Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with computer and USB

How to speed up a file transfer between two external hard drives?

matkline — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:11:13 -0800

Why is it that when I transfer files from an external hard drive to my laptop's hard drive via USB 2.0, the speeds are so much faster than transferring files from one external hard drive to another (5 mins vs. a few hours for 1.5 GB)? I think it might have to do with the fact that the external drives use different file systems (NTFS vs. FAT32). Is there any software that could speed things up?

Recommend some Windows repair utilities

purephase — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:58:00 -0800

If you were going to bring a USB drive to repair a bunch of workstations, what are some of the latest Windows XP/Vista repair utilities that you would put on it? I used to do a lot of computer repair and recovery but my career has taken me in a somewhat different direction over the past few years. Sadly, I'm a bit rusty on the specifics.

I have a work assignment (volunteer) coming-up that involves both training another individual on standard computer maintenance and repair and assisting in getting a number of their workstations into a workable state. Unfortunately, I don't have any of the hardware information to prepare ahead of time.

I know that there have been questions in the past regarding recommended tools to solve Windows issues (viruses, rootkits, registry bloat etc.) but I can't seem to track any of them down. Also, they might be a bit dated.

Give me your best! Thanks.

A few I've come up with are:
RegMon
FileMon
ProcessMonitor
AVG (or ClamWin)
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
CCleaner

Why won't my PC read my SD card?

reenum — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:47:55 -0800

My PC can't read my SD card. What gives? I have a 4 GB SD card in my digital camera. Last night, I tried to download the pics from the card using one of those 9-in-1 card readers.

My PC had trouble reading the card and when I finally double clicked to try and access the drive assigned to the SD card, it said that it was inaccessible due to an I/O error. This same error occurred on my laptop and work computer as well. All these computers run XP.

Any ideas on how I fix this and get at my pics?

Which USB Mass Storage Device is which?

msbrauer — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:19:26 -0800

How can I change the generic name "USB Mass Storage Device" in my Vista system tray "Safely Remove Hardware" dialog? It's not uncommon for me to have a couple of external harddrives plugged in to my Vista laptop alongside a memory card and an mp3 player. While all of these devices have unique drive letters and unique names in windows explorer (one of the drives is always called 400gig, for instance, another is always called 500gig), they're all called "USB Mass Storage Device" in the system tray's "Safely Remove Hardware" menu. So when I need to unplug one but not all, I find myself taking a stab at which device is which and usually I pick the wrong one. I can solve the confusion easily enough by opening the "my computer" window and figuring out the drive letter from there, but that's an extra step that I'd love to get rid of. Ideally, the dialog would always say something like "Safely remove 400gig - Drive (x:)" and stay the same for each device each time it's plugged in.

So, is it possible to change the menu options from "Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device - Drive (x:)" to something unique for each device?

How to get a thumb drive to mount

jazon — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:09:54 -0800

Help me get a Memorex USB TravelDrive to work once again with my Dell Laptop! I received a 4gb Memorex USB TravelDrive thumb drive as a gift. I attached it to my Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop (windows XP), and the computer froze before the drive would mount.

I rebooted, but now the drive won't do anything at all except lock the computer up. The drive works on other XP computers and in my Macintosh at home.

Running device manager shows the device is working properly, but it never fully mounts and ends up taking the OS down instead. I have tried wiping the thumb drive and starting over, but it never works with my laptop.

How can I "reset" things to make the drive work again?

Computer stopped recognizing usb drives

imposster — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:58:48 -0800

Computer (XP SP2) won't recognize any usb drives, but will recognize my usb mouse? The problem started after a Syncback backup. An error popped up about there being a problem writing the data. Since then, neither my flash or disc external usb drives are recognized in any port. (For the record, there were two drives that I was using for backup. I've also tested a third external drive that was not involved in the backup. When I plug it in, I get the same "not recognized" message.) I've tested all of the drives on other computers and they work fine. At the same time, my usb mouse still works (tested in all ports). I've searched for answers on the syncback forums and elsewhere on the Internet. Any suggestions for diagnosing the problem or fixing are appreciated.

Here is the current error message when I plug it in:
"One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned and Windows does not recognize it. ..."

