USB Drive and External HD not working on XP

[Border411]

Well...I thought I would publish my findings here as it seems like a lot of people are having issues with the Jump Drives and/or External Hard drives not working in the USB ports of there computers with Windows XP. I have been changing settings, removing programs, downloading "hotfixes" and no help! So...I said to myself...."Self, there seems to be a USB port on the front of your HP All-In-One printer/scanner/fax/copier. TRY IT!" So I did, and I finally got everything to work without a problem! Are you freakin serious! All this damn time and that is all it took?! Well, I guess there is a known problem with the USB 2.0 and Windows XP, but by going thru the All In One I guess it allowed for the printer/copier USB controller to control the interactions between the External HD (Cavalry 120GB) and the PNY Attache 1GB Hard drive. PROBLEM FIXED. SUCK IT MICROSOFT!

 

[gizmopt2002]

Hmm...Odd. Do you have SP2? I don't and everything works great. I have a few thumb drives and external hard drives.

 

[jharris2]

I've also never had a problem (knock on wood) with USB 2.0 drives on XP. Have you run any diagnostics just to make sure it's not a problem with the USB port?

 

[Mark86]

I never heard of that problem. I have used external hard drives on almost every brand computer/laptop and never experienced this. What brand computer do you have and do you update it constantly with Windows Update?

 

[Border411]

Yes...I have SP2, and if you search the internet this is more common than you would think. I just installed a Hotfix for the Serial Port Protocol 2.0 (10/8/06 i think) and now my wifes jump drive works in the normal USB port, but not the External HD or my jumpdrive. Everything is working fine....XP just states that it cant find the drivers to run that device. FREAKIN WEIRD....but I hope I can save someone else some :cursin: in the future.

Is is a Dell Deminsion 2400 and it is updated all the time.

 

[Mark86]

Yes...I have SP2, and if you search the internet this is more common than you would think. I just installed a Hotfix for the Serial Port Protocol 2.0 (10/8/06 i think) and now my wifes jump drive works in the normal USB port, but not the External HD or my jumpdrive. Everything is working fine....XP just states that it cant find the drivers to run that device. FREAKIN WEIRD....but I hope I can save someone else some :cursin: in the future.

Is is a Dell Deminsion 2400 and it is updated all the time.

Wow, it is more common than I thought. Now if you had a problem with XP crashing or giving error messages, that I can relate to!!

 

[gizmopt2002]

haha. I work on alot of friends/family's computers and what I have noticed is that the ones who have SP2 have the most problems. I'm not sure why, but then again, its Windows.

EDIT: I also recommend every year or so to back-up, then completely redo your computer, it helps alot and you will have that performance back.

 

[jharris2]

I also recommend every year or so to back-up, then completely redo your computer, it helps alot and you will have that performance back.

Agreed. Funny that you mention it, too -- I'm rebuilding my work laptop for that very reason. Not planning to do the home machine because I expect to replace the machine in a couple of months with something more current.

By the way, I've learned the hard way to make sure you back up the system before any major change -- even an application update and hose the machine and your backup may be the only salvation you have.

 

[Jacobzky]

aahhh the price of owning an xp machine.
i am gald i have no problems like yours. as far as usb drives, ive been using sandisk (awesome) and use firewire for external hard drive bigger then 100gig. usb 2.0 wont just cut it enough for me.

glad you fixed it.