cant install usb devices

am working on a dell dimension 4550. when trying connect a usb device the system freezes intermitently and then finally comes back saying a problem occured with the device. this is on a xp system.

have resided all connections, have even rebuilt machine from ground floor and still the problem, have removed all usb settings and let xp refind but still problem. have run diags on all hdw and they all past. am in process of getting a new memory module to try that but hoping you might have other suggestions.

client started having problems a year ago when it was still on warranty but didnt mention it. da. now i'm guessing either the memory or the board and or cpu.

 

What device?
Have you tried known good device?
Tried device on another computer where it works?
Tried good device on all usb inputs? May be faulty wireing?
Sorry, can't be more specific without info; if you've done all this, suspect mobo, not cpu.

 

actually the history here is I went to install a new canon multi function device and the connection had problems (xp message). tried all usb ports on machine same results. brought machine back to my office and tried to hock up my usb w.d. xternal hd to copy data to and it also would not recognize this device. put new hd in and installed fresh xp and the same results after a good install of xp. so its not the xp sft or the hd and i dont think memory cuz both pc certify pro and microsofts memory tester show its okay ran a couple hunderd loops.

so yes to all your questions with same results. motherboard huh bummer for the client and thanks.

 

sparrow

just run the dell floppy diags on the entire machine and all even the usb passed. even ran the usb test a couple times as i did with my own diag program on the usb.

i know these tests are not full-proof but for the most part they do assist. assuming the tests are correct for the usb then what or where else could it be. again this is a re-formatted drive with a clean install of xp from dells recovery cds.

another thing i've noticed is that it doesnt even not recognize it enough to place an "unknown" in the usb device mgr area. just back and forth freezing while it is apparently trying to make the device work. have tried 3 other usb devices and none were recognized except to say there was a problem now it doesnt even give me that message.

this is the 2nd machine lately that has stumped me to a without question this is the problem but if the logical test okay then the not so logical must be the problem. as holmes once quoted.

any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Found this:
http://support-magazine.com/showthread.php?t=24363
Could be updated drivers for that machine. You should upgrade the chipset drivers if possible, they will (basically) be what is running the USB controller.

Even before I blamed the motherboard I would try a USB PCI card (I don't think they are expensive).

Have a look in the BIOS setting if there is anything related to USB.

Matt

 

mattman

thats a darn good idea a pci card. cant believe i didnt think of that sure would save the client a bundle.

have looked briefly at your link and i will go further on that.

thanks.

 

chipset util did not work still the same results BUT the pci usb card did work. took one out of a storage machine i have and it worked great now will go pick one up and let you know how it goes.

thanks again still surprised i didnt think of it. helps to brainstorm with others like you.

 

Caution?

Matt's suggestion is great! It's a workaround for bad mobo chip(s) that handle USB. I don't know what else (if anything) the mobo chips do, but I'd advise the owner to watch for other signs of trouble, especially if the box is used in a business.

 

Yes, Matts idea was perfect and it bypasses the board and saves the client a bundle of money and lost time with the pc. so far the pci card has recognized my xternal drive and when i get it rebuilt then i will try the canon printer but am quite sure things are now okay. first time I've seen all the usb ports go out like that but in Matts link it almost sounds like maybe the 4550 had a design flaw with regards to the usb ports but as long as there is a get a round i am happy.

have already informed client to be aware of anything else that seems unusual. is a little strange that only this one function is misbehaving.

thanks again to all.