Nothing plugged into USB works now

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I recently trucked my p.c. to work to try to fix a Windows XP issue (long, frustrating story), and now when I’m back home, none of my USB connections will work. This wipes out my printer and scanner. Although I have rechecked the connections several times and moved from back USB block to front USB block, the lights are on but Mr. P.C. isn’t answering. Is this a)something unplugged in the (I hate go go in there) box? B)a Windows XP thing? c)I transported the p.c. back and forth too many times?

Help!

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My money would be on an a) thing caused by the c) thing.
Depending on the internal hardware, you may have a single usb card for the back which connects to the front ports, and if the rear card has become slightly displaced, it will wipe out both as far as working goes.

I can understand your reluctance to ‘open the box’ but it may be a very simple thing to check – and could save you the cost of taking it to a ‘professional’. Can you give us some information about the pc itself; make, model, etc, and hopefully someone can either talk you safely through a quick internal check, or we may even find an online manual for you.

(I presume you haven’t got a manual? Dell, for example, usually load it into their machines as part of the Help rather than supply a hard copy.)

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My money would be on an a) thing caused by the c) thing.
Depending on the internal hardware, you may have a single usb card for the back which connects to the front ports, and if the rear card has become slightly displaced, it will wipe out both as far as working goes.

I can understand your reluctance to ‘open the box’ but it may be a very simple thing to check – and could save you the cost of taking it to a ‘professional’. Can you give us some information about the pc itself; make, model, etc, and hopefully someone can either talk you safely through a quick internal check, or we may even find an online manual for you.

(I presume you haven’t got a manual? Dell, for example, usually load it into their machines as part of the Help rather than supply a hard copy.)

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Peggy,
Beside the suggestion made by Leif, I think it may also depend on just WHAT was done to fix(?) your PC. Did they go into the BIOS to do anything? Possible disabling USB?
Are the USB ports listed OK in Device Manager? Without a yellow flag on them?

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What was “done” to my p.c. was that the hard drive was swapped once, and then swapped back. We then ghosted the original hard drive, wiped it out, reloaded a better version of Windows XP, loaded everything else back in and then I took it back home(well actually, I think my sysadmin did a Windows XP repair). This was to fix a situation where I couldn’t load any sofware that was newer than let’s say 2001including those important leisure-time activities (aka games) that keep us going. Now everything but the USB’s are running fine and we’re having fun changing outfits on our avatar in Uru.

The USB ports are all working and there aren’t any yellow flags. When I disable the host controller, I can hear my scanner starting up, but it doesn’t work. The printer just sits there with the green light on. Yesterday morning, when I booted up, it said that there was “new” hardware to install and we were briefly able to print and scan. Then we went out somewhere for awhile and when we came back, we were back to having no printer or scanner. Sounds to me like there’s something loose in there, huh? Either that or our p.c. hates us.

I have a generic standard installation machine. That’s all I know. Sorry.

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Peggy,
I think what I would try at this point is to go into Device Manager and uninstall all of the USB entries. Then reboot and see what Windows comes up with that’s new.

Looking at my USB items, I have:
Generic USB Hub
Intel 82801 USB Universal Host Controller
USB Printing Support
(2) USB Root Hubs, one of which is a legacy (unsupported) Hub for my scanner, Umax Astra 3400.

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I tried disabling the USB entries and rebooted but no luck. I popped the cover off the p.c. and saw that the USB ports are tied to a silver box that is plugged into the motherboard. I couldn’t unplug it but I pushed it in as hard as I could and I did hear a click. Unfortunately, still no luck. Any other suggestions?

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I can’t think of what that silver box might be. Maybe an adapter for front and back USB ports? I also hope that when you pushed in as hard as you could, that is was a CLICK that you heard, not a CRACK. ( the pc board cracking ! ) Don’t be too exuberant here. Firmly but not overbearing !

