Device Manager and Network Connections may be blank after you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

Solution 1
1. Restart the computer in safe mode. To restart the computer in safe mode, follow these steps:
a. Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
b. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Restart in the What do you want the computer to do list, and then click OK.
c. After the computer restarts but before Windows XP starts, press F8.
d. Use the arrow keys to select the Safe Mode option, and then press ENTER.
2. Click Start, and then click Run.
3. Type regedit in the Open box, and then press ENTER.
4. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM
5. On the Edit menu, click Find.
6. In the Find what box, type the following text:
$%&'()*+
7. Click Find Next.
8. Right-click the registry subkey that begins with "$%&'()*+," and then click Delete.
9. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.
10. Press F3 to search for the next registry subkey.
11. Repeat steps 7 through 8 to delete each registry subkey that contains the text "$%&'()*+."
12. Exit Registry Editor.
13. Restart the computer.
APPLIES TO
• Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3, when used with:
o Microsoft Windows XP Professional
o Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

Solution 2

Click on the Link Mention Below to Download the Patch
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953979

Or

http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/device-manager-empty-patch.html

Solution 3

Issue is expected to be caused by Norton
• Uninstall Norton Antivirus 2008
• Backup this registry location: HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\Root\LEGACY_LIVEUPDATE_NOTICE
• Delete this registry location: HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\Root\LEGACY_LIVEUPDATE_NOTICE
• Reboot – Issue will be resolved (need to look at Device Manager to verify)
• If resolved, Reinstall Norton AV 2008