USB external hard disk problem

[Rick]

Had several 2.5 and 3.5 external hard disks plus a memory stick that plugged
into the USB ports on my laptop. They have all now come up as unknown
devices. I think XP does not need drivers for these but I cant get it to
recognise them. Fairly sure it is not a hardware problem (happens on all
ports). Re-installed Service Pack 2 - no change. Went to re-install
manufactureres recovery disk for XP Home which said that my existing version
is newer than that on the recovery disk - I assume because of subsequent
iinstallation of SP 2. Do I have to re-install XP Home regardless ? Does
anyone know how I can get XP to recognise these drives please, as I am slowly
going mad with frustration ? Thanks

 

[Uwe Sieber]

Had several 2.5 and 3.5 external hard disks plus a memory stick that plugged
into the USB ports on my laptop. They have all now come up as unknown
devices. I think XP does not need drivers for these but I cant get it to
recognise them. Fairly sure it is not a hardware problem (happens on all
ports). Re-installed Service Pack 2 - no change. Went to re-install
manufactureres recovery disk for XP Home which said that my existing version
is newer than that on the recovery disk - I assume because of subsequent
iinstallation of SP 2. Do I have to re-install XP Home regardless ? Does
anyone know how I can get XP to recognise these drives please, as I am slowly
going mad with frustration ? Thanks

You can try a complete USB cleanup by means of
Rob van der Woude's RenewUSB script:
http://www.robvanderwoude.com/devcon.html


Uwe