Error Indicator on "Update Microcode Device" in Device Manager Though No Problem Is Evident (307152)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
This article was previously published under Q307152

SYMPTOMS

When you specify Show hidden devices in Device Manager, indication of an Update Microcode Device error may appear under System Devices. There is no other indication of a problem with the device.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you specify Show hidden devices when Update Microcode Device has been unloaded from memory. However, no error has actually occurred. The Update Microcode Device is unloaded from memory, and therefore seems to be missing, if no microcode update is needed.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

The Microcode Update Device, which by default is a hidden device, provides the latest microcode updates for the CPU if the BIOS is not up to date. The Microcode Update Device driver loads at startup and checks the processor. When the Microcode Update Device determines that the BIOS information is in fact up to date, the device is unloaded from memory to free up resources. If you then specify Show hidden devices, Device Manager displays an error indicator even though the device is working as designed.

For additional information%1, click the article number%2 below to view the article%2 in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

288302 Description of the Microcode Update Device

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/19/2001
Keywords:kbenv kbprb KB307152
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.