Tag: USB

Categories
Windows 10

How to Create a Windows 10 Recovery USB

This post is a step-by-step tutorial with pictures on How to create a Windows 10 Recovery disk. A recovery drive is a much needed & very helpful tool when it comes to troubleshooting your PC. Though Windows 10 recovery options can be used in a number of ways, making and keeping a recovery disk is a must have for those dire situations where nothing else works. The best part about this recovery disk is that it doesn’t just help troubleshoot your PC, it can also contain a proper backup of your PC. So, in case of data loss, you have an option of recovering your essentials.

Below are the steps with pictures to create a recovery disk:

  • Go to the start screen
  • In the search box, type Create a recovery drive
  • Click on the app under results.
  • Click on Yes, when prompted
  • Refer the screengrab below

search_start_windows10

  • Now,
  • a wizard to create the recovery drive will open up

wizard_create_recovery_drive_Windows10

  • If you wish to include system files
  • Check the check box as indicated in the screenshot above,
  • else, uncheck the box
  • Click on Next

windows10_recovery drive

  • It might take a minutes for your system to get ready
  • Make sure you insert a USB disk with at least 8 GB space
  • Also make sure that your don’t have any data on the drive, as this app will format the drive
  • Select the USB drive
  • and click next

usb_recovery_drive_windows10

windows10_recoverydisk

  • After you click on create, the process will start & might take from a few minutes to more than that, depending on the option you chose.

creating_recoverydrive_windows10

  • The wizard will copy files to your drive and you will receive a confirmation message at the end

recoverydrive_finished

  • Click on Finish
  • Your Recovery Drive is now ready
Categories
Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows Vista Windows XP

Fix : Keyboard Mouse not working after login in Windows 8 , windows 7 , Vista & XP

This post will help you fix / troubleshoot an issue with your Windows PC, where, after login or at welcome screen your keyboard and mouse stops working. This can happen with either a USB interface keyboard / mouse or even with a PS2 Keyboard and mouse. Do remember that your keyboard will work in your BIOS & both your keyboard / mouse will work with a Live CD too. In some cases your Keyboard and mouse will start to work in Safe Mode.

The Methods mentioned herein are based on both the scenarios where your keyboard & mouse will or won’t work in safe mode

Method 1

  • Sometime a LAN ( Network connection ) can be a culprit for this problem
  • Disconnect your LAN ( network wire ) from your computer
  • Start your computer
  • Check if your keyboard /mouse are working
  • If yes,
  • Go to Command Prompt ( with administrator privileges )
  • To know how to open command prompt with administrator privilege : Follow this article
  • In the command prompt : type ipconfig /flushdns
  • Also, use some means to connect to the internet (not on this PC)
  • Download and install the latest drivers for your network adapter
  • Also, Unplug & non-essential USB /HDMI or other peripheral device & check if your keyboard /mouse work

 

Method 2

  • Enabling Legacy USB support in BIOS
  • Enter your BIOS setup by pressing DEL , F2 or F10 ( or any other key which your computer specifies ) (Refer documentation)
  • Now, Locate an option that says Legacy USB support  and set it to enable
  • Also, make sure that your USB speed is set to high speed
  • Make sure USB simulation is disabled

Method 3

  • Updating USB / Chipset / Keyboard- Mouse drivers
  • You can use some other means to connect to Internet
  • Download and install the latest Chipset / USB drivers
  • Also, if your keyboard /mouse require some specific drivers to run properly, make sure that you have installed those
  • You can use Safe mode to uninstall the previous drivers & then boot into windows normally to update the newer drivers

Method 4 ( TIPS )

  • Try setting your computer to High Performance in Power Options ( windows Vista, 7 , 8 ) (control panel –> power options )
  • Go to Device Manager in Control Panel
  • Expand Universal Serial Bus
  • Right Click Usb Root Hub (all of them)
  • Go to Power management tab
  • Uncheck the box that says “Allow the system to turn off this device to save power”
  • Click OK
Categories
Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows Vista Windows XP

Fix : External USB Hard Disk drive not detecting / not working properly problem in Windows 8 , 7 , Vista & XP

After reading this article you will be able to fix some of the problems that stop a user from using their external USB hard disk drives properly & will also help in the situation where your Windows Operating system based computer does not detect your external Hard disk drive.

There are quite a few explanations for this problem & I have compiled this guide to address almost all of the known issues & help a user get rid of these problems for a smoother computing experience.

This guide addresses the most basic & the complex procedures to resolve some problems with your external hard disk drive. Follow the steps below:

Checking USB Connection

  • If you External drive is USB powered, make sure that your cable is connected properly and the USB slot is a powered slot.
  • Try replacing the USB Cable
  • If your external drive is powered through an adapter, make sure your adapter is working fine, replace and check, if necessary.
  • Try plugging your drive into another USB port

USB Drivers

  • Always make sure that you have the latest USB & Chipset drivers installed in your computer.
  • To check, run windows update to update your computer
  • or
  • Go to your motherboard / system manufacturer’s support website, download & install the latest drivers from there.

