17 R5, USB, hub, kvm, issues

Question

Hello all; My laptop will disconnect USB devices constantly, every 20 seconds or so, in specific configurations. I have a keyboard connected to left USB; mouse connected to right USB; headphones connected to back USB via USB-C. When I need to connect extra USB devices, I use a USB-C hub on the back port.  This happens especially often when I use USB hubs, or a KVM switch. I need the KVM switch to do my job now and I haven't been able to get it to work reliably.  Things I've tried: changing USB hub model, manufacturer, port, speed (2.0 and 3.0), as well as USB-C hubs; they all fail in one way or another; using a Dell brand laptop dock (D3100); changing keyboard and mouse models; changing the 'allow the computer to turn off this device to save power' setting on the USB controllers in Device Manager.  Updating BIOS; Running Alienware Update and SupportAssist.  I have contacted support in the past for this, and I have gotten the response that 'USB hubs and Dell docking stations are not compatible with Alienware laptops'. I have also heard from support that 'the only way to plug more than 3 USB devices to your laptop is to buy the AGA', and that the AGA doesn't work unless there is a graphics card installed in it?  Overall, I'm very dissatisfied and if this problem can't be solved my only alternative is scrapping this laptop and buying another brand. Big bummer, have had many Dell and Alienware computers in the past but this is making my workstation unusable.

crimsom · Answer

Hi @ikolino welcome to this user to user forum. Sharing your diagnostic list is appreciated.

Did not see plugging in all the external device and a) going to Device Manager to automatically update drivers by right clicking on top entry and refreshing, b) going to Devices and Printers, right click on laptop device and troubleshoot, c) going to This PC, OS (C:) drive, right click Properties, Tools and start check disk, run all checks even if it says not required (allow one hour to complete).

Alienware

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