Intermittent problem. Computer shuts down when inserting a USB device.

Question

I have Windows7 Ultimate - 32 bit for my OS. Every so often my computer will shut down when I insert a thumb drive or other device into a USB port.

I was told that there is a fix for this problem, but I have been unable to locate it.

Can anyone help?

Answer 1

Hello Gulrez,

I've contacted the computer system manufacturer, and they tell me that the problem is a Windows 7 issue and Microsoft knows about the problem with the USB shutdown. There is supposed to be a  'fix' from Microsoft somewhere on their website, but I've been unable to locate it. As I mentioned, it is an intermittent problem.

Can you help?

Answer 2

Hi earlk002,

For “Event ID: 41 - Kernel-Power” error, I would suggest to get in touch with the system manufacturer and get the BIOS updated. If this does not fix the issue, it is probably USB driver issue.

**NOTE:**Modifying BIOS/complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.

Get back to us with the results so that we can troubleshoot further, if required.

Regards,

Gulrez

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Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Answer 3

The event just happened again (computer shut down when I inserted a thumb drive into a USB port).

I went to the event viewer and located the following info:

"The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first. This error could be caused if the system stopped responding, crashed, or lost power unexpectedly."

Source:            Kernel-Power

Event ID:          41

Task Category: (63)

Level:               Critical

User:               System

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Thanks for the info Gulrez. I have disabled the automatic restart on system failure as suggested. I couldn't see anything that might help in the event viewer. I'll have to wait now for the problem to reoccur and will get back to you. Thanks.

Answer 5

Hi earlk002,

First step to troubleshoot this issue would be to disable “automatic restart on system failure” so that we can get the error message.

Follow these steps to disable automatic restart on system failure:

1. Click on the Start button and then on Control Panel.
2. Click on the System and Security link.

Note: If you're viewing the Small icons or large icons view of Control Panel, you won't see this link. Simply double-click on the System icon and proceed to Step 4.

3. Click on the System link.
4. In the task pane on the left, click the advanced system settings link.
5. Locate the Startup and Recovery section near the bottom of the window and click on the Settings button.
6. In the Startup and Recovery window, locate and uncheck the check box next to automatically restart.
7. Click OK in the Startup and Recovery window.
8. Click OK in the System Properties window.
9. You can now close the System window.

You may also check in event viewer if you can find any error messages listed.

For information on event viewer, click here

Get back to us with the answers so that we can troubleshoot accordingly.

Regards,

Gulrez

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Microsoft Answers Support Engineer