Device Management

  • If you plug-in your device & it does not show up in my computer. The first thing to check is that whether your device has been detected in your computer or not.
  • To check
  • Go to start menu & type Device Manager
  • device_m
  • Now, there are two things to check here. The first thing is whether your device is listed within disk drives of not. Check the screenshot above to confirm that my Seagate Go Flex USB device is listed there. In a similar way, you external USB device should be listed here.
  • Just to make sure click the last button, just under Help menu, to refresh the hardware listed there & to install any newly added device.
  • Second, thing to check is your Universal Serial Bus Controllers, list therein ( device manager ) & make sure all USB ports and enabled and are working properly.

Now,

  • Go to start menu and type device management or right click the computer icon and click on device management ( you might have to provide administrator password here )
  • Double click on storage
  • Double Click on Disk Management
  • management
  • Refer the screenshot above and make sure all of your drives listed here have a drive letter assigned to them,
  • if you see a drive that does not has a drive letter assigned to them
  • Right Click that drive
  • Click on Change Drive letters & paths
  • Now, add a drive letter here.

Running Disk Diagnostics

  • Sometimes due to a error in file system or on the disk, your hard disk might just fail to detect in your computer system.
  • An easy way is to gain access to a diagnostic software that might be available free to you on the hard disk manufacturer’s website.
  • Download & install such software.
  • Run the software to detect issues with your drive

Using a Live Disk, just to check

  • If you have any live disk with you, you can boot from that disk to check if it detects external drive.
  • Gparted live CD is a good tool to start with
  • If a Live CD detects your drive, it’s time to repair your Windows installation.
  • Check your disk for errors before exiting the live CD

Repairing Windows File System

  • If you have a Windows CD / DVD with you or if you have a Windows 7 repair disc, boot from it
  • On the first menu press Shift + F10
  • This will open up the command prompt
  • type diskpart
  • type list disk
  • If you see your external disk here
  • type select disk n ( n being the no. example 0 , 1 ,2 listed besides your disk )
  • if everything seems fine here ( size, file system etc. )
  • type exit
  • type exit again
  • Run CHKDSK with the drive letter
  • Boot back into Windows
  • Go to, Run ( Windows key + R )
  • Type, SFC /SCANNOW
  • wait for the process to complete

IF this does not solve your problem

  • check if you can open up your external enclosure
  • Take your drive out and plug it directly into your computer system
  • If your drive works, backup your data
  • Buy another External enclosure
  • Plugin your drive to check if it works
  • Make sure you backup your data before doing any of this.
  • Format your drive ( repartitioning is also recommended )
  • NOTE: Do any of the above said steps at your own risk. Do not open your computer hardware or your HDD external enclosure, if you are not comfortable with it. Hire a professional to do it instead. If any damage or warranty violations occur, the author of this article will not be held responsible for it.
Categories
Windows 7 Windows Vista Windows XP

Solve : USB Device not recognized problem in Windows 7 , XP, Vista

After reading this post you will be able to solve / fix “ USB Device not recognized “ error message that is displayed on your Windows Computer system. Windows 7 & VISTA Hotfix link inside. Microsoft FIXIT for Windows XP ( Link Inside )

There are quite a few causes for this problem to occur. Following are some of the resolutions that we have come across while troubleshooting Windows over time. These solutions are applicable on Windows 7, XP & Vista.

Uninstall & Reinstall USB Root Hub

  • Go to device manager ( Control Panel ), Windows 7 users can type device manager in the start menu search box & open the proper program from the results displayed.

device_usb

  • Expand Universal Serial Bus controller options
  • Right click on USB root hub ( one at a time ) & click uninstall.
  • Remember if you are using a USB keyboard/mouse or any devices that use USB interface might stop working.
  • Restart your computer.

If the problem persists

  • Turn off Power Management in Windows
  • Click Start, click Run, type Devmgmt.msc, and then click OK. The Device Manager window opens.
  • Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  • Right-click a USB Root Hub in the list, and then click Properties. The USB Root Hub Properties dialog box is displayed.
  • Click the Power Management tab.
  • Click to clear the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power check box, and then click OK.
  • Repeat steps with all USB Root hubs available.

device_usb2

If the problem persists

  • Go to, your computer/motherboard manufacturer’s support website & from there download and install latest chipset drivers from there.
  • Install these drivers & restart your computer

If the problem persists

  • Go to, Windows Update ( Control Panel )
  • Update your Windows with all recommended updates & check if there are any hardware device drivers within optional updates, Install them as well.

