Struggling to make nRF52840 dongle run on Windows 7/8

[Pankaj83]

Struggling to make nRF52840 dongle run on Windows 7/8. 

We tried installing the driver files [nordic_cdc_acm.inf ( nRF5_SDK_15.2.0_9412b9\examples\usb_drivers )] but there seems to be some problem with the .inf files. If you can help resolve the issue, that would be a great help.

[AndreasF]

Hi.

What are you trying to do with the dongle? Program it?

I recommend that you take a look at the Dongle Programming Tutorial in that case.

Best regards,

Andreas

[Pankaj83]

Dear Andreas, 

Thank you for the prompt response. The dongle is programmed and works well on Windows 10. I need help to run this programmed dongle on Windows 7/8. In Device Manager (on Windows 7 and 8), I see that the usb dongle shows up under COM Port with a yellow triangle. When I look at its properties, it shows that the driver files are missing. I try to update the driver by installing the driver files provided in the example folder of the sdk. However, a pop up says that the .inf file could not be installed. Am stuck here!

Surprisingly, we found that out of 2 windows 7 systems, the driver got installed in one of the systems and it works. Looking more closely, we found that the PC where the driver did not get installed had usbser.sys file missing under C:\Windows\System32\drivers . -- Not sure if that helps but thought to share. 

Looking forward to resolve this issue before we enter 2019. 

Best,

Pankaj

[AndreasF]

Hi Pankaj.

You have the latest J-link driver?

Could you post a screenshot of the error you receive when you are unable to install the driver?

Can you try to install this driver and see if that works: nrfconnect-driver-installer.exe

Best regards,

Andreas

[Pankaj83]

Thank you, Andreas. 

Yes, I used the latest driver and the .exe installation also does not help. 

The error I see after I try to install the inf file (through device manager) is as follows. Sorry - Its in Korean but it means that "Could not install the inf file)

Thank you once again for all the support. Wish you an awesome 2019. 

Best,

Pankaj

[Turbo J]

Windows 8 requires a signature on driver .inf files. Unsigned .inf only works on win 7 and below.

There are 2 solutions:

1. Upgrade to windows 10. Any PC shipped with Win8 should meet win10 system requirements, and the newer OS supports USB CDC out-of-the-box.
2. Generate the signature, e.g. using libwdi. Non-trivial.

[Pankaj83]

Hi Turbo, Thank you. Was away and hence could not follow up earlier. I would want to go with Option 2. Can you please provide more details?