Another idea:
In Install/Uninstall Windows Components there is an option "Manage Removable
Storage Devices." Try to check it. I have this problem myself but haven't
had a chance to find out yet if this idea is working.
"Typicalgirl" <Typicalgirl@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8D7CB3D4-C6CC-4A76-B814-E4E01C3990EA@microsoft.com...
> Efrain,
> Thanks. just tried this with the same (no) results.
> Vista just lists every USB device I try to install as an unknown device
> and
> tells me the best driver is already installed for it.
>
> I broke down and bought an OEM version of the OS and will try a clean
> install after reformatting the drive. If the problem persists, I'll just
> reformat again and put 2003 server on, since that's what runs on my other
> computers.
>
> I'm only using Vista because it came on this system, and I sort of
> suspected
> I would eventually have to remove it.
>
> I appreciate your time and help.
> Thanks!
>
> "EfraĆ*n Morales" wrote:
>
>> HI Typicalgirl:
>>
>>
>> When Windows Vista does not recognize a USB device when plugged:
>>
>> 1. Disconnect all USB devices that are working with conflicts (they are
>> shown in the Device Manager).
>>
>> 2. Restart and see that no Windows popup offers to install drivers, and
>> never can.
>>
>> 3. Go to start > Computer > Windows > inf > INFCACHE.1, which is the file
>> causing the trouble and we want to delete it. To do so we need to have
>> maximum authorization as Administrator Privileges.
>>
>> 4. Right click INFCACHE.1 > Properties > Security tab > Edit the
>> permission.
>> If you are the Administrator give yourself Full Control (all options with
>> checks), for you need it to delete and move a Windows Operating System
>> file,
>> and click Ok.
>>
>> 5. Before deleting the INFCACHE.1 file, copy it to any other place, just
>> in
>> case. Delete the original Windows INFCACHE.1 inside the inf file.
>> Restart.
>>
>> 6. Start connecting your USB devices one by one, giving Windows Vista
>> enough
>> time to install the drivers and show the Successfully Installed popup
>> display.
>>
>> 7. Look where you saved the copy of the INFCACHE.1 file and delete it.
>>
>> Efrain Morales
>>
>>
>>
>> "Typicalgirl" wrote:
>>
>> > OK - I uninstalled all the USB stuff and rebooted. No change.
>> > Then I went poking around in the Vista System Information and found
>> > something interesting.
>> > In System Information>system summary>software environment>system
>> > drivers I
>> > can see a list of drivers and their status. The drivers for the devices
>> > that
>> > Vista is not recognizing are "turned off".
>> >
>> > I have a screen shot here:
>> > http://bxf.box49.com/up/main/USB%20snap.jpg
>> >
>> > So that seems to be the problem, but what's the solution?
>> > Is there a way I can set the Start Mode to system or auto?
>> > Is there a way I can manually turn them on?
>> >
>> > any input appreciated - thanks!
>> >
>> > "Mike Hall - MVP" wrote:
>> >
>> > > "Typicalgirl" <Typicalgirl@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
>> > > message
>> > > news:DA4254F1-4989-492B-B678-D313747FC3B3@microsoft.com...
>> > > > Vista stopped recognizing my installed USB devices yesterday.
>> > > > System
>> > > > restore, Last Known Good Config and reinstalling the device drivers
>> > > > have
>> > > > not
>> > > > corrected the problem. Also did a registry clean and repair.
>> > > >
>> > > > Tried renaming INFCACHE.1 to INFCACHE.1.bak
>> > > > Tried the hotfix mentioned in a similar post.
>> > > > Ran a registry scan and repair.
>> > > >
>> > > > Devices include memory stick, webcam, printer, wireless KB and
>> > > > mouse. USB
>> > > > ports have power, and Vista sees new hardware when its is plugged
>> > > > in, but
>> > > > always sees it as unknown device and cannot find or install
>> > > > drivers.
>> > > > All devices worked fine 2 days ago.
>> > > >
>> > > > Vista Home Premium 32 bit
>> > > > Acer Aspire 5100
>> > > > AMD Turion 64 bt processor
>> > > > 2 gb RAM
>> > > > 120 GB hard drive
>> > > > No new updates available.
>> > > >
>> > > > Acer service is crap, and I'm not finding much help from Microsoft
>> > > > either.
>> > > > Acer also does not provide an install disk so I don't see how I can
>> > > > do a
>> > > > clean reinstall of Vista.
>> > > >
>> > > > I can put another OS on this machine, but was kinda having fun with
>> > > > some
>> > > > of
>> > > > the Vista bells and whistles.
>> > > > So, is there a definitive fix for this?
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Try going into Device Manager and uninstalling everything USB. Then
>> > > reboot
>> > > the computer. Do this with only the keyboard and mouse connected.
>> > >
>> > > One by one, add the other USB devices. You may have picked up a bad
>> > > driver,
>> > > possibly from Windows Update.
>> > >
>> > > Also, quit using registry cleaners or any software which claims to
>> > > fix all
>> > > ills..
>> > >
>> > > --
>> > > Mike Hall - MVP
>> > > http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/default.aspx
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >