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"Not enough USB controller resources" error

Anonymous
2013-11-01T16:25:15+00:00

I consistently get a "Not enough USB controller resources" anytime I try plugging in an additional USB device into my Microsoft Surface Pro 128GB. I know I have a lot of USB devices but I never had this problem with my Windows 7 machine. How can I fix?

Below configuration works fine but when I add any one more thing like SD card reader I get aforementioned error.

Microsoft Surface Pro 128GB

  •    w/1080p monitor via DisplayPort

Lenovo USB 3.0 Port Replicator w/ 5 USB 3.0 ports

  •    running two additional 1080p displays via DisplayLink.
  •    Yamaha Stereo Speakers

Generic 4-port USB 3.0 Hub

  •    Three 2TB Seagate Flex USB 3.0 drives
  •    One 2TB WD Passport USB 3.0 drive

Generic 4-port USB 2.0 Hub

  •    Logitech Trackman using wireless USB 2.0 dongle
  •    Canon i80 portable printer
  •    Samsung S4 being used as cellular modem via PdaNet

Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard

Motorola Bluetooth Mouse

Surface | Surface Pro | USB-C

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Anonymous
2013-12-07T14:25:57+00:00

The USB hub you're using should have it's own power source. The problem comes from the total amount of power being drawn from the USB devices exceeding it's capacity.

A docking station should also fix this as the power being drawn by the USB devices doesn't come directly from the Surface USB port.

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Anonymous
2014-03-09T16:23:44+00:00

I was able to resolve the problem by replacing a non-powered USB 3.0 hub with a powered USB 3.0 hub.

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Anonymous
2014-05-19T14:45:36+00:00

I read this thread and several others about this issue and discovered that it is the Targus Display link that was holding me back on USB devices.  If I plugged the USB hub directly into the Surface, it worked fine.  So, I just reversed the order I plugged them in.  I plugged the USB hub in to the Surface and the Targus dock into the USB hub.  Life is good.  Everything is working now.  I have a smoking fast powered USB 3.0 hub.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-12T20:56:23+00:00

    You only cited part of the USB spec. Yes a USB port can enumerate (address) 127 devices; however, for USB 2 it only supports 500mA draw and USB 3 900mA draw. Each device is allocated a minimum of  1 unit load of 100mA, which significantly limits the number of devices that can be connected through an unpowered hub. If a device, such as a USB powered hard drive or scanner, draws more than 100mA, the total number of devices that can be supported is reduced. Even low end powered hubs run into problems if devices are drawing more than 100mA each. I have an off brand powered 8-port hub that no way in @#$$ will support 8 devices. So running up against limits is not that unusual, In fact it should be expected especially for unpowered hubs.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-01T17:23:53+00:00

    Do you have the latest DisplayLink drivers?

    Are your Generic Hubs Win 8 compatible? Or have 'quality' chips?

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