USB device conflict problems

Hello, I hope someone can help me with this problem. I connected a USB TV tuner (SIIG) to my pc and it works fine but heres where the problem lies. My external hard drive that is USB also is no longer recognized by my systen as long as the USB tuner is connected. When I try to access the hard drive I get a failure message. If I disconnect the USB tuner and re-boot then the USB hard drive function fine. Can any one help me here, of course I would like both USB devices to work.

 

Hi Darkronn and welcome to the BBS,

My first thought was a driver problem. There are no drivers supplied (for an AVTuner Plus) at SIIG, so it uses Win XP's drivers. While it is connected you could go to device manager and uninstall the drivers, then see if it is reinstalled correctly after reboot.

What I think is more likely is that the two devices you have connected draw too much power and the USB system shuts down. Look at getting a self-powered USB hub.

Matt
Edit: I suppose a full set of USB controller drivers may not be installed. Go to Device Manager -> Universal Serial Bus Controllers, check that there are no problems listed and the main controllers have the chipset name (Intel, Via, SIS, etc), not just "standard ". If you have USB 2.0, there should be an "Enhanced" controller.

 

Thanks Matt, I will try the things you suggested and update you with the results. But I can tell you that drivers were loaded at installation for the tuner from the installation disk. I agree with you and think it may be a driver/USB port issue and not a power issue because the USB hard drive has a AC power supply. Does that still draw from the USB power from the pc? Thanks I appreciate the response....I will reple back again...thanks

Ron

 

Hello Matt, I checked out the device manager/USB ports and they looked to be fine no yellow cautions. But checking out the root hub's, I think both devices are using the same root hub. I checked the device manage while one device was on and the other shut down and vice versa and both was using the same root hub. So if I have tuner on and try to bring up the hard drive it won't recognize it because its the same hub... what can I do to so either device have it's own USB root hub? Thanks.. Is it sharing the same IRQ???

Ron

 

Ron, sounds interesting (not ).

If you are just using the connectors at the front of the computer, try using those at the back. The front connectors have cable "plugs in" to the motherboard, those at the back are built-in to the motherboard. There may be some problem there.

If you cannot find a solution, get the self-powered hub. Even if it does not solve the problem it will come in handy in the future.

There may still be a problem with the USB controllers. In Device Manager you can uninstall all the USB controllers, they will be automatically reinstalled at reboot.
To update the USB drivers you will need to find an update for the chipset drivers. Everest in my signature can help you identify the hardware.

Matt

 

Thanks Matt, you help me out a great deal. I will figure it out by using bits and pieces of info I have gathered. I already have Everest, I will use it to identfy the chipset and update thanks. I also will first try moving the USB's to the back the tuner is plugged in the front at this point. Thanks again...

Ron

 

No problem Ron. I wondered why one hub might disappear when the other was connected, but that may have caused serious injury to my brain . Win XP just oversees resource allocation to hardware, so you cannot see what is happening unless you get an error message. You may be very correct that it is a resource conflict. To check the hardware and update or reinstall drivers is probably the best you can do.

Steve R Jones found several troubleshooting links here:
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=59830

For your problem the power seems most likely thing to investigate. Also investigate firmware updates for the USB hardware if other areas don't work.

Some system manufacturers advise using a self-powered hub with more than one USB device attached. Also check the USB power readout

Yours may seem to be sharing the same hub.

Matt

 

Hello Matt,
I moved the tuner and the hard drive to ports on the back of the pc and I put the printer and the game controller in the front ports and everything works fine. All functional without having to unplug one so another can work.... Thanks again, I'll just leave like this.....

Ron

 

Hi Ron,
Glad to hear you found it.

I don't want to try and push you, but if it was me, I would be getting a powered hub quick smart. I would not like the thought of an overload.

Anyway, hope it goes well.

Matt

 

Hello Matt,
I take it that a hub is a device that I can plug all my USB devices into and has its own power. What is the cost for this item? Thanks....

Ron

 

Ron, I am not certain of your location so as a quick reference I will quote my local Aus computer parts supplier. A 4 port powered hub is $20Au, a 7 port $40 (if you live around here, he has quite good prices, depending on the outlet and quality of brand you may need to pay a little more). You should be able to find them listed in the online catalogues of electonics stores and may find them in department stores, but expect to pay higher.

If you put USB port powered hub into a Google search you will see the whole range. I don't think you need to get a "high quality" type, I have found little problem with lower end hardware of this type.

You could probably find one without to much trouble on your next shopping trip.

Matt