At any rate, when you disabled the USB devices, did you then uninstall them?
The procedure would be:
Disable & then uninstall all devices via Device Manager.
Unplug the printer and scanner and any other USB devices.
Reboot.
Make sure all of the device drivers are installed for printer, scanner, AND the USB port, etc.
Then “hotplug” ( plug in the first USB device, with it’s power switch OFF ) while you are running and powered up.
Power on the device and check to see if that one device works and is recognized by your system.
If OK, plug in the next device. Check it.

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Bob,

First of all, it wasn’t a crack because I know not to exert too much pressure when doing something with delicate (and ornery) machinery. Okay, following your instructions, I noticed that the USB drivers were still disabled, so I uninstalled them, rebooted, saw that they were re-installed. Then I plugged the printer in, turned it on, saw a test page print out. I tried to print something but it just sat there. I then plugged in the scanner, turned it on, tried to scan something and same thing. I went to the Printers and Faxes and there were two printer icons. Since the default wasn’t working, I went to the other one and now my printer is back. However, trying to troubleshoot the scanner was not as successful. I’m thinking I need updated software here as when I was going through the troubleshooting, the highest WIN version was 98. Thanks for helping! At least we can print now.

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Hi Peggy,
Glad to see you got your printer going. That’s half the battle?
Now, the scanner. What brand is the scanner? If you notice my first post, I had to install a scanner USB root hub that was not on the MS authorized list. It was the nature of the beast, that UMAX decided not to update the drivers for that scanner for XP. Why??? Anyway, buried in Umax’s website was the note to use this “old” hub and there it was running fine and dandy ! Maybe you have a similar situation with your scanner? Definitely check for updated drivers for whatever brand scanner it is, tho.

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Bob,

I have an HP scanjet 4200C. I occasionally have “I can’t find this” problems in the past with it but not this bad for this long. So I’m sure that they have some sort of update for XP….at least I hope so….

I also want to thank you for your help because now I get to get my $35 back by buying a USB PCI card since someone else thought I fried my USB ports somehow.

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Peggy,
You are welcome.

I located updated drivers for the 4200C HERE

Be sure to read the installation notes near the bottom of the first screen for use under Win XP.

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Peggy,
You are welcome.

I located updated drivers for the 4200C HERE

Be sure to read the installation notes near the bottom of the first screen for use under Win XP.

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Peggy,

You can also get the drivers from HP HP Scanjet 4200c scanner. If you do not have a broadband connection you can order a CD from the HP site.

Joe

--Joe

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Dear Bob and Joe,

First of all, sorry – I went on vacation for a few days, but I did download the latest version of the HP scanner software for XP. When I went to install it, I got a nagging message not to continue to install because it wasn’t digitally signed by MS, so I went ahead anyway. It appeared to install, but I still couldn’t scan anything and ever time I turn my p.c. on now, I get two messages – one that it’s trying to install the HP software and to ignore the nag messages that it isn’t digitally signed by MS, and then I get the nag message where I have the choice to continue or halt. It doesn’t matter what I do – apparently XP is deciding I don’t know what I’m doing and doesn’t complete the installation. I guess this is a software issue now? Should I be asking this question in the XP area?

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Peggy,
You did NOT address my question above. Did you install the software first before plugging in the hardware?
HP says this must be done or else the scanner will NOT work

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Dave – Sorry I didn’t specifically answer your question…

When I got my USB ports reactivated I had unplugged the scanner, turned it off, then when the usbs were back in business I plugged in the scanner and turned it on. Now I’ve just unplugged the scanner, turned it off, uninstalled the software, rebooted, installed the software, plugged in the scanner and turned it on. It still can’t find it, but interestingly enough, when I look for new hardware, there is a reference to the scanner, but the icon has a yellow exclamation point and it says it’s missing the drivers. So I guess we’re close, but still not where we want to be.

