Computer GEEK

mflamb · #1 09/05/2007, 08:07 AM

Any computer GEEKS in the Thonotossa/East Tampa area. Nate's (m3nac3) computer locks up if USB ports are not disabled. Help please.

tangwang · #2 09/05/2007, 08:31 AM

Are they on-board usb ports, or an add on PCI card? Sounds like a hardware conflict...

mflamb · #3 09/05/2007, 08:42 AM

Factory installed, one in the front, two in the back.

akwtampa · #4 09/05/2007, 08:50 AM

Has the machine ever been tinkered with inside? It's possible to install the cables for some USB ports backwards.. which could cause all kinds of possbile trouble, including killing the USB bus..

m3nac3 · #5 09/05/2007, 09:04 AM

no we never have opened up the computer.

thanks

tangwang · #6 09/05/2007, 09:08 AM

What make/model comp?

tangwang · #7 09/05/2007, 09:12 AM

Sounds like the usb controller has a short in it. could've been a surge spike... or may be not enough power for the usb. Try plugging in a powered hub and see if it works...

m3nac3 · #8 09/05/2007, 09:16 AM

its an emachines. not too new. nothing works when you plug in a hub.

tangwang · #9 09/05/2007, 09:17 AM

is the hub you tried powered? In other words, does it plug in to a power adapter?

m3nac3 · #10 09/05/2007, 09:34 AM

ohh im not sure about that.. im not the best with these machines. lol i think it might be a lost cause lol

mlivvy · #11 09/05/2007, 09:51 AM

if you signup at pcapex.com and post under "hardware troubleshooting", you'll get a swarm of geeks who'll help ya. they could even help you turn your pc into a toaster/coffee maker.

i'm mliv there.

tangwang · #12 09/05/2007, 09:52 AM

Well its one of two things. either the usb controller is fried, or it doesnt have enough power. The easiest thing to test would be with the externally powered usb hub.If that doesnt work, then its fried, and you need to istall a usb card in one of the pci slots

chris22582 · #13 09/05/2007, 09:57 AM

Nate if you get a usb card I can put it in for you. Kinda easy.

shibumi · #14 09/05/2007, 10:15 AM

Hmmmmm I could be wrong but maybe the configuration of the USB ports changed. Did you install new software or anybody has been playing with your computer?

Do you have XP? do you see the USB ports in the Device Manager?

If you are in a hurry and need it asap you can stop buy best buy or circuit city and they can tell you what it is. If any of them tells you something is broken look for a second opinion.

m3nac3 · #15 09/05/2007, 10:23 AM

thanks monica and chris..

im not in a rush but it would be nice to be able to post pics. im sure its fried

they come up in the device manager. and its XP

mflamb · #16 09/05/2007, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by m3nac3
im not in a rush but it would be nice to be able to post pics. im sure its fried

You may not be, but I am...I don't want build threads for the two new tanks without pics!!!

m3nac3 · #17 09/05/2007, 11:05 AM

hahaha i hear ya... gotta get this crap box fixed. lol

ShawnJones · #18 09/06/2007, 10:09 AM

You need to make sure that the chipset driver are the most current. Windows may have taken it upon it self to start updating different things and in the process, broke usb support. Most of the time the motherboard/chipset drivers are not updated through windows and can sometime cause issues.

Thank you Microsoft.

If you want to switch to Linux, Unix, or BSD, let me know.

Shawn

shibumi · #19 09/06/2007, 10:17 AM

I second that

Thanks you Microsoft.

I think it is a configuration issue too.

WarDaddy · #20 09/06/2007, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ShawnJones

If you want to switch to Linux, Unix, or BSD, let me know.

Sure, they have their advantages but game and software choices for them are not very good. *take no notice of my profession*

m3nac3 · #21 09/06/2007, 12:19 PM

Also when this usb problem occured, my sound card also stopped working,, i tried working on it but as soon as i enable any of the usb ports the computer freezes up for a day and a half lol

shibumi · #22 09/06/2007, 03:23 PM

Maybe you should do a water dip ..... it could be a bug

m3nac3 · #23 09/06/2007, 03:48 PM

haha will do a fresh water dip as soon as i get home. lol i just think the computer is a POS.

flat worm exit might do the trick.

ShawnJones · #24 09/06/2007, 05:07 PM

Sorry Bryan,

Your right about the games and some software, but I have had zero problems with open source for years now. But I'm more of a geek than most (notice the sig).

As far as the USB stuff, you could try using a live linux distro (linux that runs from the CD). This would allow you to see if it's a hardware issue or an OS.

Let me know if you need a hand.

Shawn

WarDaddy · #25 09/06/2007, 09:45 PM

Shawn I am teasing... The Windoze Linux debate are always fun... both have the pluses and negitives....

I run many linux boxes at the office... but I like my workstation to be windows