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USB & SD Slot causing computer to freeze

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by roxigrrrl, 2012/03/18.

  1. 2012/03/18
    roxigrrrl

    roxigrrrl Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hello,

    I am using a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop. It is about 3.5 years old, but not used very often. I am having trouble with the computer reading SD cards as well as usb memory sticks and even when I connect my phone via a USB cable. Whenever I insert any of these devices, the computer will completely freeze up. I don't think the actual slot is faulty because I am able to install and use a wireless mouse by plugging it into the USB.

    This is actually my mother's computer. She told me that the first time she tried to load a memory card, a blue screen came up and instructed her to do some steps (that she doesn't remember) which enabled her to view the pictures on her SD card. Once she removed the SD card that time, she was never able to use the slot again.

    Now whenever any device with external memory is plugged in the computer freezes. I have checked the drivers and they do say they are up to date. I don't think it's the driver for the device, because the same thing happens with many different types of devices and brands.

    I appreciate any help/advice you can offer...Many Thanks!!
     
  2. 2012/03/18
    muddyfox

    muddyfox Well-Known Member

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    I had a similar problem. As a temporary solution to stop the freeze / crash I disconnected the USB / SD card reader ports at the motherboard.
     

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  4. 2012/03/18
    roxigrrrl

    roxigrrrl Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for the response, but I have no idea how to disconnect the USB/SD card reader ports at the motherboard. Can you explain it to me? Will the computer function properly if I do that? You said that you did that as a temporary solution. Is there a long term solution? Any idea why this may have happened?

    Thanks again :)
     
  5. 2012/03/20
    mattman

    mattman Inactive Alumni

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    I still think you should consider drivers. "Up to date" means little to me, I just ignore it, if I feel I it might be a driver problem. Are the drivers from the Dell website? Use the Service Tag information to check what drivers are available at Dell. Look for SATA, ATA or IDE drivers.

    You can safely uninstall the IDE/ATA drivers in Device Manager, they will be reinstalled automatically when you restart.

    Check for any software that might influence drives or try to start running a program when you connect an external drive. Look through the list in Remove Programs (we don't know what version of Windows). Programs can be easily reinstalled and you should check for an updated version.

    Look in Event Viewer for what happened at the time it stopped reacting. If you don't know Event Viewer, look it up in Help and Support.

    It might have a problem with (Windows) Explorer, try running Error Checking on the Windows (C: ) drive. Again, look it up in Help and Support if you don't know it.

    Disconnecting any ports is going to be difficult on a laptop. Try driver and software avenues first.

    Have you considered running a System Restore to before the time the problem started happening?

    Matt
     

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