USB Hub problem

Question

Howdy,

I purchased a 4-port USB2.0 hub for my inspiron... however, when i plug it in, it really messes with my system. Anyone else have problems using a hub? If I have my printer plugged into one of the onboard usb ports and have other things plugged into the hub, not only does anything plugged into the hub stop responding, but so does anything plugged into the on board USB port. If I unplug the usb hub and have the printer plugged into the onboard, move the mouse to the on board, then 'waaalaaahhh' it recognizes everything.. i've done this several times, so i know my on board USB ports are working fine and it's the hub that's causing trouble.... thing is, i've now tried two different hubs, both with the same result.. what are the chances that i'd end up with two bum hubs in a row?? any suggestions??

Magoogirl

magoogirl34 · Answer

Okay.. I did some more reading around the forum and found that I am not the only one with this problem... this work around seems to do fine for me... after i shut the computer down, i have to unplug the usb hub from my computer... when i boot up again, after it's completed, then i plug the hub back in and everything works fine... it's annoying to have to do this, but best i can find for now.... when i can, i will be adding a pcmcia card with more usb ports!

Magoogirl

RoberthB · Answer

Hi,

I had a similar problem with a USB hub with my 5150. It turned out that a BIOS upgrade had caused my problem. I had gone to A31 from A29 and suddenly I had the problems just as you describe (I was trying to solve another problem altogether). There are several messages on the Forum about A31 and USB hubs. When I reflashed back to A29, all was well.

You might check to see whether your edition of the BIOS has any quirks like this.

magoogirl34 · Answer

My BIOS is A28... seems to be the most current version from what i've looked at in the downloads section... not exactly sure what to think... oh well... magoogirl

SwampNut · Answer

I use a couple of USB 2 hubs. I found that a junk one (Belkin) had problems, but the ones from SIIG and another top brand (forgot the name--it's at the office) work fine. Also you should try powering the hub, as many times a device that draws a lot of power will overload a hub and bring down everything connected to it.

Johnson58 · Answer

At least I've stopped pulling my hair out, for now anyway.

I've got a USB IDE 40 GB HDD that I regulalry use on my old Advent laptop and use it to back up the data.

Plug it into the USB ports on the Inspiron 8600 and whow does it like it. Think NOT.

Power Overload followed by driver load then unload and then drivers dissappear altogether.

At least I'm not the only one.

Has anyone tried a PCMIA USB 2 card. I have one but it need power from the PS2 socket which this machine doesn't have.!!!!

Fun & Games for all

Locked Topics – Laptops General

USB Hub problem

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