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Dave – Sorry I didn’t specifically answer your question…

When I got my USB ports reactivated I had unplugged the scanner, turned it off, then when the usbs were back in business I plugged in the scanner and turned it on. Now I’ve just unplugged the scanner, turned it off, uninstalled the software, rebooted, installed the software, plugged in the scanner and turned it on. It still can’t find it, but interestingly enough, when I look for new hardware, there is a reference to the scanner, but the icon has a yellow exclamation point and it says it’s missing the drivers. So I guess we’re close, but still not where we want to be.

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Peggy,
You did NOT address my question above. Did you install the software first before plugging in the hardware?
HP says this must be done or else the scanner will NOT work

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Hi Peggy,
The post by DaveA is most important.
You must install the software FIRST before plugging in the scanner. Now, you may have to try to clean up the initial installation attempts before trying again. Add remove programs, delete any folders created, remove from device manager,etc. Reboot and reinstall software, THEN plug in the scanner.

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Hi Peggy,
The post by DaveA is most important.
You must install the software FIRST before plugging in the scanner. Now, you may have to try to clean up the initial installation attempts before trying again. Add remove programs, delete any folders created, remove from device manager,etc. Reboot and reinstall software, THEN plug in the scanner.

Reply | Quote

Dear Bob and Joe,

First of all, sorry – I went on vacation for a few days, but I did download the latest version of the HP scanner software for XP. When I went to install it, I got a nagging message not to continue to install because it wasn’t digitally signed by MS, so I went ahead anyway. It appeared to install, but I still couldn’t scan anything and ever time I turn my p.c. on now, I get two messages – one that it’s trying to install the HP software and to ignore the nag messages that it isn’t digitally signed by MS, and then I get the nag message where I have the choice to continue or halt. It doesn’t matter what I do – apparently XP is deciding I don’t know what I’m doing and doesn’t complete the installation. I guess this is a software issue now? Should I be asking this question in the XP area?

Reply | Quote

Peggy,

You can also get the drivers from HP HP Scanjet 4200c scanner. If you do not have a broadband connection you can order a CD from the HP site.

Joe

--Joe

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Bob,

I have an HP scanjet 4200C. I occasionally have “I can’t find this” problems in the past with it but not this bad for this long. So I’m sure that they have some sort of update for XP….at least I hope so….

I also want to thank you for your help because now I get to get my $35 back by buying a USB PCI card since someone else thought I fried my USB ports somehow.

Reply | Quote

Hi Peggy,
Glad to see you got your printer going. That’s half the battle?
Now, the scanner. What brand is the scanner? If you notice my first post, I had to install a scanner USB root hub that was not on the MS authorized list. It was the nature of the beast, that UMAX decided not to update the drivers for that scanner for XP. Why??? Anyway, buried in Umax’s website was the note to use this “old” hub and there it was running fine and dandy ! Maybe you have a similar situation with your scanner? Definitely check for updated drivers for whatever brand scanner it is, tho.

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Remember that a LOT of the USB devices REQUIRE that the supporting software be install before plugging the hardware device.

Did you install the software first?

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

Reply | Quote

Remember that a LOT of the USB devices REQUIRE that the supporting software be install before plugging the hardware device.

Did you install the software first?

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

Reply | Quote

Bob,

First of all, it wasn’t a crack because I know not to exert too much pressure when doing something with delicate (and ornery) machinery. Okay, following your instructions, I noticed that the USB drivers were still disabled, so I uninstalled them, rebooted, saw that they were re-installed. Then I plugged the printer in, turned it on, saw a test page print out. I tried to print something but it just sat there. I then plugged in the scanner, turned it on, tried to scan something and same thing. I went to the Printers and Faxes and there were two printer icons. Since the default wasn’t working, I went to the other one and now my printer is back. However, trying to troubleshoot the scanner was not as successful. I’m thinking I need updated software here as when I was going through the troubleshooting, the highest WIN version was 98. Thanks for helping! At least we can print now.

