| When the USB not working stops you in your tracks | | | | It's fairly easy to diagnose a driver problem with your |
| at home or work, it can be impossible to store data or | | | | USB port. You can generally utilize Windows Update |
| run certain peripherals. This device is a necessary | | | | to find replacements for your outdated drivers. |
| component that connects your computer to crucial | | | | Windows Update works by connecting your system |
| external devices. As such, it's a hub for keyboard, | | | | to Microsoft's database and then replacing the |
| mice, or data storage disks. | | | | necessary drivers on your machine. Of course, it's also |
| What are USB Devices? | | | | possible to manually update, although this can be a little |
| Universal Serial Bus devices were originally developed | | | | more tricky. |
| as an alternative to clunky hardware and a multitude | | | | Remember, there's a good way to test your devices |
| of connectors required to bridge the gap between | | | | for outdated drivers. Just follow the instructions below: |
| computers and peripheral devices. Over time, | | | | 1. Click "Start." |
| manufacturers refined the device so that it gained | | | | 2. Click "Control Panel." |
| speed and processing power. Now, some USB ports | | | | 3. Click on "System and Maintenance." |
| can reach a data transfer rate of over 480 Mbit | | | | 4. Then, click on "Device Manager." |
| second. | | | | You should see a list of devices within the device |
| USB devices are often used for high-powered | | | | manager. If there's a yellow exclamation mark next to |
| peripherals. Since these USB ports are comprised of a | | | | one of the devices, that means it's outdated. |
| single hub controller that can extend outwards to | | | | The "Unknown Device" Error |
| multiple devices, it's not uncommon to find one USB | | | | Often, USB devices will show problems by being |
| controller facilitating the connection of multiple devices. | | | | displayed as "Unknown Device." If you plug in a USB |
| The Advent of Data Storage | | | | device and you see "Unknown Device", then it's likely |
| USB storage devices utilized this fast data transfer | | | | you need to update your drivers. |
| technology to implement data storage on IDE and | | | | Updating Drivers with Microsoft Fix Its |
| SATA machines. Of course, many people enjoy USB | | | | You can sometimes use Microsoft Fix Its to update |
| devices for their portability and convenience. These | | | | drivers. However, often you'll need to actually visit a |
| devices just show some of the flexibility inherent to | | | | manufacturer's website to find the appropriate drivers. |
| USB devices. | | | | Or you can utilize specific software that works to |
| USB devices require updated drivers to function | | | | scan your system for outdated drivers, and then |
| properly. If drivers become outdated, then they can't | | | | replaces them. This software is especially nice |
| parse the code necessary to store data or run | | | | because it's so easy to use. Plus, it fixes all of your |
| peripherals. Drivers can become outdated very easily. | | | | driver problems at one time. |
| In fact, upgrading the operating system can often result | | | | Find a good developer who makes a good driver |
| in outdated drivers. Other things can cause drivers to | | | | update product and download it. This process makes |
| malfunction, such as viruses, malware, or a corrupt | | | | updating very easy. Then you should have your USB |
| operating system. | | | | devices working again. |
| Identifying USB Port Issues | | | | |