect unused devices that can cause conflicts. To do this, you should use the command line with admin rights, in which you need to set the command Set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices = 1, and then press the enter key. Sometimes this approach eliminates the problem.