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Vista problem with usb hard drives

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7 replies

by pmcg

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Here's the problem:

If I plug one of my seven USB hard drives or enclosures (different brands)into my Vista Business system, an unknown device pops up in the device manager with error 1 "Device not configured properly."

If I plug in any of the drives or enclosures before the system boots, Vista recognizes the drive and all is well. If I safely remove the same drive and replug it into vista I get the 'unknown device' problem again.

All these devices work just as advertised on WinXP.

I have tried many different USB ports on my system. USB flash memory cards work fine. All my other USB devices work.

I'd take a direct solution (which I haven't found on the web after two days of trying) or a link to any clear and technical explanation of how USB storage devices are recognized in Vista.

Thanks!
Peter

7 replies

by pmcg

at least two of of them are, some aren't.

Good question, btw.

This is the first real stumper I've had with Vista. Lots and lots of small problems to solve, both hardware and software.

-Thanks

by naughtymonkey

an incompatibility with Vista and the devices. Are you having any problems with other USB devices? Are there any errors in the logs or warning messages about problems with the device and Vista. I have notices that Vista is pretty good at telling you when something isn't fully compatible.

by jbacsdoen

I was also stumped with this problem for a fair while and the solution is fairly rediculous.
What you need to do is go into device manager, right click on the unknown device and press update driver software. Then click browse my computer for driver software. Then select to search the root of c:\ . Should take around 5-10 minutes to find the driver software.
Let me know how you go. If this doesn't fix your issue let me know and I will see if I can find the site that described this in detail.

by jonwislon

I am getting a similar message when attempting to use both a USB flash drive and an iPod Nano.

It recognises my iPod Touch and other USB flash drives

The above did not help "the location could not be reached"

Any other ideas out there please

by Former member

From your motherboard makers web site. Download the updates for Vista. Also more memory the better up to 3gb or spot on if you can get it. I have 3gb on my Vista system 2x1gb and 2x512mb. The system then doubles it to 6gb. Easily enough for what you need, and this will go towards fixing some of the issues you are having with Vista. Also a more powerful PSU will go towards making these devises come to life. Another thing to look at is in the bios, make sure that under the usb section "Legacy" is marked "enable".

Please post back if you have any more problems or questions.

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