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

Ok - not sure how much simplier I can make it, but - on a laptop, unplug the power cord, then take out the battery, unplug all usb devices, leave it alone for a minute or two and then replug the power cord and then the battery.  Turn the computer on and restart as normal. replug in your usb devices and they will reinstall as usual.

Answer 4

Ok - not sure how much simplier I can make it, but - on a laptop, unplug the power cord, then take out the battery, unplug all usb devices, leave it alone for a minute or two and then replug the power cord and then the battery.  Turn the computer on and restart as normal. replug in your usb devices and they will reinstall as usual.

Worked for me .....many thanks! But why isn't it the first solution offered by Microsoft or anyone else for that matter. What is the technical difference between uninstalling the USB hub controllers and restarting the machine, which then automatically reinstalls them........resulting in the same problem, against physically detaching the power and then restarting, which then resolves the issue?

Answer 5

Ok - not sure how much simplier I can make it, but - on a laptop, unplug the power cord, then take out the battery, unplug all usb devices, leave it alone for a minute or two and then replug the power cord and then the battery.  Turn the computer on and restart as normal. replug in your usb devices and they will reinstall as usual.

Thanks a lot, In two days I really tried 100 ways, system restore, troubleshooting, update, ......but no result.

This simple method answered very well. I'm surprised.