Windows XP - Disable Prompt to install new Hardware Wizard

Here is a “quick & dirty” way to get rid of the “Found New Hardware Wizard” if it’s popping up at every re-boot. I stumbled into this solution, even though when I searched a good bit for help, I never saw it.

Next time the Wizard pops up, go through the motions AS IF you were going to install the drivers.

At the first screen, pick “No, not this time” (as in don’t check with Microsoft for the drivers).

At the second screen, pick “Install from a specific location (as in don’t start searching the computer for the driver).

At the third screen, DE-select “Search removable media” and just below that, specify a folder on the computer that is EMPTY. This will cause the installation to immediately FAIL.

The fourth/failure screen – titled “Cannot Install This Software” – is the payoff. At the bottom of that screen, check off the box that says “Don’t prompt me again to install this software.” Click the Finish button.

• https://superuser.com/questions/323391/how-can-i-disable-the-new-hardware-found-message-on-windows

Last updated on July 17, 2024. For any questions/feedback, email me at blog@zinchuk.xyz.