My USB devices like to reset randomly

[stu]

Hi - big problem here that hasn't been solved my MajorGeeks or too many HP support Chats to count.

My USB devices like to "reset" (that is, disconnect then reconnect - I hear the Windows XP sounds for "device disconnect" and "device connect"). This happens randomly. It happens on whatever USB devices I happen to have plugged in, be it external hard drive, iPod, USB key.

When it happens, my system tray gives me several messages. First, there is "this device can perform faster if plugged into a USB 2.0 BLAH BLAH BLAH". All of my USB ports are 2.0. All of my devices are new and 2.0 ready. Then it even shows me that I should unplug the device from the slow port and plug it into a fast one. Again, this is moot, because all of my devices/ports are 2.0. After this, my computer often likes to freeze for a minute while the computer 'thinks', and if it was my external HD that reset, it takes 2 minutes while it dilly-dallies then runs autoplay.

I am not overloading with USB devices (3), my external HD has its own power supply, and I am NOT using a hub.

I will try anything. I'd prefer not to format, but will if necessary. ANY IDEAS??? Thanks

 XP home on 1620y pavilion desktop.

Steve

[cnfrisch]

Your Power Supply Unit (PSU) electrolytic capacitors may be aging. When used heavily or over an extended period of time (1+ years) a PSU will slowly lose some of its initial wattage capacity.  I would recommended upgrading to a new PSU.

Example: http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=27380

[RasterBlaster]

Hopefully, I can offer something that you have not already tried. If it were me, I'd do the following things to get USB back in-line...

1) Free up more system resource. Since you are talking about having to wait minutes, sounds like it might be time for an early spring software cleaning. Get rid of startup software you don't need, free up some disk space, etc...

Increasing System Resources and Performance Without Adding Memory in Windows 95, 98, Me, and Windows...

2) While connected to the Internet, open Device Manager, open "Universal Serial Bus Controllers", and then right-click the first Host Controller you see in the list. Select "Update Driver". You might get lucky and download an update from Microsoft that prevents the 2.0 speed message you are seeing. I have personally seen this work. The process is documented in...

Troubleshooting USB Connections in Windows 98, ME, and XP

Also in this document is how to toggle legacy USB support in the BIOS. Try that too if problems don't clear up.

Let us know how it goes or if you tried all of these things. That's my 2 cents.

[stu]

Thank you both for your prompt replies. I attempted to upgrade drivers on the USB controllers, and none were available. Additionally, all of the steps for "clearing up system resources" are things I perform commonly. My computer really flies, it functions exceptionally well normally EXCEPT in this case when the external hard drive resets and then runs autoplay. Hmm.. I have experience, although limited, with replacing computer parts. I can very easily open up my box and change RAM or PCI cards. How hard would it be for me to replace my PSU? Also, is this something I could purchase, install, and possibly return later if I find it doesn't solve my problem? Please let me know what you think. Thanks. Steve

[cnfrisch]

Replacing a Power Supply

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01356113&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3817780&rul...

[royalwulff]

I was having the same problem.

Try this from the HP help site.

"USB devices quit working unexpectedly in MS windows XP"

The power option is probably turning them off.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00035365&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=1130595&rul...