USB Problems: When HP Photosmart C4599 is on, all other USB ports on desktop computer become useless

[jigchris]

I just bought an HP Photosmart C4599 and installed the included software on my HP Pavilion 743c Desktop successfully.  I have it connected via USB cable.  I am running Windows XP SP3 and automatic updates are on.  I updated the software that came with the printer and everything seemed to be working fine.  I've printed and scanned successfully.   However, I noticed that when I connect my digital camera or memory stick via USB, I now get this annoying message that states, USB Device Not Recognized.  The only way to get my computer to recognize my camera or memory stick, is to turn off my printer, and then reattach my camera or memory stick.

Somehow the printer or software is messing up my computer's ability to recogize devices that are connected via USB.

I would like to be able to connect my camera or memory stick without having to turn off my printer first.  

Any solution would be really appreciated.

[DexterM · Accepted solution]

This usually happens on computers with old USB chipsets that cannot provide enough power for multiple devices at the same time. The best you can do is to try and install the latest drivers for your motherboard, or update the BIOS of your motherboard. Or else, use only 1 USB device at a time. Or else, purchase a powered USB hub and connect the printer to it, or get a new computer.

Also, you do one other thing. Unplug all USB devices from your PC(except the keyboard and mouse). Now just turn off your computer and unplug the power cable of the tower from the wall socket. Let it be like this for about 20-30 minutes. Now just press the power button on the tower for about 3-4 times to make sure all static electricity is spent, then plug the cable back into the wall and turn the PC on and try connecting both devices to the PC and see if you get the error messages.

Also, you can insert the memory stick into the printers' memory card slots and view the pics on your computer.

[jigchris]

Thanks for the solutions!

      Solution #1: Inserting the memory card into the printer and uploading the pics this way worked great.  I should have thought of that myself!

      Solution #2: Powered off the computer for 30 minutes, unplugged it, disconnected all USB components except for mouse and keyboard, pushed the

      power button several times while still unplugged, powered the computer back up, and then reconnected the printer via USB and USB cord for the camera

      and everything works fine now.

      Solution #3: Will try the powered USB hub if problem reoccurs or just continue to use the printer to read the SD card.

      Good job DexterM!