I do not want a Live CD, why can't you remember that?

tip120 — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:01:55 -0800

I am having problems making a persistent installation of Ubuntu on a usb thumb drive. I am attempting to make a persistent install of ubuntu 8.0.4.1 on a usb thumb drive. I am not looking for a Live CD on a usb drive.

I have followed several different tutorials (most notably the ones here and here*). I can, seemingly, get through the whole process without a hitch. When I start the target machine (a mini-itx with no internal or external drives, only the usb key), it will boot as if it were a Live CD. It asks for Live CD boot parameters, and no changes I make (simple ones at that, themes, or desktop background) are saved. The BIOS is set to boot off the usb key.

I feel I am missing something incredibly obvious here, but have no clue what it might be. I'm comfortable, but by no means a pro, with "the Linux," and have zero idea where to start looking for a solution.

I sent an email to the pendrivelinux dudes, but doubt I will hear back anytime soon.

*I realize this second link is for xubuntu, but that doesn't matter so much to me as making the changes to stick.

Microwave vs. Computer, and the Microwave is winning.

sol — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 06:43:08 -0800

The kitchen computer has a little trackpad/keyboard combo that sits atop of the microwave. When the microwave turns on, the trackpad stops working. Looking for suggestions on shielding, putting a filter in line with the cable, grounding, anything to help me cook and mouse at the same time. This has been going on for a while but last night, after some extended nuking of some delicious lasagna, the computer warned me that a USB device was not functioning properly and was disabled, forcing a restart of the whole thing to get the keyboard working again.

So what to do? I know about basic electronics from fixing guitars and such, but not the RF/Magnetic interference voodoo. I'm fully prepared to crack this thing open, get into ferrite beads, soldering, grounding wires, etc. if it will help. Yes, the problem goes away if I move the keyboard a few inches away from the microwave, but the way my kitchen is set up this is really the best spot for things.

Controllers for my PC emulation machine!!

theiconoclast31 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:03:12 -0800

What's the best USB controller to use when emulating old games on my PC? It needs to support NES, SNES, and Genesis emulators. The button configuration doesn't need to be perfect. Cheap is best, because I'll be purchasing two. Links, advice, tutorials, anecdotes, and snark welcome. I'm running Windows XP Pro on a Macbook Pro. (Heresy!)

♣ Bonus points if it supports MAME, PSX, or N64.

What is the highest memory capacity of USB flash drive available in the market?

omaralarifi — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:25:59 -0800

What is the highest memory storage capacity for USB portable Flash drive in the market right now? I heard that the highest right now is 64GB by BUSlink, but I am not sure if there are any higher.

Best fast, high capacity usb drive?

cahlers — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:55:22 -0800

I'm interested in a fast, high-capacity (at least 4GB) usb flash drive. Does anyone have any suggestions? Speed and reliability are important.

How to share loads of peripherals between two or more computers.

swift — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 14:36:56 -0800

I'm trying to simplify my computer wiring situation, and could use some strategic advice. I have a bunch of devices, and 3 machines. How can 2 (or preferably all 3) machines share all the peripherals? My little KVM doesn't quite cut it. Here's the list:

USB keyboard
2 VGA monitors
USB mouse
USB printer
USB scanner
Speakers (mini-jack)
Firewire webcam
USB microphone
USB card reader
Firewire iPod
periphals as yet unpurchased..

Mac Mini
Dell Precision
and bonus, PowerPC

Block prompt

KRS — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:14:12 -0800

How do I stop the annoying "This device can operate faster" query when I plug a USB 2 thumb drive into a USB 1.1 port (which is all my computer has)?

Change printer port name in Windows XP

chitlin — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 06:41:15 -0800

Making DOS program get along with new Windows XP machine and ancient printer: How to change the name of the printer port from USB001 to LPT1? I work in a small company that is managed by 50-somethings who do not feel compelled to stay up to date in the technology department. However, we recently upgraded computers from an old ATX motherboard system complete with LPT printer port to a new Dell mini-ATX system that relies on USB connections for printers.

The problem is that the software the managers use to do what they do is a DOS-based program from 1986. The name of the program is probably not relevant because it's a highly specialized program called Maptech Coordinate Geometry.

