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I have to restart the computer for windows to recognize newly plugged in usb devices and sd cards

Anonymous
2013-04-12T23:03:00+00:00

I upgraded from windows 7 to windows 8 pro a couple of months ago.  I am not sure when this problem started, but I am almost sure that it wasn't like this all the time.  I now have an external harddisk plugged in (usb 3.0), but it does not show up in computer.   I removed it and plugged it in again, which doesn't change the situation.  I also have an sd card that does the same, so the problem is not device-specific.  When I restart the computer, however, with the devices plugged in, they re-appear in computer.  When I remove the devices, they disappear, but re-plugging them doesn't work.

I'd appreciate if anyone can help.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-04-13T12:17:00+00:00

    Hi,

    1.      What is the make and model of your computer?

    2.      Did you try connecting to different USB ports?

    Please follow the methods and check if it works fine.

    Method 1:

    Run the hardware troubleshooter and check if that helps..

    a)      Press the ‘**Windows + w’**and type ‘troubleshooting’ in the search and press enter.

    b)      Click on ‘Hardware and Sound’ and select ‘Hardware and Devices’ and click on ‘next’ to run the troubleshooter.

    Method 2:

    Follow the steps.

    a. Press Windows Key + R.

    b. In the run box, type devmgmt.msc and press enter.

    c. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.

    d. Right-click the first USB controller under Universal Serial Bus controllers, and then click on Uninstall to remove it. Repeat these steps for the entire USB controller under Universal Serial Bus controllers.

    e. Restart the computer. After the computer starts, Windows will automatically scan for hardware changes and reinstall all the USB controllers that you uninstalled.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-04-16T08:14:30+00:00

    Hi,

    Good to know that your issue is resolved. In case, if you need any assistance you may always post your questions related to Windows along with your valuable suggestions in Windows forum.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-04-13T20:48:20+00:00

    Ok, the second one did it.

    When I tried the first one, windows recognized an error with the usb 3.0 host controller.  Then I uninstalled it in device management. Restarting the computer after that seems to have solved the problem.

    Thank you for your help.

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