Mastercam X7/2022 Virtual USB Bus Error 39 (Updated): Causes and Complete Fix Guide

Error 39: "Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing."

If you are reading this, you have likely just updated your Mastercam software (specifically version X7 or 2022) or updated Windows 10/11, only to be greeted by the dreaded “Virtual USB Bus Error 39” when trying to launch the program. Your NetHASP or SIM (Software Invalid Module) dongle is plugged in, the lights might even be blinking, but Mastercam refuses to see it.

This error is a specific driver conflict related to Windows Driver Signature Enforcement and outdated CodeMeter/HASP drivers. It is frustrating, but entirely fixable.

This article provides the updated (2025-2026 compatible) step-by-step solution for Mastercam X7, X9, 2022, and even 2024 users facing this exact issue.

Step 1: Uninstall the Broken Driver (Force Removal)

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  3. Right-click on Mastercam Virtual USB Bus (or any unknown device with Error 39).
  4. Select Uninstall device.
  5. IMPORTANT: Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.”
  6. Unplug your Mastercam USB dongle.
  7. Restart your PC.

Step 5: Reinstall the Virtual USB Bus Manually

After rebooting with Driver Signature Enforcement disabled:

  1. Plug your Mastercam dongle back in.
  2. Open Device Manager → Action → Scan for hardware changes.
  3. Look for "Aladdin HASP Key" under Other devices.
  4. Right-click → Update driver → Browse my computer → Let me pick from a list.
  5. Select "Mastercam Virtual USB Bus" from the list. If not listed, uncheck "Show compatible hardware" and choose Aladdin → HASP Key.
  6. Click Next. Ignore the "This driver is not digitally signed" warning. Click Install anyway.

7) Permissions & User Account Control

Final Thoughts

If you are a hobbyist or a shop forced to use legacy Mastercam X7/X9 hardware on a new computer, this tool is indispensable. It does its job efficiently, clearing the Error 39 roadblock. However, treat it like a hazmat material: use it only if you trust the source, and understand that you are modifying core system drivers at your own risk.

Recommended for: Advanced users with legacy software requirements. Not recommended for: Beginners or users with a valid, up-to-date Mastercam subscription (who should contact official support instead).

Step 4: Registry Clean (For Persistent Error 39)

If Error 39 returns after a reboot, a ghost registry entry is blocking the bus.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000
  3. Look for subkeys named UpperFilters or LowerFilters.
  4. If you see any value containing hardlock, aksfridge, or hasp, delete the entire UpperFilters/LowerFilters value (not the key, just the value data).
  5. Close Regedit and restart.

2. Why Does This Error Appear in Mastercam X7 & 2022?

Interestingly, both the older Mastercam X7 (circa 2013) and the newer Mastercam 2022 can suffer from Error 39, but for slightly different reasons.

| Mastercam Version | Typical Cause of Error 39 | | :--- | :--- | | Mastercam X7 | Windows 10/11 updates break legacy 32-bit drivers. Driver Signature Enforcement (DSE) blocks the old HASP driver. | | Mastercam 2022 | Conflicts between the older HASP driver and the newer Sentinel LDK (License Development Kit) driver after a Windows feature update. | | Both | A Windows Update (e.g., KB5021233) overwrites USB controller drivers. |

The error persists because Mastercam’s licensing technology spans two eras: HASP (for X7 and older) and Sentinel LDK (for 2018-2022). Error 39 often appears when remnants of both try to run simultaneously.