usb detection problem

When I plug any device (plug and play flash drive, mouse) into any of my 3 usb ports i receive a message saying "the hardware was not installed because the wizard could not find the software "

On device manager - other devices - flash drive
I have a yellow ?

I have tried reinstalling driver, however, i receive exaxtly the same message.

I also cannot use windows updates always receive same error [Error number: 0x800704DD] which directs me to a registry entry that appears to be correct.

I feel the issues are related.
I have an Acer Aspire 3680 running Windows XP SP3

Thanks

 

I don't know your location, these are the Acer drivers at the European website:
http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/notebook/as_3680.html
Get the Intel chipset drivers. If you haven't updated any of the other drivers, update those as well. I see there are 5 or 6 different types of LAN drivers, you will need to identify which make and model you have first (same with some of the others, like the two graphics adapter drivers). Look in Device Manager for the models of your hardware. The system identification programs in my signature may help.

Read the driver installation instructions carefully, they may have different procedures.

You can safely highlight and uninstall the drivers with the yellow question marks in Device Manager...they don't work now Just be careful if the Add New Hardware wizard runs when you restart or re-connect the devices, it is telling you it requires special drivers and you will need to source those drivers.

Before I go to a new Service Pack, I source all the major drivers first (and minor ones if they are not too hard to find). If you find you are stuck, I would suggest you uninstall Service Pack 3, uninstall the devices...you can also uninstall anything under the heading Universal Serial Bus Controllers, and let them get reinstalled at reboot (reboot several times). Reinstall SP3 when you are happy with the drivers.

Try getting the mouse installed first. Unless it has extra buttons or special features, it should be easy for Windows to install.

Try those and let us know how you go.

Matt

 

Thanks, I am in New Zealand and the local site soes not have what I need. I will try your sugestions tonight - after I print the instructions at work lol. Thanks again

 

I tried downloading drivers and still cannot make mouse go.
Then, I, tried to uninstall sp3...
It works thru the procedure to the end and then says "cannot find specified file "
Only option is to click ok.
Then a box says "could not uninstall sp3 "
I have tried uninstalling from remove programs and the run box.