Resolved Dead usb port

The manual for my digital camera said not to use an extension cord for the usb connection. Instead, I used a somewhat longer cord. Since then, device manager shows all 4 usb ports, but whatever is plugged into that one shows as not recognized. Did I permanently fry something?

 

I doubt you fried anything. The line length concern is for data transfer timing considerations since usb data is transferred on twisted pairs. That makes for high reactive attenuation of the digital data since it's esentially square waves.

I'd recommend uninstalling that port or perhaps all ports using Device Manager and allow Windows to redetect and set them up anew.

That is not to say you can't fry a usb port but normally that happens when you overload it or plug in something that is dead shorted. The normal port usb-2 port can easily handle .500 amps and a designated charging port can supply at least 1.5 amps. Most usb devices that draw their power from a usb2 port will draw less than .100 amps.

Your camera probably doesn't draw any current from the port but a shorted wire or inadvertantly shorting the connector somehow could fry the port.

Other than that, a port can die for no apparent reason and you may have had nothing at all to do with it.

 

Thank you for your response. My camera is a Samsung, and it recharges it's battery from the port. I knew that, but the difference in cords is 18" v 24 ".Just enough to put it in reach with the cord plugged in on the back of the computer. I'll try uninstalling all the usb ports, and let windows do it's thing. Thanks again.

 

Hi frigitator, I have a Samsung Digimax 360 and the connector lead is 1.5 metres long. You must take care not to pull the connector before switching off the camera. Cheers Neil .

 

I uninstalled all of my USB drivers, and eventually got the right one. The port works again. Thanks, all!