Member Avatar for keepingupwiththejonez

Hi Techs Members

I have been having a problem when i goto connect usb devices to a "XP Professional" Machine where as the computer will not recognize my devices.

Although i experienced this same problem long ago and recognized a fix Now I have forgotton.

would someone post the most reasonale fix suggestions to help me find my way to a working usb port system where as my usb "toys" all will work when properly connected to the PC... - BIG D

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by johhny-marshal

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Thanks to for the clear problem statement and to and for the quick first-aid ideas. Those “redetect” and “disable/reboot” moves often fix transient USB faults. If Plug-and-Play keeps failing in XP, use a short, ordered checklist below to isolate driver/registry/services problems from hardware or power faults.

  • Verify core services and system files: run services.msc and confirm the Plug and Play service is Started and set to Automatic. Run sfc /scannow from your XP install CD to replace missing/corrupt system files.
  • Check USB mass‑storage policy: open regedit and inspect HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor — ensure the Start value is not set to 4 (disabled). Back up the registry before changing anything.
  • Inspect host controllers and chipset drivers: in Device Manager look under “Universal Serial Bus controllers” for Unknown devices or driver errors. If the motherboard/chipset drivers are missing or generic, install the XP-era chipset/USB host-controller drivers from the board/vendor media.
  • BIOS and power checks: confirm the USB controller is enabled in BIOS (Legacy USB support/EHCI). Try a different physical port, the rear onboard ports (not front panel), or a self‑powered USB hub to rule out PSU/hub-power limitations.
  • Clean device state and startup conflicts: use Device Manager → View → Show hidden devices to remove stale USB entries, and do a clean boot with msconfig (disable non‑Microsoft services/startup) to eliminate third‑party interference.

Gather diagnostic evidence (System event log via eventvwr.msc, exact Device Manager error codes such as Code 28/10/43). If hardware still fails, boot a Linux live CD/USB on the same machine to confirm whether the issue is OS or hardware. Caution: always back up the registry and important data before registry edits or system repairs. Note: Windows XP reached end of support on April 8, 2014; long‑term use carries security risk—plan to migrate to a supported OS when feasible.

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Member Avatar for rubberman

I have found that sometimes when this happens you can fix it by going to the device manager and removing all the USB hubs and devices, then rebooting. That will reinstall all of the drivers. I had a similar problem with Win7 not being able to recognize my USB thumb and flash drives or USB bluetooth. That resolved the problem.

Member Avatar for johhny-marshal

Go to device manager and diable all USB ports. Re-boot the system. It will automatically pick the needed drivers and it will be fine.

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