It uses dot matrix printers to print line-by-line data as the program runs. The program settings only allow for four characters and a colon for the printer port, i.e. "LPT1:" and such. The new cable adapter we got to get this printer hooked up via USB creates a printer port called "USB001". So the DOS program can't use that port because it has too many letters.

My question is, can I change the name of the port USB001 to LPT1 or LPT2, etc.? Or is there another way of fooling the DOS program into printing on the USB port?

need to give my husband best USB turntable I can find

Lucinda — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:49:31 -0800

Audiophile/Gift Filter: Please help me figure out what USB turntable I should get. Mr. Lucinda is one of those "don't get me anything for Christmas, I don't need anything, grumble grumble grumble" types.

HOWEVER, he has expressed interest in getting a turntable that could plug into his computer via a USB port; he has an extensive LP collection that's gone unlistened to since he sold his high-end record player shortly after our son was born.

I want to surprise him with one on December 25, but I just can't buy the first one that appears on a google search; he researches the heck out of everything before he buys it. I've found the Numark TTUSB, which looks fine and seems to have good reviews (on Amazon, anyway) and I like the idea that I could transfer cassette tapes over as well (since I have a large collection of those).

But, I don't want to screw this up.

The nitty gritty: he has a Mac laptop. One of the better, faster ones.

He works with computers for a living, so he probably wouldn't have problems working his way through any software that would come with the turntable.

I'm willing to spend $200 or so.

How fried is my drive?

adverb — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:45:04 -0800

Is my USB hard drive recoverable? Due to some bad wiring on my part, one of my USB ports rendered my external hard drive useless. It still runs, but Windoze doesn't recognize it anymore. It doesn't show up in Device Manager, My Computer or even in Knoppix.

I'm wondering, though, if whatever power surge the miswired USB port gave to my drive affected only the connectors/HD enclosure and not the disk itself. Is it worth buying a new enclosure, or should I just use it as a doorstop? (I know that there's only one real way to find out - go buy one and see for myself - but I'd like some advice on whether it's even worth pursuing.)

Scanner Kills Computer

chrisbucks — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 06:26:39 -0800

My scanner fried my motherboard, was this to be expected? Can it be prevented? Do I assume the scanner is dead too? I have a Canon ColorPage scanner, which is USB1, and has it's own power supply. On the weekend I started up my computer to scan some photos and realised that the scanner wasn't plugged in, so after windows had booted I went to plug the scanner in, upon the USB plug contacts touching the socket (or may have even been the case) the whole computer turned off.

Now it wont turn on. I tested PSU and MB separately and have concluded that the motherboard has been fried (and probably the RAM and CPU as well). They were all out of warranty, so I've resigned to ordering new parts (I'm currently praying that the HDDs are fine!)

Now, will my new computer be at the same potential fate? And what might have caused this? The scanner was plugged into a different wall socket than the computer PSU was, and had been plugged in for several days, previously upon plugging in the scanner the whole computer would suddenly reboot,. This occured once or twice before but I had always assumed it was a driver conflict, or a 'feature' that came free with Windows.

I'm using a Thermaltake Armor case, if that's of any relevance, and it was the front side USB socket.

If the scanner is to blame in this case, then would putting a USB hub between the computer and scanner mitigate the damage? Or should I write the scanner off as a deathtrap?

I was berated by my IT consultant father for not plugging it in before turning the computer on, and that, apparently that's the cause. But I have doubts about this... doesn't sound like normal behaviour...

I'm about to come into a good amount of money. I want to ENHANCE my computing experience with gadgets abound. Help!

Lockeownzj00 — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:50:35 -0800

I'm about to come into a good amount of money. I want to ENHANCE my computing experience with gadgets abound. Help! I'm looking for little gadgets and upgrades I can use to enhance my experience. So far I've looked into the following:

StarTech.com ST7200USB i.Connect 7 Port USB 2.0 Hub
Plantronics DSP-500 Headset (I'm not sure whether to go for the used 500 or the new 400, as i understand it 500 is a tad bit better)

So anyway--what sort of other devices should I be on the prowl for? I have a few memory sticks so I'm good for that. My friend suggested a usb fingerprint lock.

