What does HRESULT 0x800F0207 (SPAPI_E_DEVINST_ALREADY_EXISTS) mean?

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The requested device instance already exists in the device tree. Open or update the existing devnode instead of creating another one.

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SPAPI_E_INVALID_CLASS	SPAPI_E_DEVINFO_NOT_REGISTERED

SPAPI_E_DEVINST_ALREADY_EXISTS

SPAPI_E_DEVINST_ALREADY_EXISTS means that code attempted to create a device information element for a device instance that already exists. Device instances are unique devnodes in the Plug and Play tree, so creation should be replaced with opening or locating the existing instance when appropriate.

What to check

Enumerate or open the existing device instance before attempting to create a new one.
Ensure retry logic does not re-run creation after a partially successful installation step.
Check whether a prior test installation left the device present or registered in the current hardware profile.

Microsoft: device instance IDs

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