1704 FPT USB Powered? / USB issues

Question

Ever since I first got this monitor a little over a month ago, I've been having issues with the USB ports located on the monitor.  Even though Windows shows these ports as being powered, are they?   I ask because no device I've ever attached to these ports works correctly.  Windows will sort of identify a device, but it usually won't go any farther.  I've tried a Zip drive, a USB key drive, an xd memory card reader, and an iPod.  None of them will work through the monitor, but they will all work if plugged in directly to the front of the PC (a Dimension 8400).   Yes, the USB cable is firmly plugged in between the monitor and the PC.  Is there a particular port on the back of the PC that should be used to connect the USB systems together?   Also, if I leave a device plugged into a USB port on the monitor, Windows will periodically make the 'disconnected USB' noise and then a split second later the 'newly connected USB noise.'  It's like the monitor is dropping out and then coming back.  This will happen every couple of minutes and go on indefinitely while the PC is on.   Is this a normal issue?  Do I need to exchange this monitor for another one?  I would really like to have use of the USB ports on the monitor.  As you can see from the list above, I have a number of devices that would be much more useful if I didn't have to open the cabinet and bend over to use them!

ZManCartFan · Answer

*bump*   Thanks.

sj23 · Answer

I don't know if this might help but I had an Unknown device problem w/ my monitor ports.  I simply unplugged the power supply from behind my monitor and plugged it back in and they worked again.  This is my thread about it http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=43678

ZManCartFan · Answer

Thanks for the tip.  But in my case the monitor's USB hub is recognized just fine.  It's only the devices that are plugged into it that won't work properly.

Splidge · Answer

Hi.

I too have a problem with the USB ports on my 1704FPT monitor. The monitor is only about a month old and I was successfully using the ports to connect to an i-pod and flash memory stick.

However, today the ports have stopped working completely. When I try unplugging / reconnecting the USB cable I get a message to the effect that a USB device connected to the computer has mal-functioned.

I have tried unplugging & reconnecting several times and also de-powering the monitor and switching it on again, but with no success. Have also tried other sockets on the back of the computer. (All the ports on the computer itself seem OK.)

Any suggestions would be welcome as the USB ports on the monitor were quite convenient.

ZManCartFan · Answer

Since yours were working and then quit, I'd say it's a 50/50 shot between being a hardware failure and a software failure.  I would try deleting all entries under the USB subsection of the Device Manager and rebooting.  Windows will reload all of the USB drivers.  If that doesn't work, I can't imagine it's not a hardware issue.   And if anybody has any suggestions on the original question, I've still got the problem.  Only 3.75 years left on the Dell warranty, so I'd better get right on that.  :smileyhappy:

Splidge · Answer

Thanks Zman.

I tried that, but still no good I'm afraid.

It took me a little while to disable all the USB drivers, as of course the mouse and keyboard are USB connected and became disabled! I also had to set up my USB wireless network adapter again afterwards.

As you say, as the ports have suddenlt stopped working, it looks like a hardware problem. I have contacted Dell Support. I'll see what they think.

It's midnight here now (UK), so I am going to bed!

ZManCartFan · Answer

Let us know what Dell says and how you make out.   Thanks, and good luck.

Splidge · Answer

Hi

Dell Support have advised me to switch off the monitor, unplug from the power supply, plug it in again and switch on.

I had of course already tried this.

I tried it again a couple of times without success. I keep getting the same error message.

I have replied to Dell, but my contact is now away until Sunday.:smileysad:

Richard

Splidge · Answer

Just thought I would let you know that the fault with my monitor turned out to be a hardware failure. Dell have replaced the monitor under warranty and everything is fine (so far!) Richard

ZManCartFan · Answer

Glad to hear you got your issue fixed.  Did they replace it with another 1704 fpt?

Splidge · Answer

Yes, exactly the same model.

Splidge · Answer

Spoke too soon!:smileymad:

The new monitor lasted exactly 3 days until it had the same problem!

Hi - ho, time to mail Dell again, I suppose.

I am wondering whether my daughter's mini i-pod somehow draws too much current through the USB port and causes it to fail. It works fine on the ports on the computer itself though.

Richard

ZManCartFan · Answer

Hmm, sorry to hear about your luck . . . or lack thereof, I guess. Anyway, keep us posted. It would be nice to have some ammunition to fire back at Dell when I get around to calling them.

Good luck.

Splidge · Answer

Thanks for that.

Having read the manual for my daughter's i-pod, it does actually specify that a high power USB port should be used, otherwise it won't work. It doesn't say that it will actually damage a low power port though!

I assume that the ports on the monitor are not high powered, though the monitor manual does not make this clear. I had no other devices plugged into the monitor ports when it failed.

I wonder if I dare tell Dell, or leave it for a bit!

Richard

ZManCartFan · Answer

According to the Device Manager, the ports on the monitor are 500 mA ports.  As far as I know, these are as high-powered as they get.   And besides, plugging an iPod into a USB device shouldn't actually BREAK that device.  At least that's the theory.  Dell may have a different opinion, I guess.

Monitors

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