Cannot install any new USB device

[Guest]

I have an HP laptop with XP Home and SP2.

When attaching ANY new devices via a USB port, I keep getting a message
'Cannot
install this hardware - USB Device - The data is invalid'. My USB mouse and
printer continue to work OK but I now cannot install/attach any new USB
device. This happens with my mobile phone, PCTV USB stick and with a new
Garmin Sat Nav system I have just bought.

I have tried restoring my system to an earlier time but as this has
happened for some time, I dont know what date this problem started happening.
Also I have installed quite a bit of software in the last month and dont
want to
have to reinstall it all again.

I have read Microsoft's article 810882 on this subject and have followed
their instructions.....but having gone through all the driver.cab renaming
etc, the problem still occurs.

I have also tried uninstalling the USB hubs via device manager (several
times) but the system freezes and eventually advised that 'not responding'

Can anyone please help me solve this problem - PLEASE.

Lily

 

[R. McCarty]

You may have an issue with "Phantom" USB device entries or a
device identified as "Unknown" in your USB category of DevMgr.
Fairly complicated to resolve, involving adding a new Environment
Variable and removing certain device entries. I'd recommend that
before you take any more actions you ensure data is backed up or
the System is imaged. Unfortunately, because of the message you
indicated it's not possible to give you exact steps to resolve. One
of those "Need to See it" type problems. This may be a problem
that requires manual editing of the Registry.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your response. A couple of extra bits of info.

When I attach a new USB device, it recognises the device by name but says
'There was an error during the installation of this device. The data is
invalid.'
Secondly, if I look at Device Manager, it is not recognised as a USB device
but as Other (with the yellow questions mark against it).

What am I looking for if I have to edit the registry (which fills me with
fear!)

Lily

 

[R. McCarty]

Is your system fully patched (SP2, & the 82 or so updates) ?

 

[Plato]

I have also tried uninstalling the USB hubs via device manager (several
times) but the system freezes and eventually advised that 'not responding'

Perhaps you need a powored USB hub.

 

[Guest]

Yes, I have SP2 and all the latest updates/patches.

I have also tried connecting the new devices through the USB ports on the
computer and on the Belkin powered USB hub which is supporting my printer,
external hard drive and mouse (one other slot available). If I use one of
these devices on one of the computer USB hub, it works OK. It is only new
USB devices that will not install/be recognised.

HELP!!!

Thanks in advance
Lily