Computer wizards - I need your help!!
November-29th-2002, 02:51 PM
#1
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Location: Long Island,NY
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Computer wizards - I need your help!!
I'm having a strange USB port issue after installing Windows XP.
My system is as follows:
P3, 733mHz
384 MB ram (just added two 128 MB sticks - yay!)
60 gig HD (brand new drive - just replaced my old 10 gig).
It's a Compaq Presario, model 5900T
The tower has two front-side and two rear-side USB ports, for a total of four. I have never had a problem with any of them before.
After installing my new hard drive. I installed Windows 2000, knowing that it would be just a few days until I got XP - no issues with the USB ports, everything was fine.
Then I installed XP (let's just say that I "bought" it, okay?), and upon first install, my rear USB ports wouldn't work at all. They come up in the Device Manager, and were listed as Working Properly (I'm pretty sure - anyway - Dev Mgr lists two "Root Hubs" and two "VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controllers" - should there be two of each like that?). But nothing - anything plugged into them (only my printer and mouse) would not function, and the computer didn't even recognize the hardware.
Next, I "obtained" another copy of XP (the first copy was like a beta testing copy from Kazaa - ouch). I have done a clean install of the new version, and everything works fine - except the rear USBs. Now, the computer recognizes that hardware is attached, bet either can't recognize what it is, or gives me error messages. It knew I had an HP 700 series printer, but couldn't communicate with it. And it saw my mouse, but listed it as "unknown USB device".
Front-side USBs again, work just fine.
I've searched the web for updated USB drivers and found nothing. I'm downloading Service Pack 1 for XP right now, but don't think it'll solve the issue.
WTF is going on here? Any ideas would be appreciated. PM me if necessary - maybe we can set up remote access thru XP if necessary.
~HH
My system is as follows:
P3, 733mHz
384 MB ram (just added two 128 MB sticks - yay!)
60 gig HD (brand new drive - just replaced my old 10 gig).
It's a Compaq Presario, model 5900T
The tower has two front-side and two rear-side USB ports, for a total of four. I have never had a problem with any of them before.
After installing my new hard drive. I installed Windows 2000, knowing that it would be just a few days until I got XP - no issues with the USB ports, everything was fine.
Then I installed XP (let's just say that I "bought" it, okay?), and upon first install, my rear USB ports wouldn't work at all. They come up in the Device Manager, and were listed as Working Properly (I'm pretty sure - anyway - Dev Mgr lists two "Root Hubs" and two "VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controllers" - should there be two of each like that?). But nothing - anything plugged into them (only my printer and mouse) would not function, and the computer didn't even recognize the hardware.
Next, I "obtained" another copy of XP (the first copy was like a beta testing copy from Kazaa - ouch). I have done a clean install of the new version, and everything works fine - except the rear USBs. Now, the computer recognizes that hardware is attached, bet either can't recognize what it is, or gives me error messages. It knew I had an HP 700 series printer, but couldn't communicate with it. And it saw my mouse, but listed it as "unknown USB device".
Front-side USBs again, work just fine.
I've searched the web for updated USB drivers and found nothing. I'm downloading Service Pack 1 for XP right now, but don't think it'll solve the issue.
WTF is going on here? Any ideas would be appreciated. PM me if necessary - maybe we can set up remote access thru XP if necessary.
~HH
November-29th-2002, 04:22 PM
#2
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
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I've downloaded stuff from Kazaa before. about 30% of the files out there are not complete. Either they are missing key files or have a virus imbeded into them.
With a program as big as XP its possible that you have at least 1 (.dll) file missing.
The other thing is that I have heard that XP dosen't like to share its harddrive with other programs on some computers. Try to completely reformat the harddrive and then put XP on there first, and see if that works.
With a program as big as XP its possible that you have at least 1 (.dll) file missing.
The other thing is that I have heard that XP dosen't like to share its harddrive with other programs on some computers. Try to completely reformat the harddrive and then put XP on there first, and see if that works.
November-29th-2002, 04:38 PM
#5
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Compaq being owned by HP probably means it'll get worse. HP has some of the worst customer service/support.
I agree about the Dell - but I'm not looking to buy a new unit right now. I just upgraded this Compaq, and I'm sticking with it.
Reformat the drive: Did that. In order to un-install (completely) the last crappy XP version, I re-partitioned and formatted the drive, started off with a clean install of Win2k, then did an upgrade to XP - this time I used a reliable XP CD, not some downloaded crap.
