Device manager not showing the list of devices

[sushantasarkar]

My xp pro is not showing up the list of devices when i open the device manager...whenever i try 2 open ADD NEW HARDWARE from control panel it does not opens...it appears that someone has changed my settings by logging as administrator.....pls tell what 2 do..i can also login as administrator....

[siriusb]

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;311504

SYMPTOMS
When you open Device Manager, no devices appear in the list. Instead, a blank window appears.

CAUSE
This behavior occurs if the Plug and Play service is turned off (disabled).

RESOLUTION
To resolve this behavior, set the startup type for Plug and Play to Automatic. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type services.msc, and then click OK.
2. Double-click Plug and Play.

If you receive a Configuration Manager message, click OK.
3. In the Startup Type list, click Automatic, and then click OK.
4. Close Services.
5. Restart the computer.

[nik_for_you]

this may also help regarding your add new hardware problem

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=281967