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Code 49: Windows cannot start new hardware devices because the system hive is too large (exceeds the Registry Size Limit)

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista

Device Manager displays the following message in the Device Properties dialog box, on the General tab, in the Device Status text box:

Windows cannot start new hardware devices because the system hive is too large (exceeds the Registry Size Limit). (Code 49)

Diagnosis

The system hive has exceeded its maximum size and new devices cannot work until the size is reduced. The system hive is a permanent part of the registry associated with a set of files that contain configuration information. Configured items include applications, user preferences, devices, and so on. Specific devices that are no longer attached to the computer but are still listed in the system hive might cause this error.

Resolution

Try uninstalling any hardware devices that you are no longer using. To view devices that are no longer attached to the computer, see View Devices That Are Not Currently Present. Then run Device Manager to view and uninstall these devices.