Summary

Discussion of Windows Device Manager error code 31

Synopsis

The Device Manager exhibits error code 31 after using DifxDriverPackageInstalll Driver.

Discussion

Problem: Code 31: This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device.

When authoring an installer using Windows Installer technology InstallShield uses Microsoft´s Driver Install Frameworks Tools (DIFxApp) to install PnP Function Drivers or Class Filter Drivers. In some situations the Device Manager may report errors post install. For some resolution suggestions see below.

Workaround

1. Update the device driver. In the device's Properties dialog box, click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver to start the Hardware Update Wizard. Follow the instructions to update the driver.
   Note You may be prompted to provide the path of the driver. Windows may have the driver built-in, or may still have the driver files installed from the last time that you set up the device. However, sometimes, it will open the New Hardware Wizard which may ask for the driver. If you are asked for the driver and you do not have it, you can try to download the latest driver from the hardware vendor's website.
2. Reboot the client.
3. Uninstall and reinstall the driver with latest vendor file. Reference: Using Device Manager to Uninstall Devices and Driver Packages
   Device Manager is a Control Panel application that allows you to manage devices and drivers on your system. You can use Device Manager to uninstall devices and driver packages with some limitations. Typically, an end-user does not use Device Manager to uninstall devices or driver packages, but might have to use Device Manager to troubleshoot problems they might encounter on their computer.
   Note You must have administrator privileges to uninstall a device or driver package by using Device Manager.
4. Only a debug step - this is not a recommendation to disable your firewall. If you are experiencing a network connection or network related driver issue test without firewall. Under caution test the circumstances where a firewall may interfere with driver communication. 

Additional Information

Microsoft Articles:

• Device Manager
• Error codes in Device Manager in Windows