Intermittent USB problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter sjmarks
  • Start date Start date
S

sjmarks

There are 4 USB ports on my computer. Often, one or more fails to work and
the device that is plugged into it is not recognized. One reboot usually
corrects the problem but not always.

Does anyone have any idea of what might be the problem?

I don't recall having this problem before I did a clean reinstall of Windows
XP.
 
sjmarks wrote:
> There are 4 USB ports on my computer. Often, one or more fails to work and
> the device that is plugged into it is not recognized. One reboot usually
> corrects the problem but not always.
>
> Does anyone have any idea of what might be the problem?
>
> I don't recall having this problem before I did a clean reinstall of Windows
> XP.
>
>
A. After you did the clean install, did you remember to install the
drivers for all your hardware? If not, you need to do this. General
driver information:

Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:

1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).

Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the drivers.

To find out what hardware is in your computer:

1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific
model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers
anyway)
3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
Advisor. The older Aida32 is good for this, too although it might not
work on Vista.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
http://www.aumha.org/free.htm - Aida32 (hosted on Jim Eshelman's site)

B. Since you didn't mention what USB devices you are connecting, there
is always the possibility that you are attaching too many power-hungry
devices for what your computer can handle. If this is the case, then get
a powered USB hub.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 
I am using a powered hub but that is connected to one of the 4 USB ports on
my computer.

My computer manufacturer refers me to Windows Update to obtain the USB
drivers. Microsoft "support" tells me "the windows xp service pack 1
installer is designed to update all drivers and all files that are included
with windows xp. Because USB 2.0 drivers are not included with windows xp,
you must follow the steps in this article to obtain the latest drivers after
you install service pack 1."

After the reinstall of Windows XP, I went to Microsoft Windows update page
and downloaded everything recommended. I don't specifically remember
installing Service Pack 1.

Would there be any problem installing Service Pack 1 now?

"Malke" <notreally@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:OilOWdlxHHA.2432@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> sjmarks wrote:
>> There are 4 USB ports on my computer. Often, one or more fails to work
>> and the device that is plugged into it is not recognized. One reboot
>> usually corrects the problem but not always.
>>
>> Does anyone have any idea of what might be the problem?
>>
>> I don't recall having this problem before I did a clean reinstall of
>> Windows XP.
> A. After you did the clean install, did you remember to install the
> drivers for all your hardware? If not, you need to do this. General driver
> information:
>
> Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:
>
> 1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
> 2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
> 3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM computer
> (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).
>
> Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the
> drivers.
>
> To find out what hardware is in your computer:
>
> 1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
> 2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific model
> machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers anyway)
> 3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
> Advisor. The older Aida32 is good for this, too although it might not work
> on Vista.
>
> http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
> http://www.aumha.org/free.htm - Aida32 (hosted on Jim Eshelman's site)
>
> B. Since you didn't mention what USB devices you are connecting, there is
> always the possibility that you are attaching too many power-hungry
> devices for what your computer can handle. If this is the case, then get a
> powered USB hub.
>
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 
"sjmarks" <smarks01@comcast.net.no_spam> wrote in message
news:b9udnanA4eal1wTbnZ2dnUVZ_sCinZ2d@comcast.com...
>I am using a powered hub but that is connected to one of the 4 USB ports on
> my computer.
>
> My computer manufacturer refers me to Windows Update to obtain the USB
> drivers. Microsoft "support" tells me "the windows xp service pack 1
> installer is designed to update all drivers and all files that are
> included
> with windows xp. Because USB 2.0 drivers are not included with windows
> xp,
> you must follow the steps in this article to obtain the latest drivers
> after
> you install service pack 1."
>
> After the reinstall of Windows XP, I went to Microsoft Windows update page
> and downloaded everything recommended. I don't specifically remember
> installing Service Pack 1.
>
> Would there be any problem installing Service Pack 1 now?
>
> "Malke" <notreally@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
> news:OilOWdlxHHA.2432@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> sjmarks wrote:
>>> There are 4 USB ports on my computer. Often, one or more fails to work
>>> and the device that is plugged into it is not recognized. One reboot
>>> usually corrects the problem but not always.
>>>
>>> Does anyone have any idea of what might be the problem?
>>>
>>> I don't recall having this problem before I did a clean reinstall of
>>> Windows XP.
>> A. After you did the clean install, did you remember to install the
>> drivers for all your hardware? If not, you need to do this. General
>> driver information:
>>
>> Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:
>>
>> 1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
>> 2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
>> 3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
>> computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).
>>
>> Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the
>> drivers.
>>
>> To find out what hardware is in your computer:
>>
>> 1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
>> 2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific
>> model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers
>> anyway)
>> 3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
>> Advisor. The older Aida32 is good for this, too although it might not
>> work on Vista.
>>
>> http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
>> http://www.aumha.org/free.htm - Aida32 (hosted on Jim Eshelman's site)
>>
>> B. Since you didn't mention what USB devices you are connecting, there is
>> always the possibility that you are attaching too many power-hungry
>> devices for what your computer can handle. If this is the case, then get
>> a powered USB hub.
>>
>>
>> Malke
>> --
>> Elephant Boy Computers
>> www.elephantboycomputers.com
>> "Don't Panic!"
>> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
>
>
Winver will tell you which service pack you have.
If you have not yet installed SP2, now is a good a time as any to start.
You start by first insuring that your computer is free of malware and has
BIOS
upgrade if needed.

