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USB devices not recognized and drivers will not install - applies to thumb drives, external HD, and phone chargers and probably everything else imaginable

Anonymous
2013-05-24T03:04:29+00:00

So I'm using a MX17R3, Windows 7 PC. Its big and strong, but recently stupid. This is a problem needing a real PC pro to help with.

Start of the problem: two of the USB ports stopped registering a few months ago - didnt care as much since I have 4 of them. Remaining 2 ports will not install drivers from USB devices. How did this happen: one day I am working on the computer, like normal without installing anything or changing anything in configurations, I put it to sleep, next day I use it and viola - it no longer cares about any USB device except for my Microsoft wireless mouse.

This means i cannot charge my phone or connect it to PC, use USB drive, or any other external USB device. Checking device manager is extremely uninsightful and only shows that the devices are not recognized, as are the drivers themselves. Its like I have plugged in some kind of alien hardware that not even Bill Gates can comprehend.

I have ran trouble shooters (including the Alien Autopsy specific for this brand and Windows) looked on various  websites for other suggestions, and still have found no insight as to how to fix this problem. The trouble shooters at best have been soooo wonderful, like a Dr. treating someone after they have already died - "driver not installed X" is the so helpful solution these shooters are able to produce.

I do not have backups or anything i can restore from.

Priority solution needed is to be able to plug in (and use) USB devices again. Basic things like copying media to a USB arent even possible.

Also, my computer appears to be virus-free - though i have not heard of viruses that specifically target USB ports and prevent installations.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-05-24T17:04:41+00:00

    Hi Kyle,

    1. What is the exact/complete error message you get while trying to install the driver?
    2. Which troubleshooter have you run?
    3. What is the make of your computer?
    4. Do you have any security software or antivirus installed on your computer?

    You could face this issue if the USB drivers are corrupt or if they are not installed properly. Follow

    the troubleshooting given below.

    Method 1: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

    Follow the steps given in the link below.

    Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows7/open-the-hardware-and-devices-troubleshooter

    Method 2: Follow the steps given in the link.

    Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows7/update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

    Method 3: Uninstall the USB driver from Device Manager and install it from manufacturer’s website.

    Step 1: Follow the steps given to open Device Manager and then uninstall.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows7/open-device-manager

    a) Find and double-click Universal Serial Bus Port from the left panel to uninstall

    b) Right-click the device, and click Uninstall.

    c) Windows will prompt you to confirm the device’s removal. Click OK to remove the driver.

    Step 2: Download the latest drivers for Universal Serial Port from the manufacturer’s website and install them on your computer.

    Do let us know about the status of the issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-06-12T13:05:47+00:00

    Try updating chipset drivers. If no update is available, uninstall the drivers, restart the PC, install the drivers, restart the PC and then check.

    After this, if the issue persists, repeat the same procedure for USB drivers, if you have USB 3.0 or a legacy driver for the USB ports.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-06-12T12:57:37+00:00

    This problem seems to have advanced. Finally I broke down and had Alienware tech support try a remote connection to fix this issue - after 3 hours they found the right drivers for the chipset (http://www.fujitsupc.com/downloads/mobile/USB\_HOST\_CONTROLLER\_V1.0.20.0\_WIN7-64\_CA41534-7757.EXE) and tried installing it, but the computer wont take it. When it tries to install, get this message:

    "Error -1603 Fatal Error During Installation. Consult Windows Installer Help (Msi.chm) or MSDN for more information."

    I've also booted into BIOS just to make sure all the USBs are enabled - all appears normal...

    Another driver the tech attempted was from Dell's own website, R266197. This installed, but doesnt seem to have affected anything.

    The issue is something in software. Any external drivers from a month ago are fine (like my wireless mouse); anything new just wont take. The tech suggested flashing BIOS, but wasnt able to finish because my internet connection is so terrible (I'm in China longterm). Guessing the error has something to do with this 1603 issue. What do you make of that?

    Another note: have ran additional troubleshooters, one the PSA diagnostic specific to alienware machines and the dell system analyzer. Both are showing everything is super...

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  5. Anonymous
    2013-06-01T04:05:45+00:00
    1. 2 types of errors (remember 2 ports totally nonresponsive)
    2. Nothing happens. (dead ports)
    3. The driver will attempt to install but it doesnt. checking the driver installation will say "drivers could not be installed". Somewhere during the external driver install process windows will make a particular sound alerting there is an error.
    4. The shooters ive ran included the windows troubleshooter that is built into the OS and one called AlienAutopsy, which is specific to alienware machines. Both equally unhelpful except for stating the obvious (driver not found).
    6. Using Kaspersky AV 13.0.1.4190

    Regarding solutions:

    1. Ran the HW shooter before, but did again so i can give a screen:

    That unknown device: here's a shot for device manager

    2 & 3. There is no way to update the drivers. When you try to update, it will try and search for the driver. It wont find anything. Manually searching i link to the drivers folder which has the downloaded drivers (to best of my knowledge) and then get this message

    On another forum, someone gave me a link to the Dell drivers that were specific to my machine (presumably). Downloaded and installed R290940 and R289408. I found those before somewhere so i think they are correct. Problem still persists.

    The other day I even attempted to use one of those "remote repair" services online, fixitnow.com. Their solution is to claim a bunch of problems with registry keys and then install smart pc - a scareware product - which shows i have viruses and thousands of registry problems. I've fully cleaned that junk out of my system and didnt let them do any work with my computer.

    Is there a legit repair service out there? I imagine if someone looked at my pc on remote they could fix this in a few minutes...

    Thanks for the suggestions.

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