Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver - Windows Vista Service
Error Device Driver by Microsoft Corporation.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7 and 8.
Startup Type
Since Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver is a kernel mode driver, its startup might be configured depending on installed hardware. Changing its startup configuration might cause hardware issues. In the table below you can see how it is configured on my system, but your default settings might differ from mine.
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | not exists | not exists | Disabled |
| Home Basic | not exists | not exists | Disabled |
| Home Premium | not exists | not exists | Disabled |
| Business | not exists | not exists | Disabled |
| Ultimate | not exists | not exists | Disabled |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver |
| Service name: | ErrDev |
| Type: | kernel |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\drivers\errdev.sys |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | Extended Base |
Default Behavior
The Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver service is a kernel mode driver. If Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the ErrDev service has failed to start.
Restore Default Startup Type of Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreMicrosoftHardwareErrorDeviceDriverWindowsVista.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the errdev.sys file exists in the %WinDir%\system32\drivers folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows Vista installation media.