The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
PC won't open my USB devices
Quoth
the RavenMiami, FL FOR REALRegistered User regular
the RavenMiami, FL FOR REALRegistered User regular
I am in the queue for tech support but maybe someone here can help me faster. And better.
I have a new Dell Optiplex 320 running Windows XP. It won't let me open any of my USB devices (camera, flash drive, etc.) as a folder. You know, to view and copy files. I have always been able to do this on other computers and so I am deeply confused as to 1) what I am doing wrong or 2) what has changed such that this is no longer allowed.
Help?
I have a new Dell Optiplex 320 running Windows XP. It won't let me open any of my USB devices (camera, flash drive, etc.) as a folder. You know, to view and copy files. I have always been able to do this on other computers and so I am deeply confused as to 1) what I am doing wrong or 2) what has changed such that this is no longer allowed.
Help?
Site | The Miami Grindstone | Twitter | Dropbox | Picture by Galen Dara | A list of awesome lady authors
Quoth on
0
Posts
Assuming the ports themselves are OK, what exactly is the fail state?
Devices are recognized but cannot be opened in Explorer like any other folders (I have had this happen with cameras before, though it turned out to be the SD card's fault)?
Windows notices that you've plugged something into the USB port (you get the "bing-bong" sound, the devices pilot lights illuminate) but doesn't recognize the device, listing it as "Unknown USB Device" or whatever?
You plug them in and nothing happens at all?
Could it be the SD card? But then why would the flash drives not work either... Argh.
When you click on Safely Remove Hardware, does the camera/flash drive's actual make and model show up in the list of devices to disconnect? Or is it just "Unknown Device", etc.?
Another thing to consider: A similar thing will happen when a USB device without its own power source is plugged into a USB port that, for whatever reason, can't handle the power load. Often XP will be smart enough to pop up a little "USB power too low" notification and tell you to try rearranging your devices, but I've also seen it act like you're describing, with little or no acknowledgement that a device has even been connected.
For cameras, certainly, this can be a concern. Flash drives, not so much, but it's still not out of the question -- I used to have a USB keyboard with a built-in 2-port mini-hub that had shit for power output. It couldn't handle any more than a single mouse without exceeding the power limit -- even if the second device was something unassuming like a flash drive.
Anyway, I'd unplug all USB devices (even mouse and keyboard, just to be certain) and try your camera/memory stick in every USB port on the machine. Especially if your computer has multiple clusters of ports like most new PCs do. For some reason, the old-fashioned ones on the back of the case always seem to have the best power, while the ones on the front (or especially built into monitors or other peripherals) can have terrible power (and USB support in general). Dell has had some lines that are known to ship with somewhat weak power supplies -- you never know, power could be your issue.
You may want to try this. Plug in the thumb drive. Open Control Panel, double click on administrative tools and select disk management from the branching menu. You should see all memory devices attached to your computer. Right click on the thumb drive and select change drive letter. Select a drive letter not currently in use by your computer. If this is the problem everything should work now.
Anyway hope it helps.