XP theme reverts when started with USB drive attached

[Greg Crinklaw]

This one is driving me crazy. I recently had a hard drive failure. I
rebuilt the system exactly as before (including SP2) except perhaps for
a few newer device drivers. Oh, and I'm now running dual drives in a
RAID mirror configuration. I didn't have the following problem previously.

Problem is this: when I restart with my USB external backup drive
connected I lose my current theme. The desktop theme reverts to the
blue XP style (from classic), changes the background color, but keeps
the wallpaper. The sound scheme name appears blank and the sounds are
revert to the default. I can reset everything and restart with the USB
drive disconnected to my hearts content and everything is fine. The
moment I restart with the USB drive connected, the theme is hosed again.
I can also log on/off without problem, even with the USB drive connected.

I've run virus scans, disk scans, searched the registry for references
to the external drive letter, and I've looked the external drive over
for theme files that may somehow be referred to. Nada. I don't have
enough hair left to be pulling it out like this!

Ideas?

 

[R. McCarty]

One idea, many BIOS's have a Legacy USB mode setting. If that is
enabled BIOS will attempt to start the USB peripheral before XP gets
going. I would enter BIOS setup, locate the USB legacy option and if
found disable it. Then try an normal XP boot with the USB connected
and powered on.

 

[Greg Crinklaw]

Hi,

One idea, many BIOS's have a Legacy USB mode setting. If that is
enabled BIOS will attempt to start the USB peripheral before XP gets
going. I would enter BIOS setup, locate the USB legacy option and if
found disable it. Then try an normal XP boot with the USB connected
and powered on.

A great suggestion! But unfortunately there wasn't anything like that
in the BIOS. Thanks anyhow!

Earlier today I deleted the blank sound scheme and when I caused the
problem to occur again by restarting with the USB drive connected it
came back.

Anybody else have any ideas?

Greg