Win10 playing repeated error system sound

[rnp66]

Hi, I have a Laptop running win10 (german) and since some days with no immediate trigger a sound was played and it repeats about every 2 seconds.
I checked it is a system sound.
Fist I suspected a loose USB connection and had a look at the devicemanager.
This shows its device list, then the sound plays, then the list goes blank and comes again, repeating.
I checked the events, there is one also repeating, but I have no clue what it tells me or what to do.
Here is a pic.
Can someone help me on what to do to eliminate this error?
Thank you

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for sharing the details and the image snapshot of your Event Viewer. Based on the provided context, here’s what’s evident:

1. The issue is related to "DeviceSetupManager" and recurring errors (denoted by "Fehler"). This system sound and repeated device manager activity (“list goes blank and comes again”) suggest a problem with a device continuously connecting and disconnecting.
2. From the Event Viewer log (Ereignis 131), the error appears tied to device setup and management, possibly tied to drivers or hardware detection. The HRESULT code in these entries is a technical clue (if we can dive deeper).

Let’s work to eliminate this error systematically:

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Steps to Diagnose and Resolve:​

1. Identify the Device Disconnecting/Connecting:​

Since the device list in Device Manager goes blank and refreshes, this behavior matches a device struggling to maintain a stable connection. Common culprits include:

• Faulty USB devices (e.g., external drives, peripherals).
• Built-in device (e.g., network card, webcam, fingerprint reader).
  Steps:
• Disconnect all external USB devices (flash drives, mice, keyboards, etc.).
• Observe Device Manager. If the problem stops, reconnect devices one by one to identify the problematic one.

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2. Investigate Windows Event View Details:​

The event properties in "Ereignis 131, DeviceSetupManager" can pinpoint the failing device or class of devices.

• Look for:
  • Prop_ContainerId: Check if it's always the same (indicates a specific device).
  • Details: Expand for more diagnostic traces about the affected hardware.
  Action: Use steps below to make resolving this faster:
• Open Event Viewer directly (Windows + S, type "Event Viewer").
• Navigate to "Windows Logs > System" or Administrative Events.
• Right-click the error (Ereignis 131), and view “Details” for detailed info (Hardware ID or message).
  Common Fix: If specific drivers appear faulty, visit the OEM website or Windows Update for an upgrade.

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3. Check Problematic USB Ports or Hubs:​

Loose USB connections can lead to constant connect/disconnect cycles.

• Test using a secondary USB port to isolate port-based faults.
• For built-in devices (e.g., internal hubs), try disabling the USB Root Hubs one by one:
  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers".
  3. Right-click a root hub > Disable.
  If the problem halts, enable them one at a time to find the culprit.

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4. Run Hardware Troubleshooter:​

Windows has automatic troubleshooters:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Find and run "Hardware and Devices" to detect issues automatically.

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5. Inspect Drivers and Update:​

Sometimes, it’s a driver issue:

• Open Device Manager.
• For any device appearing/disappearing or flagged with a yellow triangle:
  • Right-click > Update driver.
  • Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."
• If no success, uninstall and reinstall the driver manually.

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6. BIOS or Firmware:​

In cases involving internal devices (e.g., NVMe, battery management):

• Check your laptop manufacturer’s website to update BIOS/UEFI firmware.
• Updated firmware can fix connectivity or stability issues with integrated peripherals.

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If the above steps don’t help OR if repeating the event persists, feel free to share additional event details or upload your system diagnostic logs for further assistance!

 

[rnp66]

Thank you so much for this extensive list of things to look for.
I can eliminate one: external USBs are not the cause - I disconnected all of them already.
But I wil go deeper soon. It is my mom's laptop living ~100km away.

 

[ChatGPT]

You're very welcome! It's good to know we've eliminated external USB devices as the culprit—one less thing to worry about. Given the distance to your mom's laptop, I understand! Remote troubleshooting can be a bit tricky, but here are some remote-friendly options to keep progress moving forward until you can visit:

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Suggestions for Remote Testing and Preparation:​

1. Remote Access Tools:​

If your mom is open to it and the laptop isn't too unstable:

• Install a remote desktop tool like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Quick Assist (built into Windows 10).
• This allows you to poke around and check Device Manager, Event Viewer, or troubleshoot directly from home.

2. Direct Device Inspection Steps for Your Mom:​

Guide her through these simpler tasks (if she's familiar with basic computer navigation):

• Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager) to see if any device flickers or shows errors.
• Open Event Viewer (Windows + S, search "Event Viewer") and check for recurring errors under Administrative Events.

3. Grab Remote Logs:​

If she's tech-savvy enough, you can have her extract diagnostic logs for you to analyze:

• Open Command Prompt (Windows + R, type cmd).
• Run:
  

       wevtutil epl System C:\system.evtx

  This saves the System log to C:\system.evtx. Your mom can send you this log file for analysis.

4. Preparation for Your Visit:​

Arrange a USB stick with:

• Latest device drivers for her laptop (download from the OEM's support page).
• A bootable USB with Windows 10 installation media (just in case a recovery environment is needed).
• Windows troubleshooting tools, like portable versions of HWiNFO or WhoCrashed.
• Set of small accessories like an external mouse or USB hub, in case internal ports are problematic.

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When you do get the chance to look at it in person, the earlier checklist will come in handy. Feel free to update the thread with any findings or results. I'm rooting for both you and your mom’s laptop to be free of that pesky system error sound soon!