Samsung Galaxy S9 can't be seen by any Windows computer

[Muse]

"New problem," on again off again recently, but now, the last couple weeks none of my Windows computers can see the phone. In Device Manager properties I get this:
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This device is not configured correctly. (Code 10)

A service installation section in this INF is invalid.
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OR:
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This device cannot start. (Code 10)

The specified request is not a valid operation for the target device.
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I have tried a lot of things. I think the problem is with the phone, not Windows. I've tried Windows 10, Windows XP. Used to be able to connect in either.

What can I try to fix this? Reinstalling Android may fix it, but I'd lose all my apps, right?

 

[Muse]

I'm having similar if not same problem with my unactivated LG Rebel 3 L158VL android phone. It used to be seen by Windows 10. Code 10 error too. Is it Windows or the phones that are at fault?

 

[Orfosaurio]

You'll lose all your apps if you reinstall Android.

 

[WelshBloke]

Are you using the same cable on all PCs and phones?

 

[Muse]

Are you using the same cable on all PCs and phones?

No, I've tried a few but today just one. I should try others but I don't think that's the issue.

 

[Muse]

I have a workaround but it's not great. My immediate need is for audio. I listen to long MP3s (3 hours) in the gym. These phones have a headphone jack. Today, instead of using a phone I used one of my two Sansa Sandisk M250 MP3 players. They have max 2GB capacity, which is a big limitation. Other than that, they're fine. They are far more legacy than the android phones but they are seen by this Windows 10 64bit laptop.

 

[WelshBloke]

No, I've tried a few but today just one. I should try others but I don't think that's the issue.

It's odd that multiple computers are having similar issues with multiple phones!

The original error sounds like a driver error but you'll get those if the phone or connection to the pc is dodgy as well as if it's just a corrupt or missing driver.

I'd be tempted to delete the driver and then restart the pc and see if it pulls a new driver.

 

[Muse]

Just hooked up one of my LG unactivated phones (identical models) to this Win10 laptop. I see it in Device Manager but under properties it says this:
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This device is not configured correctly. (Code 1)

A service installation section in this INF is invalid.


To find a driver for this device, click Update Driver
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I will try updating the driver...

oops... posted this and went back and it says, instead (!):

The drivers are not installed for this device.

 

[Muse]

I used to see this phone fine and copy files to it using this laptop...

I opt to update driver, automatic search method, it looks and this comes up:

 

[Muse]

So, I swap one LG phone for the other I've been using, same model, OS. Get same message but a few seconds later at bottom right of Windows 10 screen says "Setting up..." and a few seconds later "Device is setup and ready to go." However, I do not see it in File Explorer.

 

[WelshBloke]

So, I swap one LG phone for the other I've been using, same model, OS. Get same message but a few seconds later at bottom right of Windows 10 screen says "Setting up..." and a few seconds later "Device is setup and ready to go." However, I do not see it in File Explorer.

Phone is unlocked when it's connected?

 

[Muse]

Phone is unlocked when it's connected?

Definitely. Tried various cables too.

 

[Muse]

So, I swap one LG phone for the other I've been using, same model, OS. Get same message but a few seconds later at bottom right of Windows 10 screen says "Setting up..." and a few seconds later "Device is setup and ready to go." However, I do not see it in File Explorer.

Also, if I check properties in Device Manager, it says no driver installed.

 

[Muse]

Gotta go now, but when I get back in a few hours I'm going to try this:

Redirecting

Says, in part:

1. Install wpdmtp.inf
Press and hold the Windows Key and while holding it, press R. Type %systemroot%\INF in the box and hit Enter.

Alternatively, you could just use the file explorer and manually go to C:\Windows\INF

Type wpdmtp.inf in the search bar provided to the right of the address bar in Windows 10.

wpmdmtp.inf is a file related to MTP and installing it manually can possibly resolve your issues, especially when you have previously seen the error message “A service installation section in this INF is invalid“.
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I DO get that message!

 

[Muse]

Well, I have a workaround ATM (actually 2):

1) Use my ancient Sansa Sandisk M250's (have 2, different firmware and characteristics), 2GB capacity, powered by single AAA.

2) I had in a drawer a couple of super cheap Windows 10 tablets I bought in 2016, RCA Cambio. I have detachable keyboards for them too. I wrestled with them mightily to get them functional a couple days ago. I tried one and yes, it sees my Samsung Galaxy S9. They are also already setup to see my NAS and its drives.

I suspect that installing Windows 10 from scratch on my two Lenovo P1 laptops will fix the issue and a couple of other issues those machines have.