Hardware device not recognized?

When Windows shows the error “USB Device Not Recognized”, it implies that the computer is unable to recognize the type of USB device added. The device, under such a case, may not even be listed in the device manager as unknown device. There are several factors which could lead to this issue coming up –

· USB driver version.

· Attached hubs.

· Host controlled hardware.

· Support for USB 2.0

· Attached devices etc.

There are few solutions to help tackle this issue –

1) One of the most common reasons for an error to be shown is that the connection may be loose and not completely secure. In such a possibility the device should be unplugged.

2) New hardware should be scanned using the device manager. Select Run from the start menu. Type Devmgmt.msc in the pop-up box and select Ok. Select ‘scan for hardware changes’ from the Action menu. Following this procedure makes windows recognize all newly installed devices. Close the control panel now and check if your device is being recognized by the computer now.

In case the above methods do not work then there is another option available.

The power management of the USB hub should be disabled. Follow the following steps to disable the power management of the USB hub –

o Select Run in the Start menu.

o In the box type devmgmt.msc and then select OK.

o Follow these steps after expanding the Universal Serial Bus controller’s node :

· Select properties after doing right click on USB Root Hub.

· Select Power Management tab.

· Clear the ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ check box by clicking on it and then select OK.

Note: if this procedure is followed on a laptop then a reduce in battery life may be observed.

It is also possible that a simple solution, such as switching off the computer for some time after unplugging the USB device and then restarting it, may work. However incase all the options stated above fail, then you are advised to check for new driver’s information on the manufacturer’s website. There is a possibility that the drivers need updating.

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