Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
We go over some quick fixes to make sure your system recognizes USB devices.
I have a problem with my USB ports. Say I plug in my digital camera to upload some pictures to the tower or plug in my iPod to put music on it, my system won't recognize that they are plugged into the USB port unless I restart the entire system. This can get very annoying having to restart the computer every time I want to upload pictures, use my webcam, put music on my iPod etc. I have asked many of my friends if they have the same problem with their USB ports, but they don't. My system won't recognize anything that is connected into USB unless the system is restarted.
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USB is great when it works, but as you're experiencing, it can still be a pain when it doesn't.
USB's really only been around for a few years, and while most of the kinks have been worked out, not all of them have. Especially if you're on an older machine or operating system version.
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Since I don't have the specific configuration of your system, I can only make some general suggestions. USB functionality can be affected by many, many things.
- Make certain that your version of Windows is up to date by visiting Windows Update. There have been updates to the USB support in almost every version of Windows, especially the 9x and Me versions.
- Make certain that your system BIOS is up to date. BIOS support is an important part of USB support, and just like the operating system, there have been updates. Exactly where and how to get an updated BIOS will vary depending on the manufacturer of your computer - check with them.
- Make certain that your USB hardware drivers are up to date. The drivers are the hardware-specific interface between Windows and the USB ports. Getting updates to these drivers will depend on the manufacturer of your computer, or the manufacturer of your USB port add-in if the USB ports are on an expansion card, so you'll need to check with them.
- If you're running Windows XP, run the system file checker to ensure that Windows itself is not damaged: What is the System File Checker, and how do I run it?.
- An up-to-date spyware and virus scan wouldn't hurt either.
- If any software came with the devices you're having trouble with, make sure that's up to date, and installed properly.
The problem is that any or all of the above items could possibly impact your USB problems.
Article C2445 - October 26, 2005 « »
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
April 4, 2012 6:26 AM
Hi Leo,
Whilst working for a major IT firm I came across this fix for suspect USB Ports and it works every time.
The problem with USB Ports is that they are prone to Static Charge and because of this they sometimes refuse to work, the workaround for this is very simple:
Do a Static Discharge
Disconnect the computer from the power ( pull out the plug from the rear of the computer supply, then hold the power button on your computer in for a minimum of 30 seconds ( it must be 30 seconds or over) then re-connect your power supply and re-boot.
Yes its that simple
Have fun and good computing to you all
May 30, 2012 8:26 AM
May 30, 2012. Problem, XP system will not always display insertion of a thumb drive although I do get audio beep indication of its insertion but when I display files with explorer the drive will not be shown. I have used diskmgnt.msc and found the drive has an assigned letter. I have tried changing the assigned but although change is successful in diskmgnt no drive is displayed by file explorer. I have found if reboot system the drive will appear but if I remove and re-insert it will not reappear in explorer.
September 30, 2012 12:53 AM
Hi, I have a Samsung Galaxy Pro . The first time i plugged in my smartphone, my computer recognized it and installed the software but after that, every time i plug it my phone recognizes my computer when it is booting but as soon as the computer turns on it no longer recognizes i even updated my Windows but to no avail....please help!! :(
October 17, 2012 2:20 AM
why my pc windows 7starter does not recognized my iphone4s?pls i need help even my itunes,,..
March 4, 2013 6:06 AM
Alkl week-end I have had problems with my wireless internet adapter not being recognized by my windows oeprating ssyte,
it is an AT &T wireless adapter. It used to receive a wireless signal and find a network until this past saturday morning.
the AT & T technician stated to me that my USB ports on the back of my computer were "corrupted" for some reason.
we put the wireless adapter into the front USB port and it worked late satruday afternoon. when I tried to go online sunday, my wireless showed "connected" but would not pull up yahoo or any website.
then the network connection went off completely.. AT & T could not solve problem. my Kindle works via my wireless modem so I am getting the wireless signal.
is it my wireless internet adapter? it seems very odd that all 4 of my USB ports do not recognize the wireless internet adapter any longer.
any idea's?