Windows 7 & Vista Users HOTFIX

FIXIT for Windows XP users

The Last Step for Laptops ( All Portable Devices with removable battery/ Desktops

Portables:

  • Turn off your Computer
  • Take the battery out carefully, refer the documentation that came with your computer.
  • Press & hold the power button for a few seconds.
  • Put the battery back into the compartment
  • Start the computer and check

Desktops:

  • Turn off your computer
  • Pull out the power cord from the mains or backup unit ( UPS )
  • Maintain no power policy for 2 minutes
  • Restore power to the computer unit
  • Start your computer to check.
Categories
Windows 7

STOP error 0xFE Windows 7: BSOD after resuming from Sleep/ Hibernation

After reading this post you will be able to fix a STOP error or better called a BSOD error in your Windows 7 Computer. This error might occur when your have a USB streaming device connected to your computer & you put your computer to sleep or hibernation power state.

Error code:

STOP 0x000000FE (00000002, parameter2, parameter3, parameter4)
BUGCODE_USB_DRIVER

Cause

This problem occurs when using a USB Streaming device with a driver that uses the USBCAMD2 Streaming driver library. Such drivers are not supported for use on Windows 7. The stop message indicates that the USB streaming device driver using USBCAMD2 submitted two IRPs to initiate Isochronous data transfers, both of which referenced the same USB Request Block to describe the Isochronous data transfers. This problem occurs because the USBCAMD2 Streaming driver library does not properly synchronize resumption of Isoch streams upon resuming from a system sleep/hibernate power state.

Possible Resolution

Use of AVStream is recommended over the older type USBCAMD2 driver that is not supported under Windows 7.

The most simple step would be to head over the support website of your Device Manufacturer & Download and Install latest device drivers for your product.

Note: First uninstall the previous driver by going to :

  • Control Panel
  • Programs & Features
  • Locate your device driver program
  • Click uninstall

Now,

  • Restart your computer
  • Install the new device driver you downloaded of the support site.

You can also use Windows Update to Update the device drivers

OR

Use Action Center to resolve your computer problems. To use Action Center, go to start menu and type action center.

Categories
Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows Vista Windows XP

Fix : Windows : No sound problem in Windows 7 , Vista , XP

There can be a number of reasons if your computer doesn’t play any sound at all. Sounds include Windows basic sounds, music etc.

What to Check:

  • Sound Hardware is present or not
  • Device Drivers are installed or not
  • Speakers/Headphones wires are connected properly
  • Check if mute button is pressed
  • Sound/Audio Hardware is Enabled from BIOS

Sound Hardware/ Sound Card:

Sound Hardware is commonly known as sound card. If you have a desktop system & have installed a add-on sound card for high performing sound, the first step would be to open the cabinet and check if the sound card is installed into the slot properly.

If you have a laptop ( notebook/netbook/ultra book), there are very slight chances that you have a Add-on Sound card installed.

To Check the sound card from within windows:

Go to Device Manager,

To open Device Manager:

Control panel –> small icons –> Device Manager,
or
type device manager directly into the start menu search box ( Windows 7 only ) 

See the below screenshot and check if the sound, video & game controllers shows your Audio hardware installed.

device manager

 

To Check if Device Drivers are Installed or not

If you see a Exclamation mark on any listed hardware or see a yellow question mark saying other devices, it is quite possible that either the device drivers that are installed for your device are faulty or there are no drivers installed.

To resolve, right click the hardware listed either in other devices or with an exclamation mark & click on update drivers & let Windows search the Windows Update service for any new drivers that might be available for your device type.

You can also visit your computer manufacturers support website & try downloading the drivers from there. * refer your computer documentation.

If you see no hardware present within the sound, video & game controllers, you should try pressing the Scan for hardware changes button just below help ( refer screenshot above). If there is no response from the device manager after refreshing you might be facing a hardware issue or Your Audio Hardware might be disabled from your BIOS options. ( To enable/ check BIOS settings go to the end of this page).

To Check if Speakers/Headphone wires are connected properly

There is no special guide relevant for this, but if you really don’t know how to check a loose connection, follow the wires connecting your computer to your speakers/headphones and vice-versa. Tighten if loose.

Check if the wires are plugged into correct slot

if you are using a desktop PC, see the image below and confirm all the wires are plugged into the right slot.

sound back panel desktop

Also, check for faulty speakers/Headphones.

Check if the mute button is pressed

Sometimes a hotkey or otherwise the mute key gets activated and we just don’t pay attention to the muted volume button in the taskbar. refer images below

Muted

muted

Unmuted

unmuted

If you see the muted icon in your taskbar click on it to unmute. Also check the volume level and increase if necessary.

Check if Sound/Audio Hardware is Enabled from BIOS

To do this, refer your motherboard/system maintenance manual & looks for things given below:

  • Press Del or F2 or F10 or any other key depending on your system type & make
  • Advanced Options/ Integrated Peripherals
  • Enable Onboard Audio/ AC’97/HD Audio
  • Enable it
  • F10 ( Save & Exit )

Microsoft Fix it Troubleshooter

To run a sound playback troubleshooter

fix-it

 

To run a hardware and devices troubleshooter

fix-it