My Vostro 420 has always had problems interfacing with most USB connected devices. Usually it doesn't even recognize the device but sometimes it shows up in 'my computer' but I still can't access the device.

An HP printer and one of my UBS flash drives (a no name throw away type) are the only USB devices that have ever worked (works on all USB ports) on this Vostro.

Have tried a D50 Nikon camera, Epson Scanner, several brands of USB Flash Drives and an iPad and it can't access these devices.

Its not the ports as these are not recognized even when I plug them into ports where the printer was just plugged into. I've tried booting up with devices plugged in and also plugging it in while the computer was running.The Vostro acts like it doesn't recognize that anything was plugged in.

In 'my computer' it does recognize the iPad (says its plugged in in 'My Computer') but I can't access it. Since Apple tech support is free I contacted them and they walked me through it. Again with the same results.

Is there a fix for the USB Vostro issue? I'm most interested in connecting my iPad and Nikon to it.

Thanks!

Vostro 420 Windows XP Pro

x86Family 6 model 23 stepping 7 Genuine Intel ~2327 Mhz

Bios version/date: Dell, Inc 1.0.4, 2/10/2009

SMBios: Version 2.5

Have owned various Dell Dimension series - love those but hate the Vostro.