I'm not looking for anything that's like POWERED BY A NUCLEAR REACTOR and can bomb small countries. I'm thinking mostly <100$ items that just rock the hizzy.

Thanks!

How to connect firewire to a USB-only computer?

Pater Aletheias — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:54:52 -0800

My camcorder uses firewire, no USB port. My computer has USB slots, but no firewire. Best solution?

Help me get my hard drive back!

whatideserve — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 13:19:36 -0800

My Dell Inspiron 5100 (XP, SP2) notebook has stopped recognizing my external hard drive. I get an error message that says "This device cannot start. (Code 10)." Googling says that I need to uninstall and reinstall the drivers, which I've done. However, after reinstalling the driver and plugging the hard drive back in, I get an error message saying that the device did not install correctly. What am I doing wrong? What can I do to get the computer to recognize my hard drive again?

Thumbthing's wrong with my iMac's USB ports

baltimore — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 13:28:34 -0800

OSXFilter: Because AskMeFi is where all the coolest Mac nerds hang... On my iMac 24", USB thumb drives and memory cards are failing when copying files. The specific symptom is that the file transfer will hang, and the only way to recover is to manually remove the device from the port. This happens regardless of whether the device is plugged into the back of the iMac, or into a powered hub.

And, to make the issue extra-difficult to diagnose, it doesn't happen all the time.

Behavior replicates across two different user accounts on the machine, so it's not specific to one login.

Is there some kind of diagnostic tool to run or a driver I can replace? Apple's hardware disagnostic disc comes up problem-free.

And, yes, I've tested the USB devices on other Macs and they work fine.

Thanks in advance, hive mind.

Broken Network Card Config Software is hogging my harddrive!

billtron — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 21:25:20 -0800

Why won't "Instant Wireless Compact USB Adapter Configuration Utility" uninstall, and why does it seem to take up 14.2GB of my hard drive? My google-fu fails me. I can't find a single thing about this online.

I have used a linksys WUSB12 usb network adapter in the past on this dell desktop, but not in a while. Once I noticed how large this program appears to be when I examined it in "Add or Remove Programs" I wanted to uninstall it, but it's a stubborn sucker. Nothing works, not even clicking the "remove" icon in the program's folder.

I want those 14GB back!

Is there any advantage to running portable applications rather than their normal equivalents from your hard drive?

tnoetz01 — Sun, 16 Jul 2006 23:06:22 -0800

Is there any advantage to running portable applications rather than their normal equivalents from your hard drive? Other than saving HD space, is there any advantage to running portable applications rather than their normal equivalents from your hard drive? I.E., do portable applications tend to have lower than average memory use, etc.?

Hacking a Maxtor external drive

mojohand — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 15:03:17 -0800

Upgrading (hacking) a 40 GB Maxtor 3000LE USB external drive? Because I am ungodly cheap, I'd like to drop a much bigger hard drive into my 40 GB Maxtor 3000LE USB drive, rather than just buy a new and larger unit. The Maxtor people, reasonably wanting to discourage this sort of thing, have not made it obvious how to crack the enclosure, and while I hope to find standard parts and connections if/when I do, there's no guarantee I will.

Has any MeFier experience with this sort of foolishness?

Broke my Moniter, need to access my tower... Any thoughts?

TrueVox — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:10:10 -0800

Any way to gain access to a win XP box through a forced remote desktop (or another method?). Or even a network install (though that'd be hard, I don't dare lose anything on the HDD) of Linux? Oh, and I don't have a monitor (that's the root of the problem) I don't have a (working) cd rom drive, and there's 3 hdd's on the unit with valuable data (some loseable, some not, but the not loseable is spread accross all the drives). It's got USB ports, but I don't know if it's set up to boot from USB. It has a component out (and the cord even reaches the TV! :D), but for some reason it's not enabled (anyway to force that?). I have little Linux knowlege, but I have BASIC terminal use (navigation, deletion, directory creation, etc.). Is there anyway to force it to accept a Telnet request? Or anything like that? Oh, and yes the drives are shared, but I don't have the space to back them up to do a wipe, so sadly that's out. Thanks in advance!