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I cannot copy to any USB devide

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rajibraaj

Technical User
Aug 24, 2009
7
BD
Hi,
I have a winxp PC.A problem is killing me! whenever i insert a USB device(be it a memory stick,a pen drive...)i cant copy in it.even small files of 3-5MB also cannot be copied to USB.It shows message of error copying file---- "Cannot copy filename:Cannot find the specified file.Make sure u specified correct file and pathe name".Some times it also shows the error--"Cannot copy filename:The volume for a file has been externally altered so that the opened file is no longer valid." Sometimes luckily one small file might get copied but when played from the USB,it is corrupted.All my USBs are ok.Works fine when used in other PCs.Can anypne help me? ---Rajib
 
check eventviewer for errors
run chkdsk /f
uninstall all usb ports, reboot, let windows install them again
check mainboard manufactors support for updated drivers

since when does that happen?

M. Knorr

MCSE, MCTS, MCSA, CCNA
 
Its been happening since 5 months.Actually it never worked well.The most funny part is, after copying fails...the USB drive shows nothing in it.Suddenly everything in it dissapears.Then if u eject and insert it again,u see the contents.I have windows 98 also.It can hardly detect pen drives.but once detected,it can copy(though very very slow).but win98 cannot detect memory cards,so i cannot copy in my phone memory etc.But with win xp,it never worked well...never ever.I am frustrated!
 
Have you checked for any available Bios update. Are all USB items mentioned in your Bios, Enabled? In the BIOS settings for your computer, load the 'Fail-Safe' default settings, and then reactivate the most frequently used options such as USB Support.

Have your tried using rear mounting USB Ports as well as any front Ports?

Use Device Manager and delete the USB root hubs that show on your machine now. Reboot and let XP rediscover the ports.

Advanced troubleshooting tips for general USB problems in Windows XP

HOW TO: Disable the Use of USB Storage Devices in Windows XP

USBDLM V4.3.2 - USB Drive Letter Manager for Windows 2000, XP

Some USB tools for you to look at.

USBDLM V4.3.2 - USB Drive Letter Manager for Windows 2000, XP

USBDeview
 
Just so as to exclude any other problems (with the PC itself perhaps), do you have another (preferably new) usb stick/device you could try. Have you tried sticking the device into a different usb port (some have said on this forum that the back usb ports are more reliable).
 
Yes i have tried with new USB sticks/memory cards.Uninstalled all usb ports, reboot, let windows install them again,checked BIOS settings,changed diff USB ports.Nothing works!
 
Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)
 
HI all, very happily i wud like to let u know that the problem is solved.I had to change the hardware,i mean i had to add a new PCI USB card which is a High-speed device and now my nightmare is over.Thans for ur help and support.
 
You sure it didn't have to do with the virus you mentioned in your other post?



Just my 2¢

"What the captain doesn't realize is that we've secretly replaced his Dilithium Crystals with new Folger's Crystals."

--Greg
 
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