Recognizing Devices in USB2 Ports

[Guest]

I can not get my computer (running XP) to recognize my Seagate external hard
drive. I get a message that says an unknown device is plugged into one of
the USB ports. Help, please.

 

[R. McCarty]

Does the Seagate drive unit have an external power source ( AC to
DC converter ) or does the drive get it's power from the USB socket.
(Self-Powered) :?

Normally, a USB device reports it's VID (Vendor ID) string to XP
and that allows the OS to properly identify and load a driver. It's not
normal for windows to identify the drive as an unknown device.

In some cases it's beneficial to update the "Chipset" driver package
for your motherboard. These are system level drivers that might help
XP to properly enumerate the Seagate.

 

[Guest]

My Seagate has a separate power supply from the computer. Interestingly, I
am having the same problem with my wife's digital camera, which she can plug
into her laptop and get recognized.

I am suspecting some software protection issue with my computer.

Any thoughts?
--
Sincerely,

The Weaves

Does the Seagate drive unit have an external power source ( AC to
DC converter ) or does the drive get it's power from the USB socket.
(Self-Powered) :?

Normally, a USB device reports it's VID (Vendor ID) string to XP
and that allows the OS to properly identify and load a driver. It's not
normal for windows to identify the drive as an unknown device.

In some cases it's beneficial to update the "Chipset" driver package
for your motherboard. These are system level drivers that might help
XP to properly enumerate the Seagate.

 

[GHalleck]

My Seagate has a separate power supply from the computer. Interestingly, I
am having the same problem with my wife's digital camera, which she can plug
into her laptop and get recognized.

I am suspecting some software protection issue with my computer.

Any thoughts?

In both instances, locate and read the manual. Alternately, visit the
websites for Seagate and the camera and read through the FAQ's.

 

[Rock]

I can not get my computer (running XP) to recognize my Seagate external
hard
drive. I get a message that says an unknown device is plugged into one of
the USB ports. Help, please.

Troubleshooting for USB Drives
http://www.uwe-sieber.de/usbtrouble_e.html

General USB troubleshooting in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310575

 

[Guest]

The process of "removing and reinstalling all of the USB controllers" worked.
My external hard drive is now recognized. Thanks to all.

 

[Rock]

The process of "removing and reinstalling all of the USB controllers"
worked.
My external hard drive is now recognized. Thanks to all.

<snip>

Great, glad I could help and thanks for posting back.

 

[Guest]

Rock, I'm having the same problem as Weaves. I read his response to you
saying he removed and reinstalled all of the USB controllers and it worked. I
went to the two sites you gave him but I did not find the process for
removing and reinstalling the USB controllers. Where do I go?

 

[Rock]

Rock, I'm having the same problem as Weaves. I read his response to you
saying he removed and reinstalled all of the USB controllers and it
worked. I
went to the two sites you gave him but I did not find the process for
removing and reinstalling the USB controllers. Where do I go?

You must have overlooked it. It's in the article on General USB
troubleshooting in Windows XP.

 

[mikeyhsd]

its really simple,
open Device Manager.
scroll down to the USB section.
right click on each USB Hub and select UNINSTALL.

best to power down the computer , wait 3-5 minutes.
power up and allow it to find an install the usb ports again.

no real need to visit a web site unless to give someone click count.



(e-mail address removed)



Rock, I'm having the same problem as Weaves. I read his response to you
saying he removed and reinstalled all of the USB controllers and it worked. I
went to the two sites you gave him but I did not find the process for
removing and reinstalling the USB controllers. Where do I go?

 

[cr8tvt]

do you need any external cds or software - or are these already on the hard
drive?
(hitting uninstall always scares me . . . ) -
and thanks for the simple straight answer -

 

[cr8tvt]

fyi - i tried all of this -
connected up a non-usb mouse - disconnected all usb devices - restarted pc -
uninstalled all usb controllers, root hubs, etc in device manager - ALL -
then shut down again -

when pc restarted it reinstalled all usb drivers, told me all new hardware
was ready to use - -
so i shut down, re-connected the USB mouse and printer - and restarted
result: the mouse and printer still work -
however - any usb external data storage device still registers as an unknown
device (memory stick, external harddrive)

now what?

 

[cr8tvt]

i finally fixed the usb problem - and it was so simple, it's ridiculous -
i had to shut off the computer and UNPLUG it for about 30 minutes -
then all i did was turn it back on -
ridiculous . . .