Device Specs: Acer Aspire E5-473G Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-5200U CPU @ 2.20GHz
I replaced the original HDD with a new Sandisk SSD Plus. After installing Windows 10 through a flash drive using Media Creation Tool 21H1, I found that the drivers for PCI Simple Communications Controller and SM Bus Controller were not installed (Code 28). Windows Update could not find compatible drivers and there are no pending restarts.
Since then, I have tried using Intel Driver & Support Assistant, but it says that my drivers are up to date.
I have also tried running SFC (repairs were made but the problem still exists) and DISM (the DISM version appears to be older than the image version; no repairs were done/needed).
Incidentally, Code 28 for WD SES Device also appears with these two devices under "Other Devices" in Device Manager if I plug in my external WD drive despite being able to access files inside it.
Also, during my several attempts of troubleshooting on Devices and Printers, I was directed to restart the computer (drivers were still not installed). On my last attempt, the troubleshooter indicated that Windows Update was configured to never install drivers. I found this quite worrying as I did not ever configure that on my side.
Incidentally, It turns out that my sister's laptop (Lenovo) has exactly the same problem; a common aspect is that we both had the original HDD replaced with the same brand of SSD.
Please see the device instance paths below.
Moreover, I tried using Intel CSMEVDT and received the following risk assessment:
According to Intel:
Q: My system is reported as may be Vulnerable by the Intel CSME Version Detection Tool. What do I do?
A: A status of may be Vulnerable is usually seen when either of the following drivers aren't installed:
Intel® Management Engine Interface (Intel® MEI) driver, or
Intel® Trusted Execution Engine Interface (Intel® TXEI) driver
Contact your system or motherboard manufacturer to obtain the correct drivers for your system.
...which leads me to this forum.
While I can use the laptop problem-free, I can't help feeling bothered. Is there anything that I can do on my own to resolve this problem?
