Stupid question-

I've just made the jump to Windows Vista with a new laptop and I can't connect an MX900 remote to the computer. I successfully installed the MX900 Editor software without a problem.

However, when I connect the remote, it says that an unknown device has malfunctioned and Windows does not recognize device. This is followed by a message citing "Unknown device installed successfully"

I cannot connect to the remote with the editor software, and I can't seem to find any updated drivers for the remote. I've been searching these forums for a little while but I can't find a similar incident.

Anyone encounter a similar problem? Or could I have a faulty remote? At this point, I'm assuming to put the blame on Windows Vista.

Please help

Hi,
First, go read this thread:
[Link: remotecentral.com]

Then, be aware that you are probably fighting against being in admin mode. So once you get the driver properly installed, you will probably have to run as admin (right click and choose run as administrator). Note: you will probably have to plug in the remote before you start the software in order to get it to work. This is assuming the 900 is similar to the 980 (sorry I don't have a 900).

Good luck...

I did find that thread already, unfortunately, it didn't help my problem. Thanks though.

Did it show up in the device manager? If it shows up there, you should be able to force the driver to update.

Hey bkersan

Your problem is with the USB cable, try another USB cable and it will solve the problem.

I had the same exact problem with a MX900, i swapped out the cable and all was good.

Also turn off User Access Control (UAC) in Control Panel / User Accounts to get the best out of Vista :(

Yes, it shows up as an 'unknown device' in the device manager. It shows that no driver is needed for this device. If I try to update the driver automatically, it says that Windows has determined that the driver is current.

Obviously that is strange since there is no driver installed according to the Device Manager.

I tried a different USB Cable and a different remote, and I still have the same issue. Also, different USB ports for the heck of it. No luck all around.

Try this:
1) Open device manager
2) plug in the remote
3) When it shows up (may have to hit F5) open the tree (if there is one)
4) Right click on the unknown device
5) Click on Properties
6) Click on the "driver" tab
7) Click on update driver
8) Click on "browse my computer for driver software"
9) Browse to the URC directory and choose the driver
(probably C:\Program Files\Universal Remote Control, Inc\MX-900 Editor\Usb\Windows Vista x86) and click on the inf there
10) Click on next and go through those steps to replace the driver.

That worked for me... Hope it works for you...

When I registered the remote and downloaded the software, all that was in the zip file was the mx900 editor, where can I get the drivers?

edit- Obviously I am somewhat new to this remote control world. I've spent the last few years pulling wire in these houses while the programmers come in afterwards. I've programmed a few remotes on co-workers computers, but now I'm trying to program one for a xmas present. I just sent out emails asking for our dealer log-in information. So I guess this project will have to wait 'til tomorrow.

Thanks for your help guys.

Don't try another MX-900 cable b/c i do believe something is going on with them, try a cable you know works etc. camera cable or cell phone


There are no drivers for the MX-900, when plugged in the computer will recognized it as a HID device (no drivers needed for most HID devices)

I've downloaded the entire Control Suite but I still can't find a driver that works, and as some people have said, a driver might not even be necessary for these remotes.

If there's a compatibility issue, I would imagine it'd have been resolved by now. Any other suggestions out there? I'm trying to get this remote programmed for an Xmas present.

This solved the problem. I took an older USB cable I had from a GPS device and it worked perfectly. I called the guys at Universal and they verified they've had a number of issues with remotes sent out recently.

Thanks for the help!