USB Device Problem

[PantoKing]

Hello,

I am having a problem with detecting USB devices on a new install of win XP pro.
Whenever I plug any USB device in the PC finds it as an "Unknown Device" and won't let me install any other drivers.
This is happening for the 3 USB devices I've tried, a digital camera, a usb data link cable and a printer.

Is it a problem with my XP install maybe or could it be a hardware problem. The fact that it finds the device but won't recognise it makes me think it's a software problem but basically I'm a bit stumped!!!!

Any help would be appreciated.

Make things as simple as possible — but no simpler.

 

[jrbarnett]

Hello

With USB, you should install the drivers prior to connecting the device to the machine for the first time. Have you tried that?

John

 

[PantoKing]

Yes, i've tried that but still get the same error.

I've tried uninstalling in device manager and scanned for hardware changes and that doesn't work either.

I'm at a loss!


Make things as simple as possible — but no simpler.

 

[jsauce]

Just because a device is USB doesn't mean that its going to be installed properly, you still need drivers if they are not included with Windows. You should make sure you have the original disks your devices came with and install the drivers. Then You can always run Windows Update if you need a newer driver and Microsoft may have one for the device you are installing.

John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[PantoKing]

I've installed the drivers that came on the disc(s) with the usb devices. However it still won't recognise the devices and won't let me update the one that it has installed.

Make things as simple as possible — but no simpler.

 

[jsauce]

When you open up device manager and right click on the properties for the unknown device does it indicate the error type you are getting in the box? Could help in trying to figure out what the problem is. Also you should check to make sure your USB controller is actually being detected correctly, its possible you might need to make changes in the bios to get it working. And also make sure your bios is set to Plug and Play OS.

John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[PantoKing]

I looked at that and it said that the device was working properly. I'll check the bios but I don't think it's that as all my non usb devices were found straight away.

Aren't computers great!


Make things as simple as possible — but no simpler.

 

[jsauce]

Yeah but the bios actually may have a specific section for USB, mine does. In fact mine has settings about how the OS handles the USB, whether it will be legacy or not. Wether you will be using it for mouse and keyboard, etc. Its worth a look.

John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[PantoKing]

thanks, I'll give that a go.


Make things as simple as possible — but no simpler.