Then, you obtain the SP2 CD and follow the instructions. I spent about 2
hours installing SP2
and the subsequent patches.

SP2 includes all of SP1 plus quite a bit more.

Jim
 
I've previously installed SP2 but looking at the fixes that SP2 includes, I
do not see anything about enhanced USB 2.0 support.

"Jim" <j.n@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:Ibcmi.27810$C96.182@newssvr23.news.prodigy.net...
>
> "sjmarks" <smarks01@comcast.net.no_spam> wrote in message
> news:b9udnanA4eal1wTbnZ2dnUVZ_sCinZ2d@comcast.com...
>>I am using a powered hub but that is connected to one of the 4 USB ports
>>on
>> my computer.
>>
>> My computer manufacturer refers me to Windows Update to obtain the USB
>> drivers. Microsoft "support" tells me "the windows xp service pack 1
>> installer is designed to update all drivers and all files that are
>> included
>> with windows xp. Because USB 2.0 drivers are not included with windows
>> xp,
>> you must follow the steps in this article to obtain the latest drivers
>> after
>> you install service pack 1."
>>
>> After the reinstall of Windows XP, I went to Microsoft Windows update
>> page
>> and downloaded everything recommended. I don't specifically remember
>> installing Service Pack 1.
>>
>> Would there be any problem installing Service Pack 1 now?
>>
>> "Malke" <notreally@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:OilOWdlxHHA.2432@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> sjmarks wrote:
>>>> There are 4 USB ports on my computer. Often, one or more fails to work
>>>> and the device that is plugged into it is not recognized. One reboot
>>>> usually corrects the problem but not always.
>>>>
>>>> Does anyone have any idea of what might be the problem?
>>>>
>>>> I don't recall having this problem before I did a clean reinstall of
>>>> Windows XP.
>>> A. After you did the clean install, did you remember to install the
>>> drivers for all your hardware? If not, you need to do this. General
>>> driver information:
>>>
>>> Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:
>>>
>>> 1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
>>> 2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
>>> 3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
>>> computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).
>>>
>>> Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the
>>> drivers.
>>>
>>> To find out what hardware is in your computer:
>>>
>>> 1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
>>> 2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific
>>> model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers
>>> anyway)
>>> 3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
>>> Advisor. The older Aida32 is good for this, too although it might not
>>> work on Vista.
>>>
>>> http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
>>> http://www.aumha.org/free.htm - Aida32 (hosted on Jim Eshelman's site)
>>>
>>> B. Since you didn't mention what USB devices you are connecting, there
>>> is always the possibility that you are attaching too many power-hungry
>>> devices for what your computer can handle. If this is the case, then get
>>> a powered USB hub.
>>>
>>>
>>> Malke
>>> --
>>> Elephant Boy Computers
>>> www.elephantboycomputers.com
>>> "Don't Panic!"
>>> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
>>
>>
> Winver will tell you which service pack you have.
> If you have not yet installed SP2, now is a good a time as any to start.
> You start by first insuring that your computer is free of malware and has
> BIOS
> upgrade if needed.
>
> Then, you obtain the SP2 CD and follow the instructions. I spent about 2
> hours installing SP2
> and the subsequent patches.
>
> SP2 includes all of SP1 plus quite a bit more.
>
> Jim
>
 
sjmarks wrote:
> I've previously installed SP2 but looking at the fixes that SP2 includes, I
> do not see anything about enhanced USB 2.0 support.

What about the drivers? Did you install the drivers for your motherboard
after your clean install? I didn't see the answer to that question but I
may have missed it.

If you already have SP2, you still need the drivers per my previous post.

Of course, it is always possible that this is a hardware problem and the
USB ports on your motherboard are going. If you have a Desktop computer,
you can get around that by putting in a PCI USB adapter card. They are
very inexpensive.

Some USB troubleshooting links:

General USB Troubleshooting in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310575
http://www.usbman.com/
USB port may stop working after removing or inserting USB device (MS KB)
- http://support.microsoft.com/kb/817900/en-us


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 
I installed audio and video drivers after the reinstall. I can't remember
any others. I know that I did not install any USB controllers.

