Computer locks up on large files from flash drive

[bacchus41]

Running XP Pro SP3, 1.8G Pentium 4, 1.5 GB RAM, 115GB hard drive, USB 2.0.
When I try to transfer a large file from a flash drive, the whole computer
locks up after a short while. The only way to get out of it is to "pull the
plug" and reboot. What is causing this? I get no error messages.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Running XP Pro SP3, 1.8G Pentium 4, 1.5 GB RAM, 115GB hard drive, USB 2.0.
When I try to transfer a large file from a flash drive, the whole computer
locks up after a short while. The only way to get out of it is to "pull
the
plug" and reboot. What is causing this? I get no error messages.

Any flash drive?
Any USB hard disk drive?

What size is 'large'?

Have you checked the computer manufacturer's support web pages for the
latest drivers - particularly the motherboard/mainboard drivers and perhaps
a BIOS upgrade?

 

[bacchus41]

All manufacturer drivers and BIOS are up to date. Large = 700 MB of digital
picturers and 1.3 GB Outlook Express files. Flash drives have been SanDisk
4.0 GB and Patriot 8.0 GB. Haven't used USB hard disk.

 

[smlunatick]

All manufacturer drivers and BIOS are up to date. Large = 700 MB of digital
picturers and 1.3 GB Outlook Express files. Flash drives have been SanDisk
4.0 GB and Patriot 8.0 GB. Haven't used USB hard disk.

Any flash drive?
Any USB hard disk drive?

What size is 'large'?

Have you checked the computer manufacturer's support web pages for the
latest drivers - particularly the motherboard/mainboard drivers and perhaps
a BIOS upgrade?

These drives have which type of format on them? NTFS or FAT32?

 

[bacchus41]

The flash drives are FAT32 and my hard drive is NTFS. Is that the problem?

 

[Anteaus]

Does copying a large file between two locations on the hard-disk give similar
problems, or not? If yes, it may be an IDE/SATA driver issue, or disk-cable
fault. Check this thoroughly first.

For USB memory this is not all that common a problem. The more usual problem
is getting the computer to recognise the USB drive. A wild stab, but
antivirus software might be responsible. Especially if it's Norton.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

The flash drives are FAT32 and my hard drive is NTFS. Is that the problem?

No.

 

[bacchus41]

No problem transferring between two locations on the main hard drive or
between my two internal hard drives. It is also OK between my internal hard
drive and an external USB hard drive. But with anti virus and firewall off
(both McAfee), same problem (computer lock up) with flash drives transferring
either to or from internal hard drive.