The Data is Invalid Error with USB Devices

[Guest]

Ok, so everytime I plug any device (incl my optical mouse, printer, iPod,
etc) into one of the USB ports on my computer, Windows recognizes it (I know
because of the beep), but it won't install it. I keep getting this error
"There was a problem installing this device. <Device name> An error
occurred during the installation of this device. The data is invalid." This
happens for every USB device I have.

I saw other posts where people recommend you change the Permissions on
registry keys. I tried this, but it doesn't work. In most cases, after the
reboot, the permissions are back to what they were before. Any suggestions?

Amy

 

[Rich Barry]

Amy, try rt clicking MyComputer>select Properties>Hardware>Device
Manager>USB Controllers>rt click on each one
and choose Uninstall. Restart and let WinXP reinstall them.

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Most USB devices must have their software installed BEFORE the device is
connected.

Have you also uninstalled/reinstalled the USB ports in Device Manager....
(delete them then reboot, provided they are working correctly, XP will
reinstall the drivers.)

 

[Guest]

Yes, I've gone to Device Manager, right clicked the devices (all with the
caution marks), uninstalled them, and rebooted. I get the same error...Thanks

 

[Anna]

Yes, I've gone to Device Manager, right clicked the devices (all with the
caution marks), uninstalled them, and rebooted. I get the same
error...Thanks

Amy:
I take it you have a number of USB ports on your PC and none of them work as
you have described. And, of course, you're plugging the USB devices directly
into the computer's USB port and not through a USB hub, right? And your XP
OS includes SP2, right?

While in theory the XP OS should recognize a non-defective USB device
connected to the system without further ado, there have been a few
motherboards produced in the past where a USB driver (provided by the
motherboard's manufacturer) *was* necessary to achieve this recognition. A
rare occurrence but we have experienced it.

You haven't indicated the make/model of your machine or the motherboard, if
you know it.

Also, you haven't said whether this non-recognition of USB devices you're
experiencing is something that's just occurred, i.e., you hadn't experienced
these problems in the past, or whether this is a new machine and the problem
has always been in existence from the start. Which is it?

Of course it's just possible you're dealing with a defective motherboard in
terms of its USB capability. (I'm assuming you've had no other problems with
the unit). Is the machine under warranty?
Anna

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Even if they are defective ports on the motherboard, you don't need to
change out the whole motherboard if your PC is out of warranty. Just
purchase yourself a USB 2.0 PCI card. It will take just a couple of minutes
to install and may well fix your problems.

 

[Anna]

Cari (and Amy)...
It the problem does result from defective USB ports on the motherboard (and
I'm not talking about misconnected front panel USB leads which is frequently
a problem in these types of situations), we invariably find other problems
affecting the motherboard to the extent that the board should be replaced in
the not-too-distant future. While a user can possibly install a PCI card
with USB capability, this should be looked upon as *only* a temporary
expedient. And in more than a few instances USB capability will *not* be
achieved even in that situation.

Now having said that, it's probably *not* a likely prospect that the
computer's motherboard's USB ports are defective. It has not been a common
occurrence in our experience although it does occur.

Unfortunately, these USB non-recognition problems have been endemic in the
XP environment. And all too often it's been puzzling to many of us because
of our inability to precisely determine the cause of these problems when we
have reasonable assurance we're working with (apparently) non-defective
components and a functional OS.
Anna