Pcmcia - Windows Vista Service
PCMCIA Bus Driver by Microsoft Corporation.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7, 8 and XP.
Startup Type
Since Pcmcia 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 | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Home Basic | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Home Premium | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Business | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Ultimate | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Pcmcia |
| Service name: | pcmcia |
| Type: | kernel |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\drivers\pcmcia.sys |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | System Bus Extender |
Default Behavior
The Pcmcia service is a kernel mode driver. If Pcmcia 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 pcmcia service has failed to start.
Restore Default Startup Type of Pcmcia
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestorePcmciaWindowsVista.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 pcmcia.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.