How to delete a USB drive or USB device’s hardware signature?

This article would help you delete a particular USB Device's hardware signature or a USB Drive from the XP or Vista.

In order to show installed devices that are not currently connected to the computer in the 'Device Manager', follow these steps: -

• Click 'Start | All Programs | Accessories | Command Prompt'
• In Command Prompt, type the following command and then press [Enter]:
• set devmgr _ show _nonpresent _ devices=1
• Then type 'start devmgmt.msc' and press [Enter] to open the 'Device Manager'.
• Now you will be able to see all the disconnected USB and other hardware devices in the Device Manager. You can safely delete each one even if they are not connected (shown in grey).

Note: Sometimes in the ‘Device Manager’ you might have to click on ‘View | Show hidden devices’ in case you cannot view the disconnected hardware devices.




Ref: Chip