Front USB Port

gman

gman

Suspended / Banned
Messages
11,100
Name
Graham
Edit My Images
Yes
Got a bit of strange one here. Running Windows 7, my front USB ports are being funny when it comes to my USB stick and takes a fair time to recognise it. If I stick my usb headphones in they work instantly!

File system is FAT32, I've disabled any USB power saving features etc. It used to be fine, so I'm wondering if there's been a Windows update that's done it?

Any ideas?


Cheers
G
 
You could uninstall the ports, restart and Windows will find the 'new' USBs and re-install.
 
It's a Coolermaster case and was a self build. The ports are fine because the headphones pick up straight away and I've also just noticed that when I pop the USB stick in I get that Windows sound instantly but it takes at least 30 seconds before it shows up!

I've also tried a different USB stick but no success. :(

Will try the uninstalling. Cheers.
 
Is this problem exclusive to the front USB ports? Does it work fine on the back ones?
Is the USB ports just standard ones connected directly to the USB headers on the motherboard?
 
I'll need to check the back ones but I think it's ok. They are just standard USB2 ports that came with the case and plug into the MSI motherboard. Connections must be fine as the headphones work and also the noise sounds when I put the USB stick in.

I've also checked the power there's 500mA available to each port.

It's all very strange! lol
 
Just a thought, do you have any Anti-Virus that is running a scan on the files on the drive before it allows windows to show explorer? Quick test would be to disable your AV for a few seconds, connect the drive and see if it shows straight away.

Another thought might be some kind of indexing happening on the drive each time it is connected. Indexing allows windows to search for your files quicker.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indexing_Service)

OR third option, I am talking complete rubbish and none of the above is any use ;)
 
I have the same problem with my front USB ports. It only happens when I plug something in that is deemed a mass storage device.
Some days it works fine other days it wont recognise.

I've uninstalled and re-installed drivers to no avail.
Now I just use the rear USB ports as they work fine all the time.
 
Might be worth checking if you have a spare USB header on your motherboard and if so, try switching it over to that header.
 
I have occasionally had problems with devices that use a relatively high current on front USB ports. It's usually due to the really thin wire used to wire them to the motherboard header. Storage devices are not usually that high in the current department though.
 
jemdna said:
Just a thought, do you have any Anti-Virus that is running a scan on the files on the drive before it allows windows to show explorer? Quick test would be to disable your AV for a few seconds, connect the drive and see if it shows straight away.

Another thought might be some kind of indexing happening on the drive each time it is connected. Indexing allows windows to search for your files quicker.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indexing_Service)

OR third option, I am talking complete rubbish and none of the above is any use ;)
Click to expand...

Good idea but alas no cigar.

I don't think I've got any spare headers, it's odd but front ports on other machines pick it up straight away so it's definitely got something to do with my system.

Perhaps I'll try safe mode so I can eliminate any hardware faults :)
 
joesmith said:
Is this problem exclusive to the front USB ports? Does it work fine on the back ones?
Is the USB ports just standard ones connected directly to the USB headers on the motherboard?
Click to expand...

Checked the back ones and they work fine. This is quite bizarre.
 
This problem usually lies with you MOBO.
See if there is a firmware update, but is usually caused by poor wiring to the fron ports which wil only affect devices like skype phones, cameras and usb stick, sound on headphoes will usually manage ok.
You could check you have 5v on the port, but it is very tricky and will kill your board if you short it to ground.
 
It works with my phone fine when in mass storage mode. Its just getting odd now!
 
USB problems are often down to the front ports being USB 1.1, instead of USB 2 or higher.

USB 1.1 is slower than USB 2 and front ports are often USB 1.1 because a USB 1.1 hub is cheaper to make than a USB 2.

Also, ports on the front of the tower often can't handle as much current as those at the rear. Standard is 500mA, rear ports can often handle much more, but the front ports will be via a USB hub, this splits the available current. Plugging in something that needs 500mA can cause problems.

The common mistake is pluggng in a USB hard drive without it's Y cable, these little buggers need around 900mA, so plugging one of these into one front port often kicks the power supply into safemode.
 
Last edited:
Cheers, that does make sense. I think perhaps the best way forward is to get a decent USB 3.0 Hub that I can plug into one of the USB 3 ports in the back and place on the desk. I don't use many USB 3 devices but for all the difference in cost to USB 2 I may as well :)


EDIT: Just realised I've got an internal USB3 port and I've got a spare 3 1/2" bay so I think I'll get one for here.
 
Last edited:
I never even thought of that! I've got a multireader that has a USB port on it! lol I've just tried it and the same problem is there.
 
Now I'm getting a problem with the rear ports taking a while to recognise the USB stick. On another computer it picks up straight away on all USB ports - just seems to be this computer and only with USB sticks.

Tried a USB hub and no luck.

Perhaps a reinstall of Windows, although that's going to be a pain. I think I'd rather just wait the 30 secs for the stick to be seen.
 
Have you tried starting the computer in safe mode and seeing how long it takes to recognise the USB sticks then?
 
I've give that a try tonight :)
 
I think it could well be a power thing as when I use my phone as mass storage it's fine - but then it has its own battery for power. I'm wondering if putting in that multi card reader in the front bay may have zapped some much needed power as it's the only piece of hardware I've installed since this started happening.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top