USB flash drives not recognized, computer freezes

[bshbsh]

I have this XP SP2 Pro machine which always exhibit this behavior. Whenever I connect any external USB drive or flash drives, the computer freezes for a few minutes and after a while it says that the drive is not recognized.
The device driver shows that the USB hub is fine. I use USB mouse and keyboard on it and have no issues with that. But any time I try to use a any USB external storage, it simply wont work. I have checked to see that the storage devices work on other machines without any problems.
I am also logged into this machine as the admin, but still experience the problem.
What do I do. Please advice.
Thanks.

 

[BadBigBen]

1.) make sure that you are all up to date with XP...

2.) make sure that CHIPSET drivers are installed correctly...
if you are not sure, then reinstall the latest version, just to be sure...

3.) from a CMD window (or RUN BOX = START => RUN ), type SFC /SCANNOW then hit RETURN, have your XP install CD handy... this will check all system files for corruption... and replace those that may be damaged...

4.) Check the BIOS for USB settings on voltage (some boards do have this) and up them...

5.) have you tried an external powersupply for the USB storage? or powered HUB?

6.) try another USB cable... some cables are not very good at all, this actually should not be a problem since you already tried it with another PC, but you can never be too careful...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[bshbsh]

Thanks. Will try all that and post back.

 

[bshbsh]

Well, I tried all that, but the problem still remains. I called Dell as the machine is new and under warranty. They wanted to me re-install the OS and then call if I still have any problem, in which case they will replace the motherboard.
Thanks.

 

[BadBigBen]

You are welcome...

Save your DATA first before you do a FRESH install of XP... ergo FORMAT the drive, then either do a restore or complete install (since I do not know what type of XP cd you have, ie. Recovery CD or full OEM, as I haven't worked on a DELL in ages...)

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."