How to Fix a Code 43 Error

Restart your computer if you haven't done so already.

There is always the chance that the error Code 43 you're seeing on a device was caused by some temporary problem with the hardware. If so, a restart of your computer might fix the Code 43 error.

Note: Some users have also reported that powering off their computer completely (not just a reset) and then turning it back on has corrected their Code 43 issue, especially if it exists on a USB device. In the case of a laptop, turn it off and remove the battery, wait a few minutes, and then put the battery back in and start the computer.

Did you install a device or make a change in Device Manager just before the Code 43 error appeared? If so, it's very possible that the change you made caused the Code 43 error.

Undo the change if you can, restart your PC, and then check again for the Code 43 error.

Depending on the changes you made, some solutions might include:

Remove or reconfigure the newly installed device.
Roll back the driver to a version prior to your update.
Use System Restore to undo recent Device Manager related changes.
Reinstall the drivers for the device. Uninstalling and then reinstalling the drivers for the device is a possible solution to a Code 43 error.

Important: If a USB device is generating the Code 43 error, uninstall every device under the Universal Serial Bus controllers hardware category in Device Manager as part of the driver reinstall. This includes any USB Mass Storage Device, USB Host Controller, and USB Root Hub.

Note: Properly reinstalling a driver, as in the instructions linked above, is not the same as simply updating a driver. A full driver reinstall involves completely removing the currently installed driver and then letting Windows install it over again from scratch.

Update the drivers for the device. It's also very possible that installing the latest drivers for the device could correct the Code 43 error.

If updating the drivers does remove the Code 43 error, it means that the stored Windows drivers you reinstalled in Step 3 were were probably damaged or were the wrong drivers.

Install the latest Windows service pack. One of Microsoft's service packs or other patches for Windows might contain a fix for whatever might be causing the Code 43 error so if you're not fully updated, do so now.

Update BIOS. In some situations, an outdated BIOS could be causing a specific issue with a device that is causing it to report an issue to Windows - thus the Code 43 error.

Replace the data cable that connects the device to the computer, assuming it has one. This potential fix for a Code 43 error is most often useful if you're seeing the error on an external device like a USB or FireWire device.

Reference the hardware device's manual and follow any troubleshooting information provided.

I know this sounds like really general advice but the Code 43 error is specifically referring to the hardware as the source of the error information so there may actually be some useful troubleshooting information in the product manual.

Purchase a powered USB hub if the Code 43 error is showing up for a USB device. Some USB devices need more power than the USB ports that are built in to your computer can provide. Plugging those devices into a powered USB hub solves that issue.

Replace the hardware. A problem with the device itself might be causing the Code 43 error, in which case replacing the hardware is your next logical step. In most cases, this is the solution to a Code 43 error but I wanted you try the easiser, and free, software-based troubleshooting ideas first.

Another possibility, while not very likely, is that the device is incompatible with your version of Windows. You can always check the Windows HCL to be sure.