How to Troubleshoot USB Problems in Windows XP

by Ruri Ranbe
USB cable

USB cable

usb 5 image by Bosko Martinovic from Fotolia.com

USB, or Universal Serial Bus, is a type of connector that allows users to attach peripheral devices, such as mice, keyboards, hard drives and music players. While many USB devices are plug-and-play (meaning that you can hook up a device to the PC without installing any software), some still require that you install a driver or drivers to Windows XP before you can begin using them. Conflicts with the USB controller or USB root hub drivers can impede any USB devices attached to them. To troubleshoot your USB device, you should confirm that all of the necessary drivers are installed and functioning properly.

Check for Drivers

Step 1

Unplug the device from your computer. Wait 30 seconds, then reinsert the USB device into the USB slot.

Step 2

Download any necessary drivers if your USB device still does not work. Go to the manufacturer's website. Navigate to the "Support" or "Download" page. Search for your device to find out whether or not you need to install any software or drivers before use.

Step 3

Remove the USB device from your PC, then download and install any drivers or software found on the manufacturer's website. After the installation is complete, restart your computer, then reinsert the USB device into the USB port.

Check Device Manager

Step 1

Click "Start," then "Run," or press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously. Type "devmgmt.msc" into Run, then click "OK."

Step 2

Expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" option. Check that there is no yellow icon located next to any of the drivers.

Step 3

Right-click any devices with yellow icons, then click "Properties." Underneath "Device status," located on the "General" tab, an error code should be present, informing you of how to repair your device.

About the Author

Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.

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