error code 43 when USB not recognised

Question

I have a Windows 7 pc, a laptop running XP and a USB flash drive that I would like to use to back up files. It works on the laptop, and it did work first of all on the pc. But now I get a message saying device not recognised due to malfunction of device. And in device manager I'm told that it's an error 43 code. I'd be grateful for any advice; also, should I try buying a new memory stick/flashdrive exclusively for the pc? I've tied uninstalling the device and restarting the computer, but to no avail.

thanks,

laurencewithau

Answer 1

As I have mentioned periodically on this forum:  quite often, the problem arises because a USB connected device has not been properly ejected.  The problem can be rectified merely by plugging the device into a different computer, letting it load up and then properly ejecting it.  You can then take it back into the other computer and it will work.  This is a problem if you are limited to accessing only the one computer that is showing the error.

Answer 2

Hello laurencewithau,

Error Code 43 is a Device Manager error that means the following:

Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

When you get this error with USB devices it’s because one of the drivers controlling the device notified the operating system that the device failed in some manner. This can be because of corruption in one of the loaded drivers and the driver cache just needs to be flushed. Unplugging the computer sometimes doesn’t resolve the problem because the battery still holds power. To fix this, unplug all of your USB devices, then turn off the PC and take out the battery (This is assuming that you’re on a laptop), let the PC set for about 5 minutes, then put the battery back in and restart the PC. Next, plug your USB devices back in one at a time and make sure that they work.

If this does not work or you’re on a desktop, follow the steps in this KB article

Error: “USB Device not recognized” when you try to access a USB external hard drive.

(Mainly methods 3, 4,and 5)

Thanks

L.D.

Answer 3

I also am running into this problem on a laptop. It is not a problem with the device as it works fine on my desktop with the same operating system. Any help would be appreciated as the usb ports don't recognize anything since this occured.

Answer 4

Hello,

If you're seeing a code 43 for one of your USB devices or a USB controller/root hub, some additional information is needed to diagnose this issue.  I'll need you to capture a USB trace for me please.

1. Reboot the machine and get the devices in a working state.
2. Run this command from an elevated command prompt (right click on command prompt shortcut, select "run as administrator"):

Logman start USBForumTrace -p Microsoft-Windows-USB-USBPORT -o USBForumTrace.etl -ets -nb 128 640 -bs 128

3. Run this command from an elevated command prompt:

Logman update USBForumTrace -p Microsoft-Windows-USB-USBHUB -ets -nb 128 640 -bs 128

4) Do whatever steps are required to make the problem happen (other than a reboot...if you reboot at this point, the tracing won't be enabled).

5. After you have a repro, run this command from an elevated command prompt: 

Logman stop USBForumTrace -ets

6. Search on the machine for “USBForumTrace.etl”
7. Post that file and c:\windows\inf\setupapi.dev.log on a public folder on http://skydrive.live.com and post the link here.

For more details on setting up a skydrive account, see the posts from Vivian Xing in this thread:  http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itprohardware/thread/d2602df5-e2bf-45b5-a26a-2866707dfcf9#782ec895-33db-49e4-bb70-534214235a91

Thanks,

Mark

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Want to know if your current hardware & software will work with Windows 7? Check out these links: **Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor ** **Windows 7 Compatibility Center**

Answer 5

Hello,

I have the same problem. I followed the steps you instructed and here is the link.

http://cid-bb87366c210c3d6c.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/.Public