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SPAPI_E_KEY_DOES_NOT_EXIST
Device registry keys are typed configuration stores
SPAPI_E_KEY_DOES_NOT_EXIST arises when a SetupAPI operation expects an existing device-specific registry key and the requested hardware, software, driver, or interface key is absent. The result can be legitimate for a newly created device information element or when no installer has created optional configuration storage.
Hard-coding the physical registry path is not a safe workaround. Windows distinguishes key type, hardware profile scope, and global versus profile-specific data; SetupAPI and Configuration Manager APIs preserve those distinctions and apply the required access checks.
Verify the exact key requested
- Log the device instance, key type, scope, hardware profile, and requested access mask.
- Create a key only when the component owns that configuration and the installation phase permits creation.
- Do not confuse an interface registry key with the device hardware or software key.
- Use supported APIs so the code remains independent of registry layout changes.
References
- Microsoft: SetupDiOpenDevRegKey
- Microsoft: SetupDiCreateDevRegKey
- Microsoft: accessing device registry keys safely
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