2 new posts on Technically Easy

Solution: USB Device Not Recognized in Windows 7

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 10:00 AM PDT

I use many different types of external devices, and all connect to my desktop using the USB ports. Two of the devices are external hard drives that I use to backup my data files. One of the hard drives is a small, portable drive that I store offsite, while the other is a regular, full-size external hard drive.

Recently, however, I ran into a problem where Windows 7 was displaying an error indicating that it couldn’t recognize the external hard drive. The connection between the hard drive and the computer was fine, and the hard drive appeared to be functioning properly. After performing those checks I did some research online, and found my answer.

usb device not recognized Solution: USB Device Not Recognized in Windows 7

My USB Device Was Not Recognized

As mentioned above, Windows 7 had trouble recognizing my external hard drive. I have been using that hard drive for a few years without any issues, so I was confused at what caused the problem.

The full error that was displayed in Windows 7 was as follows:

USB Device not recognized: One of the devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned and Windows does not recognize it.

After performing a search online I found that the error could be caused by several issues. Of course, since the problem is caused by one of many issues, there are a few solutions that I could have tried.

The Solutions

While I eventually determined the solution to my problem, there are many solutions to this problem. Below are the solutions that you can try if you also experience the same issue.

1. Reinstall the USB Device

There could be an issue with the installation of the device. To correct this problem, you can uninstall and reinstall the device using the following steps:

Click the “Start” button, and then type “Device Manager” in the search box.
Select the “Device Manager” item from the list that is displayed.
Select the “Disk Drives” item from the list of hardware that is installed.
Find the USB hard drive that is having the issue, and then right-click that device.
Click “Uninstall” from the menu.
Once the hard drive is uninstalled, unplug the USB cable from the computer, wait 1 minute and then reconnect the USB cable.
After the driver is loaded, check to see if the drive is displayed in Windows Explorer.

2. Install Any Windows Updates

The problem with the hard drive could be resolved by updating your version of Windows. Performing a Windows update may solve the issue.

Click the “Start” button, and then type “Windows Update” in the search box.
Select the “Windows Update” item from the list that is displayed.
Within “Windows Update”, click the “Check for Updates” option and wait for the scan to complete.
After the scan, click the “Review optional updates” option.
Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Reboot the computer if prompted.

3. Install the Latest Chipset Drivers for Your Motherboard

Just like hardware installed in your computer requires drivers, the chipset that is on the motherboard will also require drivers. Many times these drivers will fix compatibility issues with devices.

The process for updating chipset drivers is different for each manufacturer.

Determine the manufacturer of your motherboard by review the documentation that came with your computer.
Visit the manufacturer’s support website. The manufacturer’s website will usually have a menu options called “Support” or something similar.
Find the appropriate drivers for your motherboard, download and install the drivers. If you require assistance, you should contact your computer’s manufacturer.

4. Reinstall the USB Controllers

The problem could be the USB drivers. The drivers could have become corrupted or unstable and may require a reinstall.

Click the “Start” button, and then type “Device Manager” in the search box.
Select the “Device Driver” item from the list that is displayed.
Find the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” item.
Right-click a device under “Universal Serial Bus controllers” and then click “Uninstall” from the menu.
Repeat step 4 for each device.
Restart your computer and the USB controllers driver will automatically reinstall.

In my case I had to reinstall the USB hard drive. Once I uninstalled and reinstalled the hard drive, Windows 7 began to recognize the device once again. It has been a few weeks since the issue, so everything is good again and I can continue to backup my data.

Image credit: :: Wendy ::

About Paul Salmon

Paul Salmon is the founder of Technically Easy. He is a an experienced PC user, and enjoys solving computer-related problems that he encounters on a regular basis.

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Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

Posted: 14 Jun 2012 05:00 AM PDT

Advertise here with BSA

Broadband is a service that, at times, can cause much frustration; sometimes it can seem like a provider will only take you part of the way towards a fast connection, leaving it to the user to make adjustments to get the most out of what they are paying for.

Simply signing up to the best deal that you see advertised and taking no further action will assure you do not receive a provider’s full network potential, so here are the top five tips for maximizing your broadband by ‘boosting’ your Wi-Fi signal.

wifi certified 320x209 Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Wi Fi Signal

5. Stick to the Same Vendor

There are many different companies that offer a wide range of broadband products, and so it’s easy to get bombarded with choice. While not an officially recognized as a sure fire way of boosting Wi-Fi connection, sticking to the same brand of hardware does have a few advantages.

Many expert opinions suggest that same brand pieces of hardware harmonize with each other more efficiently than those of two different vendors.

Sticking to one brand can really pay off when it comes to customer support; there’s nothing more annoying than having to phone each separate company when something goes wrong- consulting one name will help you find the cause of the issue faster.

Whether it’s an attempt by the hardware companies to create customer loyalty or genuine cross-brand communication breakdown, sticking to one company’s range of Wi-Fi products is worth trying if you have the choice.

4) Buy a Signal Booster

A signal booster is one of the most simple (and oldest) ways of improving a Wi-Fi signal. There are many official branded signal boosters that operate via USB to deliver a much stronger connection. These boosters have been quoted as capable of increasing Wi-Fi signal by up to six hundred percent.

The average cost of branded USB aerial boosters is around one hundred pounds, but it’s no secret that a basic amplifier can be constructed from household objects like tin cans and even paper. Of course, these makeshift devices will not increase a signal’s strength like a proper aerial booster will, but they may go some way toward ‘aiming’ the signal towards computers, tablets and other Wi-Fi compatible products, establishing an improved connection.

3) Replace Your Antenna

The standard aerial that comes with most routers will be ‘omnidirectional’. These send the signal in every direction away from the router as a broad, unspecific method of transmission. This broad transmission could mean that if the router is positioned next to a wall, half of the ‘sphere’ of signal could be outside of your home. With a custom aerial, you can choose a different transmission pattern and also aim toward your devices.

2) Reduce Interference

A router’s signal can be effected or even disrupted by devices such as garage door controllers and baby monitors. Fortunately, wireless routers can broadcast using many different channels to these devices. It is a wise idea to alter it’s channel in order to prevent interference , this will give a more focused signal. You can change the channel of your router by logging into the accompanying software and following the instructions listed. Alternatively, you can contact your broadband supplier, who can talk you through the process.

1) Consider Your Router’s Location

The positioning of the router is arguably the most important thing to consider when trying to maximize signal strength. A simple thing to remember is that a signal can be blocked by obstacles around the house or office. The less obstacles the signal has to pass through, the the stronger it will be. Some experts recommend positioning the router in the centre of a building to give even coverage. Positioning a router too close to walls or even metal objects can severely effect signal strength.

It’s clear that many things need to be considered in order to truly make the most of your wireless broadband. These small steps will go a long way towards maximising this increasingly important factor of daily life.

This is a guest post on behalf of Broadband Choices, a leading UK broadband advice & comparison website.

About Paul Salmon

Paul Salmon is the founder of Technically Easy. He is a an experienced PC user, and enjoys solving computer-related problems that he encounters on a regular basis.

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vineri, 15 iunie 2012