Reply | Quote

I can’t think of what that silver box might be. Maybe an adapter for front and back USB ports? I also hope that when you pushed in as hard as you could, that is was a CLICK that you heard, not a CRACK. ( the pc board cracking ! ) Don’t be too exuberant here. Firmly but not overbearing !

At any rate, when you disabled the USB devices, did you then uninstall them?
The procedure would be:
Disable & then uninstall all devices via Device Manager.
Unplug the printer and scanner and any other USB devices.
Reboot.
Make sure all of the device drivers are installed for printer, scanner, AND the USB port, etc.
Then “hotplug” ( plug in the first USB device, with it’s power switch OFF ) while you are running and powered up.
Power on the device and check to see if that one device works and is recognized by your system.
If OK, plug in the next device. Check it.

Reply | Quote

I tried disabling the USB entries and rebooted but no luck. I popped the cover off the p.c. and saw that the USB ports are tied to a silver box that is plugged into the motherboard. I couldn’t unplug it but I pushed it in as hard as I could and I did hear a click. Unfortunately, still no luck. Any other suggestions?

Reply | Quote

Peggy,
I think what I would try at this point is to go into Device Manager and uninstall all of the USB entries. Then reboot and see what Windows comes up with that’s new.

Looking at my USB items, I have:
Generic USB Hub
Intel 82801 USB Universal Host Controller
USB Printing Support
(2) USB Root Hubs, one of which is a legacy (unsupported) Hub for my scanner, Umax Astra 3400.

Reply | Quote

What was “done” to my p.c. was that the hard drive was swapped once, and then swapped back. We then ghosted the original hard drive, wiped it out, reloaded a better version of Windows XP, loaded everything else back in and then I took it back home(well actually, I think my sysadmin did a Windows XP repair). This was to fix a situation where I couldn’t load any sofware that was newer than let’s say 2001including those important leisure-time activities (aka games) that keep us going. Now everything but the USB’s are running fine and we’re having fun changing outfits on our avatar in Uru.

The USB ports are all working and there aren’t any yellow flags. When I disable the host controller, I can hear my scanner starting up, but it doesn’t work. The printer just sits there with the green light on. Yesterday morning, when I booted up, it said that there was “new” hardware to install and we were briefly able to print and scan. Then we went out somewhere for awhile and when we came back, we were back to having no printer or scanner. Sounds to me like there’s something loose in there, huh? Either that or our p.c. hates us.

I have a generic standard installation machine. That’s all I know. Sorry.

Reply | Quote

This is just an update on my scanner issue. I finally got it to work after uninstalling the software, unplugging the scanner, installing the software, plugging in the USB cable, and then turning on the scanner, rebooting at each step. I must have done this at least once a week, and finally, last weekend, I did it 3 times in a row. Frustrated, I turned to the scanner and said “look, buddy, if you don’t start working soon, I’l just junk you and go out and buy another one.” Well, the FOM (Fear of the Mom) threat seemed to have worked because, magically, the next time I rebooted, I hear the scanner chug to life. Now everything’s working fine and all I have to do is replace the cable from the external CD RW as somehow( ) the pins broke off.

Thanks, everyone, for all your help!

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Glad to see that you got it working again.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

Reply | Quote

Glad to see that you got it working again.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

Reply | Quote

This is just an update on my scanner issue. I finally got it to work after uninstalling the software, unplugging the scanner, installing the software, plugging in the USB cable, and then turning on the scanner, rebooting at each step. I must have done this at least once a week, and finally, last weekend, I did it 3 times in a row. Frustrated, I turned to the scanner and said “look, buddy, if you don’t start working soon, I’l just junk you and go out and buy another one.” Well, the FOM (Fear of the Mom) threat seemed to have worked because, magically, the next time I rebooted, I hear the scanner chug to life. Now everything’s working fine and all I have to do is replace the cable from the external CD RW as somehow( ) the pins broke off.

Thanks, everyone, for all your help!

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