.inf File Install Fails with Error: "A device attached to..."

Last reviewed: May 29, 1996
Article ID: Q141350

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you try to install a program by using the right mouse button to click the program's .inf file and then clicking Install, you may receive the following error message:

   <X>:\<path>\<.inf file>

   A device attached to the system is not functioning

CAUSE

This error can occur if the combined length of the path and .inf file name exceeds 77 characters.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, move the folder containing the .inf file and its supporting files to another location with a shorter path. The total length of the path and .inf file name must not exceed 77 characters.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows 95. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

KBCategory: kberrmsg kbsetup
KBSubcategory: win95
Additional reference words: 95

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Last reviewed: May 29, 1996
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