ThMAN - motherboard drivers? Sounds good, I guess - but you're not talking to a whiz here. I know the very basics - so where would I get new drivers? I searched both Compaq and Microsoft websites for updated drivers (ANY stuff, USB drivers included) and got nothing.
Also - I have all the service packs for XP now installed, and nothing has changed. This is getting strange.
~HH
I agree about the Dell - but I'm not looking to buy a new unit right now. I just upgraded this Compaq, and I'm sticking with it.
Reformat the drive: Did that. In order to un-install (completely) the last crappy XP version, I re-partitioned and formatted the drive, started off with a clean install of Win2k, then did an upgrade to XP - this time I used a reliable XP CD, not some downloaded crap.
ThMAN - motherboard drivers? Sounds good, I guess - but you're not talking to a whiz here. I know the very basics - so where would I get new drivers? I searched both Compaq and Microsoft websites for updated drivers (ANY stuff, USB drivers included) and got nothing.
Also - I have all the service packs for XP now installed, and nothing has changed. This is getting strange.
~HH
November-29th-2002, 04:45 PM
#6
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Hp's service and support aren't any worse than Dell's. I had a HP for 4 years and never had a problem that I couldn't fix. Dell's on the other hand...Had less than a year and have spent many hours on hold or talking to some person reading a troubleshooting guide to me, and when they came to 'fix' it, it took 2 guys a full day, and then they never put it back together.
As for finding drivers...Do a search on Compaq for your computer type. If there is a problem with the motherboard then there should be a patch from compaq on it.
As for finding drivers...Do a search on Compaq for your computer type. If there is a problem with the motherboard then there should be a patch from compaq on it.
November-29th-2002, 04:51 PM
#7
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Originally posted by Bomber
As for finding drivers...Do a search on Compaq for your computer type. If there is a problem with the motherboard then there should be a patch from compaq on it.
As for finding drivers...Do a search on Compaq for your computer type. If there is a problem with the motherboard then there should be a patch from compaq on it.
~HH
November-29th-2002, 05:28 PM
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Norwood, MA
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I don't think you can do anything about it, since Compaq put it together. I have put computers together myself ever since my very first Packard-Hell gave me more sh*t then my colon ever did. Anyhow, it sounds like a compatability issue between XP and your motherboard ("and the fatherboard too" lol), and i would recommend a BIAS flash, but you have to know what you are doing. If you do not do it right, you might as well start looking for another motherboard.
Though, I would recommend for you to buy an external or internal USB hub, and see how that might work out. You would spend about $40, and if it does not work, then return it. If you were to do that, buy one at a local store like Circuit City, or Best Buy. You can get a good deal on the web or at Ebay, but if it does not work, returning might be more painful then you think.
Though, I would recommend for you to buy an external or internal USB hub, and see how that might work out. You would spend about $40, and if it does not work, then return it. If you were to do that, buy one at a local store like Circuit City, or Best Buy. You can get a good deal on the web or at Ebay, but if it does not work, returning might be more painful then you think.
November-29th-2002, 06:47 PM
#9
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I was pretty much convinced a hub would do the job for me from the start. But - I figured I should at least try to solve the whole thing. I'll pick something up eventually. I do connect my digicam, and my cell phone (Motorola V60 - TrueSync software for the date book - rocks!) thru the USB ports, so I definitely need more than two.
As far the OS - Basically, I had nothing on the drive. It's a brand new Western Digital 60 gig - I started by putting Win2000 on it, but upgraded to XP before doing any modifications - 2000 was just a stepping stone, so I could get the drive booted and running. I had to wipe it clean again before the second (good) XP install, but I did the 2000-then-XP install that time, too. Everything ran fine under 2000 (and 98, and WinMe before that) - it's strange.
I have already gone to some computer geek boards (no offense to anyone - I'd be flattered if I had the skillz for someone to call me that!) - but I figured I'd ask here, too. I know we have some very computer-savvy people on this board.
Thanks for the advice, guys.
~HH
As far the OS - Basically, I had nothing on the drive. It's a brand new Western Digital 60 gig - I started by putting Win2000 on it, but upgraded to XP before doing any modifications - 2000 was just a stepping stone, so I could get the drive booted and running. I had to wipe it clean again before the second (good) XP install, but I did the 2000-then-XP install that time, too. Everything ran fine under 2000 (and 98, and WinMe before that) - it's strange.
