USB Devices freezing up computer

[Steven Miller]

Hello

Recently I upgraded a Windows 98 Laptop to have Windows XP
Pro so that we could use VPN over ADSL. Since installing
XP I am having problems with all USB devices. Once the
device is plugged into the USB port, the computer freezes
for about ten seconds unfreezes for about half a second
and continues freezing until the USB device is removed. I
have spoken to some technical helplines for the products
and they have suggested that the USB port may not be
providing enough power to the device however some of the
USB devices have their own external power, can anyone
suggest anything?

Regards

Steve

 

[MAP]

-----Original Message-----
Hello

Recently I upgraded a Windows 98 Laptop to have Windows XP
Pro so that we could use VPN over ADSL. Since installing
XP I am having problems with all USB devices. Once the
device is plugged into the USB port, the computer freezes
for about ten seconds unfreezes for about half a second
and continues freezing until the USB device is removed. I
have spoken to some technical helplines for the products
and they have suggested that the USB port may not be
providing enough power to the device however some of the
USB devices have their own external power, can anyone
suggest anything?

Regards

Steve
.
Hi Steve,I think that the techs meant power to the USB

port,Here is an article from a newsletter I recieve it
talks about cameras but it should apply to all USB
hookups. I hope this helps!


AND NOW FOR TODAY'S TIP... Problems with USB peripherals

Q. I have a digital camera. When I download pictures, it
works fine
when it is plugged into the USB hub. But when I plug it
into a USB
port, nothing happens. What's going on?

A. USB is a great way to connect peripherals to your
computer. It can
be used to attach printers, scanners, cameras, keyboards,
speakers and
more to your computer.

As you already know, you don't need a separate power
supply for
USB gadgets. But this does not mean that the amount of
power is
unlimited. Your problem has to do with the power, or in
your case,
not having enough.

You see, USB devices are supposed to draw between 50 and
500 milliamps.
If your camera is drawing more than 500 milliamps, the
port can't
provide it. And along the same lines, if the camera draws
less than 50
milliamps, the port will not recognize it.

Commonly, you can spot this problem if a peripheral works
on a powered
hub, but not with a port. That appears to be your case.
It will also
show up if other peripherals are working, but then quit
when the device
with a problem is hooked up.

One way to get around this is to use a self-powered hub.
Since you
have a hub, and the camera works with it, that is what I
would do.
If you prefer, you can check with the camera
manufacturer. It may
have upgraded software to correct the problem.

Under USB specifications, you can hook up five powered
hubs in
a Series.

 

[Guest]

did u ever try powering on the computer after the device is plugged in? does the issue persist?