I don't think that the problem is with individual USB ports because they all
work except when they don't.

SP1a has the USB 2.0 controllers but I'm afraid to install it since SP2 is
already on board and I don't know what will happen. I really do NOT want to
go through another reinstall of xp.

I have a small form computer and I do not believe that there is room for a
PCI card.


"Malke" <notreally@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:e4ve%23PoxHHA.4352@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> sjmarks wrote:
>> I've previously installed SP2 but looking at the fixes that SP2 includes,
>> I do not see anything about enhanced USB 2.0 support.
>
> What about the drivers? Did you install the drivers for your motherboard
> after your clean install? I didn't see the answer to that question but I
> may have missed it.
>
> If you already have SP2, you still need the drivers per my previous post.
>
> Of course, it is always possible that this is a hardware problem and the
> USB ports on your motherboard are going. If you have a Desktop computer,
> you can get around that by putting in a PCI USB adapter card. They are
> very inexpensive.
>
> Some USB troubleshooting links:
>
> General USB Troubleshooting in Windows XP -
> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310575
> http://www.usbman.com/
> USB port may stop working after removing or inserting USB device (MS KB) -
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/817900/en-us
>
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 
sjmarks wrote:
> I installed audio and video drivers after the reinstall. I can't remember
> any others. I know that I did not install any USB controllers.
>
> I don't think that the problem is with individual USB ports because they all
> work except when they don't.
>
> SP1a has the USB 2.0 controllers but I'm afraid to install it since SP2 is
> already on board and I don't know what will happen. I really do NOT want to
> go through another reinstall of xp.
>
> I have a small form computer and I do not believe that there is room for a
> PCI card.

If you already have SP2, you don't need SP1. If you were able to install
SP1 (and it is doubtful that you could), you would really mess up your
computer.

Try installing the motherboard drivers.

If that doesn't help, then random problems like you are describing
usually mean failing hardware. Check out the USB troubleshooting links I
gave you. Your statement that there is no problem with "individual USB
ports because they all work except when they don't" really doesn't make
any sense. If they don't work sometimes, there is a problem. Whether you
choose to 1) troubleshoot further; 2) replace the motherboard if
warranted; 3) live with the problem - is your choice.

There really isn't anything further we can do for you in a newsgroup.
You might want to have a computer repair person take a look hands-on.
Don't use a BigComputerStore/GeekSquad place. Get recommendations from
friends and colleagues.

Good luck,


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 
Thanks for your time and response. I'll check it out.


"Malke" <notreally@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:e6uXJguxHHA.312@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> sjmarks wrote:
>> I installed audio and video drivers after the reinstall. I can't
>> remember any others. I know that I did not install any USB controllers.
>>
>> I don't think that the problem is with individual USB ports because they
>> all work except when they don't.
>>
>> SP1a has the USB 2.0 controllers but I'm afraid to install it since SP2
>> is already on board and I don't know what will happen. I really do NOT
>> want to go through another reinstall of xp.
>>
>> I have a small form computer and I do not believe that there is room for
>> a PCI card.
>
> If you already have SP2, you don't need SP1. If you were able to install
> SP1 (and it is doubtful that you could), you would really mess up your
> computer.
>
> Try installing the motherboard drivers.
>
> If that doesn't help, then random problems like you are describing usually
> mean failing hardware. Check out the USB troubleshooting links I gave you.
> Your statement that there is no problem with "individual USB ports because
> they all work except when they don't" really doesn't make any sense. If
> they don't work sometimes, there is a problem. Whether you choose to 1)
> troubleshoot further; 2) replace the motherboard if warranted; 3) live
> with the problem - is your choice.
>
> There really isn't anything further we can do for you in a newsgroup. You
> might want to have a computer repair person take a look hands-on. Don't
> use a BigComputerStore/GeekSquad place. Get recommendations from friends
> and colleagues.
>
> Good luck,
>
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
 
sjmarks wrote:
>
> There are 4 USB ports on my computer. Often, one or more fails to work and
> the device that is plugged into it is not recognized. One reboot usually
> corrects the problem but not always.
>
> Does anyone have any idea of what might be the problem?

Often one needs to install the drivers for your USB hardware when you
swithch ports.

--
http://www.bootdisk.com/
 

Similar threads

C
USB Ports Not Recognizing Device
Replies
0
Views
21
Casey Perry
C
R
windows xp Bios problem dell dimension 8300 series
Replies
0
Views
19
Robert Payne1
R
AWS
How Windows manages time zone changes
Replies
0
Views
130
AWS
AWS
AWS
Get the most out of expedited Windows quality updates
Replies
0
Views
169
AWS
AWS
A
Microsoft Security Exposure Management Graph: unveiling the power
Replies
0
Views
26
andreykarpovsky
A
Back
Top