Semaphore Timeout Period

[Guest]

Since the installation of one of the last MS Windows XP Pro updates, the
error message "The Semaphore timeout period has expired" comes up when I want
to access an external harddrive connected via USB cable to my laptop after a
certain time has passed. Though the system recognizes the harddrive, it
can't read the contents. There are over 1,200 questions regarding this
problem on the internet, and most assume it has to do with networking. I
believe it is a faulty setting in Windows XP which terminates a USB
connection prematurely. Anyone out there who knows how to fix the problem?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Since the installation of one of the last MS Windows XP Pro
updates, the error message "The Semaphore timeout period has
expired" comes up when I want to access an external harddrive
connected via USB cable to my laptop after a certain time has
passed. Though the system recognizes the harddrive, it can't read
the contents. There are over 1,200 questions regarding this problem
on the internet, and most assume it has to do with networking. I
believe it is a faulty setting in Windows XP which terminates a USB
connection prematurely. Anyone out there who knows how to fix the
problem?

I have come across this several time with the more "inexpensive" or "older"
USB hard drives.
I have also seen a faulty USB connector or cable cause this.

Try changing the port it is plugged into.
Then swap the USB cable out.
Then flash the firmware of the external drive if a newer version is out for
it.