How to install the NULL-Device on Windows XP Embedded

For some Applications you need the NULL-Device, but it isn't installed on Windows XP Embedded or Windows FLP. Here's a tutorial how to install it:

  1. First you must have the file "null.sys" in this folder:
  2. %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers
    If you don't have this file you can copy it from another Windows installation or from a Windows CD. The filesize is 4,50 KB (4.608 bytes).
  3. Then you need some entries in your registry. Download this file:
    null.reg
    Doubleclick on it and select Yes.
  4. If you get an error message you have to change permissions in your registry. Otherwise jump to 5.
    Start->Run...->Enter "regedit"->OK
    Rightclick to this key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root
    and select Permissions...:

    Now give Everyone Full Control:

  5. Now run the file "null.reg" again. You shouldn't get an error message this time. You should reset the permissions now.
  6. Restart your PC.
The NULL-Device should work now.

Content of null.reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Class\{8ECC055D-047F-11D1-A537-0000F8753ED1}]

"Class"="LegacyDriver"
@="Non-Plug and Play Drivers"
"NoDisplayClass"="1"
"SilentInstall"="1"
"NoInstallClass"="1"
"EnumPropPages32"="SysSetup.Dll,LegacyDriverPropPageProvider"
"Icon"="-19"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_NULL]
"NextInstance"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_NULL\0000]

"Service"="Null"
"Legacy"=dword:00000001
"ConfigFlags"=dword:00000020
"Class"="LegacyDriver"
"ClassGUID"="{8ECC055D-047F-11D1-A537-0000F8753ED1}"
"DeviceDesc"="Null"
"Capabilities"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_NULL\0000\LogConf]


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_NULL\0000\Control]
"ActiveService"="Null"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Null]
"ErrorControl"=dword:00000001
"Group"="Base"
"Start"=dword:00000001
"Tag"=dword:00000001
"Type"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Null\Enum]
"0"="Root\\LEGACY_NULL\\0000"
"Count"=dword:00000001
"NextInstance"=dword:00000001


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