I have already gone to some computer geek boards (no offense to anyone - I'd be flattered if I had the skillz for someone to call me that!) - but I figured I'd ask here, too. I know we have some very computer-savvy people on this board.
Thanks for the advice, guys.
~HH
November-30th-2002, 12:05 AM
#10
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Your last resort would be to contact Compaq thru email or phone and tell them you problem. What computer you have, and everything that is on it(for hardware and OS). There might be a conflict somewhere that they didn't know about.
December-2nd-2002, 02:00 PM
#11
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UPDATE :
Seems all of my issues were due to an outdated System ROM/BIOS setup.
Compaq tech support was actually VERY helpful and key in fixing my problem. I emailed them, and they replied in about a hour with a BIOS upgrade (SoftPAQ, they like to call them) link.
Downloaded it, applied it, installed XP, and I'm running perfectly - no more USB issues or problems.
YAY!!
Thanks for all the suggestions guys - except for you losers who told me to ditch the Compaq
J/K!! - all the advice was appreciated.
~HH
Seems all of my issues were due to an outdated System ROM/BIOS setup.
Compaq tech support was actually VERY helpful and key in fixing my problem. I emailed them, and they replied in about a hour with a BIOS upgrade (SoftPAQ, they like to call them) link.
Downloaded it, applied it, installed XP, and I'm running perfectly - no more USB issues or problems.
YAY!!
Thanks for all the suggestions guys - except for you losers who told me to ditch the Compaq
J/K!! - all the advice was appreciated.~HH
December-2nd-2002, 08:13 PM
#12
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Houston, TX.
Posts: 1,141
That would have been my guess. You generally don't see anyone replacing the drivers for USB on Windows XP or 2000, just like it is highly recommended not to update the IDE drivers either (unless you are already having issues). Some drivers are pretty much machine to machine compatible.
December-2nd-2002, 08:39 PM
#13
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Oh yeah - BTW:
As a novice/intermediate user of Windows 98 and Me, I LOVE XP!! I must say, it is stable as a rock, looks awesome (can you say Mac, anyone?), and has some excellent features (especially when you search Kazaa for the extra stuff......). As corny as it sounds, the MP3 ripper (MP3 PowerEncoder) plug-in for Win Media Player is soooooo cool! I mean - pop in a disc, hit "copy music" and it grabs the album info off the net, makes a folder for the album with the cover art as the icon, and throws it in it's own artist folder (also with album art icons)? I mean how cool is THAT?? I only wish I was able to keep my MP3s organized like that before - now I don't have to.
Sorry for the enthusiasm - I know this is old hat to some of you - but I've been in the stone age for a while, I guess.
~HH
As a novice/intermediate user of Windows 98 and Me, I LOVE XP!! I must say, it is stable as a rock, looks awesome (can you say Mac, anyone?
), and has some excellent features (especially when you search Kazaa for the extra stuff......). As corny as it sounds, the MP3 ripper (MP3 PowerEncoder) plug-in for Win Media Player is soooooo cool! I mean - pop in a disc, hit "copy music" and it grabs the album info off the net, makes a folder for the album with the cover art as the icon, and throws it in it's own artist folder (also with album art icons)? I mean how cool is THAT?? I only wish I was able to keep my MP3s organized like that before - now I don't have to.Sorry for the enthusiasm - I know this is old hat to some of you - but I've been in the stone age for a while, I guess.
~HH
December-2nd-2002, 09:23 PM
#14
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Houston, TX.
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The main reason Windows XP is so good is that Microsoft finally moved the consumer OS over to the NT core. The NT core is entirely 32 bit whereas the Win9x OS's are a 32/16 mix, mainly to avoid people getting pissed when their old applications wouldn't run on their new OS. I like Windows 2000 a little more than Windows XP, it is more stable and has a smaller footprint without all the added junk Microsoft placed on Windows XP.
Next stop - 64-bit computing, or 32-64 hybrid (Athlon 64/Opteron anyone?)
Next stop - 64-bit computing, or 32-64 hybrid (Athlon 64/Opteron anyone?)
December-4th-2002, 04:05 AM
#15
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Originally posted by kc5zom
I like Windows 2000 a little more than Windows XP, it is more stable and has a smaller footprint without all the added junk Microsoft placed on Windows XP.
I like Windows 2000 a little more than Windows XP, it is more stable and has a smaller footprint without all the added junk Microsoft placed on Windows XP.
~HH