USB stops working after installing Windows Vista SP1

May

2008

USB stops working after installing Windows Vista SP1

microsoft logo Another big issue users are experiencing after updating their computers with the brand new Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is the USB system not working anymore. This issue involves every USB related device such as: mice, USB dongles, keyboards, external or portable hard disks etc. The USB device is simply not recognized or not detected and the computer returns this message: “Unknown Device”. Microsoft acknowledges this issue even after installing KB938371 and states: “We are aware of concerns that a recent Microsoft update may be causing problems with USB devices. We are investigating the matter, and at this time, do not have any information to share”. Anyway on TechNet forum a guy posted the fix. Here is the trick:

Go to Control Panel –System and Maintenance — System — Device Manager.
In the Device Manager, expand the tree of Human Interface Devices.
Update the driver for all Unknown Device.
Of course Windows Vista won’t find any new device. When prompted select Browse my computer for driver software.
Enter or browse to C:\Windows\winsxs as the driver location and press the Next button.
If the system warns you about unsigned driver, just go on.
At this point windows Vista should install the right driver for your device.
Done!

Source: TechNet forum

Tags: sp, trick, Vista

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5 Comments to “USB stops working after installing Windows Vista SP1”

Sebahuar Says:
May 19th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

I have a Lenovo Thinkpad T60p and a Lenovo USB webcam, I installed SP1 and the camera stopped working so I uninstalled SP1 and now it didn’t work anyway. I’m totally frustrated with this issue, I can’t understand why Microsoft doesn’t test his software before publishing it to download (I downloaded it via windows update).
I tried the solution you wrote but it didn’t work, it says that the notebook has the “apropriate driver” I don’t know what to do know, must I come back to XP???? It’s incredible….
Web Talk Says:
May 20th, 2008 at 3:07 am

hello there,
i know some people have got a solution to your issue by sending a request to Microsot by filling up this form. Give it a try and let us know. Here is the link
Sebahuar Says:
May 20th, 2008 at 12:11 pm

Thank you but the link it seems to be unavailable.
Web Talk Says:
May 20th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

Sorry, my fault Sebahuar, try now, the link should now work! Pls let me know!
Here is the link. Try it again!
Mahdi Says:
September 8th, 2009 at 7:52 am

alot of Thanks ,
working good for my windows vista sp2 for most driver that show as “Unknown device”.
Very good and useful idea.