Weird Windows XP/ USB Problem

This week I set about checking AV, Security, and Windows updates on three of the four household computer systems. (The fourth system is in constant use and didn�t need checking.) All systems run Windows XP SP2.

First, I got out my mother�s Dell Inspiron laptop that hadn�t been used for a few weeks. It�s used with a USB mouse and a SpeedTouch 121g wireless adapter that plugs into a USB port. Last time it was used it appeared in perfect working order so I was surprised when on reaching the Welcome screen the mouse froze and the dreaded BSOD appeared. I booted into Safe Mode and the mouse worked perfectly. I updated the drivers and rebooted. Another BSOD. I swopped the mouse and the same thing happened. I took out the SpeedTouch adapter and got into Windows. I played around the Dell laptop all day, unable to find a pattern. Trying to work out whether the problem was due to hardware or software, I did a clean install of the OS, getting rid of the last of Dell bloat-ware. I was well pleased with my efforts until, late in the evening, I realised that the issue was still there. In short, the system will not accept the USB SpeedTouch adapter on any terms. Only one of the three USB ports will accept a mouse. Other ports have no problem connecting flash drives and other peripherals.

Secondly, I got out my own Advent laptop that I don�t think I�ve used for about two or three months. Again, it�s used with a USB mouse and a SpeedTouch 121g wireless adapter. I booted up and�.BSOD! The system will not accept the USB SpeedTouch adapter via any port. Mice are not a problem. However, the system no longer recognises my USB flash drive.

Finally, I set to work on a desktop that hasn�t been used since January 2008. As with the other system, it�s used with a USB mouse and a SpeedTouch 121g wireless adaptor. I booted up and (surprise!) I got a BSOD. I took out the USB SpeedTouch adapter and plugged in a wired router to update the PC and everything was fine. Unfortunately, unlike the Dell and Advent laptops, both of which have wireless cards, and my main desktop, which is connected via Ethernet, this system can�t be part of my home network at the moment.

The SpeedTouch 121g wireless adapter is a common factor here. Google brings up several posts to do with the adapter causing BSOD cycles but there doesn�t appear to be an answer. However, the SpeedTouch dongle alone doesn�t explain why only one USB port on the Dell laptop will accept a mouse or why my Advent will not recognise my USB flash drive. I know that all three system were free of viruses and malware when last shutdown. Windows updates cannot be blamed because of the different dates the systems were last in use. Moreover, my main desktop has all the updates and hasn�t exhibited any weird symptoms except for this back in March:

http://forums.thinkbroadband.com/windows/t/3594053-c...

As stated above, the Dell has had a clean install of the OS. All systems are clean of viruses and malware.

Any ideas?

Edited by ARD (Sun 31-May-09 13:10:22)

Get a couple of pcmcia wireless cards or better still some mini pci cards off ebay. Usb dongles aren't very good tbh.

As I think I wrote above, both laptops have wireless cards installed. Furthermore, both have worked very well with SpeedTouch 121g wireless adapters for almost three years. In time, I�ll get a card fitted into the desktop I mentioned. Meanwhile, the issue remains a mystery�.

Have you uninstalled the speedtouch driver and reinstalled chipset drivers for the laptops with the nackered usb?

Edited by deleted (Sun 31-May-09 17:45:06)

Yes.

Updating to Windows XP SP3 might be a start.......

The most common connection you are using is USB! You stated that some things aren't preforming or working with the USB! Your getting BSOD's or not working at all with USB devices.

You keep hitting the nail on the head lol. Check chipset drivers are intact for the USB host controllers. Examine the USB connections, are they dusty, are they still in good condition?

I have a dodgy usb cable and on linux with a usb wireless dongle can cause the system to crash if the usb connection slips.

On all three systems, chipset drivers for the USB host controllers have been checked and seem OK. On the Advent laptop and the unbranded desktop PC, the ports look physically healthy.

On the Dell laptop (the system mentioned first) I think there is a possibility of damage to two of the three ports. Nothing slots in with ease. As I stated in my original post, the laptop hasn�t been used for a while but I know that it has been switched for a relation to charge up his mobile phone. I performed the clean install to rule out Windows and third-party software issues and would have assumed physical damage were the two other systems not exhibiting the problems I�ve described.

Have you got any thing else you can test on the USB ports, printer?

After a few tests�

The Dell laptop is running a Canon scanner via the USB ports that caused endless BSODS! Furthermore, it will now accept a mouse in any port! Thus, no obvious physical damage to the ports.

The Advent laptop and the unbranded desktop are also running the Canon scanner without a hitch and the latter system also has an HP laser printer plugged in.

The Advent laptop still fails to recognise my USB flash drive in any port. The drive works perfectly with all other systems.

I haven't tackled SpeedTouch yet.... only the desktop really "needs" a dongle.

I won�t have time for further troubleshooting today but if you have any explanations/suggestions I�d be grateful.

Edited by ARD (Mon 01-Jun-09 14:42:21)