Do you want to access the data of an external USB hard drive and you get an error message? To solve this problem there are many ways you can use. But, before worrying about it, you should know that it is a fairly common problem in older versions of Windows.
He message that appears on the screen when this error occurs it is "The USB device is not recognized" and it is generated due to different causes. In these cases you don't need to be a computer expert to be able to fix it.
Therefore, in this post we will explain in what is this USB error, the main causes that cause it and the best solutions before these scenarios. Pay attention!.
Why doesn't my computer recognize USB devices?
The Microsoft support forums they are one of the best options to inform yourself about errors presented in your operating systems. In this sense, they explain here that the most common reason is due to a chipset driver failure. What is the chipset ?, is nothing more than in charge of allowing the connection between your computer and the USB device that you want to introduce.
Thus, If there are any problems or errors in the drivers or chipset drivers, they may stop working or allow you to establish a connection. through them. It should be noted that it is a problem that usually occurs in teams with the Windows 7 version, since in the most current versions like Windows 10, the drivers update automatically. In addition to that, there are many other reasons that can make the problem persist.
In summary, the main causes that can cause the error message "The USB device is not recognized" are:
- It has become damaged or unstable the controller USB current.
- Windows may need updates Important in order to solve software or hardware problems.
- Your computer needs an update for problems that may conflict with Windows and a external USB hard drive.
- External drive it may be entering a state of selective suspension.
- The PC motherboard may require updated drivers.
Learn step by step how to fix recognition problems on the USB port
There are different methods that the user can use to fix recognition problems on the USB port. Next, we will explain step by step how to do it in each method. We recommend you follow the procedures of each method in the order indicatedThat is, if the first solution doesn't solve the problem, try the next one, and so on.
Let's look at the methods below:
Uninstall and reconnect external hard drive
This is the recommended first method and the simplest of all. Through this, Resolve issues that cause the current USB driver to become unstable or corrupted.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Start and type in the Search box "Device administrator".
- Tap the option to Device administrator on the list.
- Go to Disk drives within the hardware list.
- Right-click or press and hold the USB external hard drive have the problems. Then enter Uninstall.
- Unplug the USB cable.
- Wait a minute and reconnect the USB cable. After that, the driver should be installed automatically.
- Locate the USB drive at Windows Explorer.
An important fact that you should consider is that connecting the external USB hard drive to a non-powered USB hub may cause insufficient power for the external drive to work. So it is best to connect it directly to the computer. If this first method doesn't work for you, try the next one.
Install hotfixes that can resolve potential Windows 7 issues
With the help of this method, you can resolve known conflicts between an external USB hard drive and Windows.
The step by step to execute this procedure is:
- See KB "https://support.microsoft.com/es-es/help/976972/you-encounter-problems-when-you-move-data-over-usb-from-a-windows-7-or ".
- Within Update information, tap on the option Download the update package now (select the one that corresponds to your version of Windows 7).
- To find out which version of Windows 7 you have, push the button Start, press and hold or right-click Equipment / Properties. If you see Operating system of 64 bit you are running the version of 64-bit Windows Vista or Windows 7. If it appears to you 32-bit operating system, the version you are running is the 32-bit (x86) Windows Vista or Windows 7.
- Go to Continue. If you are asked for permissions, click Yes.
- Go to Download / Open.
- The download should start within 30 seconds. If not, tap on Start download / Open.
- Continue with the instructions specified for download and installation to proceed properly.
- KB query "https://support.microsoft.com/es-es/help/974476/the-computer-stops-responding-when-an-usb-device-resumes-from-the-usb ”.
- Go to the option of View and request patch downloads. After that, in Select revision.
- In case you're asked, review the license agreement and accept the Terms and Conditions.
- Check the box next to your Windows 7 version and Write your email address in the lower boxes.
- Complete the text verification and tap Request review.
- Check your email, since you will be sent an email from Microsoft with a download link for review.
- Tap on it and follow the prompts.
- Restart your computer and ready.
If you apply this method and the problem still persists, go on to try the next alternative.
Upgrade to the latest versions of Windows Update
With this solution you will know how to install the latest device drivers for your external USB hard drive.
To do this, you must do the following:
- Tap the button Start. There write Windows Update inside the box Search for. In the results panel, enter Windows Update.
- Go to Search for updates. When the analysis is complete, tap Review optional updates.
- Go to the box next to the updates and go to Install updates.
- If you are asked to check the contract, do it and click I agree.
- Continue the instructions that are indicated on the screen to proceed to download and install the available updates.
- If asked to restart the computer, do it.
Remember that each of the methods they must be done step by step in the order indicated. That is, if the first one doesn't work, try the second one and so on. So if this method of upgrading to the latest versions of Windows Update it doesn't work for you, try the next step.
Reinstall USB drivers
With this solution, you can solve those problems that arise if the usb driver currently loaded has become unstable or damaged.
The step by step in this case is:
- Go to Start and writes "Device administrator". Tap on that option.
- Expand the window Universal Serial Bus Controllers. Press and hold the device or right-click on it. Then select in Uninstall. Note that you must repeat the process for each device.
- When you're done, restart your computer. Controllers USB they should install automatically.
Deactivate selective suspension system
If the above method doesn't work for you, try the disabling the USB selective sleep system. Thanks to this solution, prevent the external USB drive from turning off.
In these cases, do the following:
- Tap on the button Start and writes "Energy plan" in the Search box. Choose Choose a power plan.
- Go to Change plan settings, located next to the currently selected plan.
- Go to Change advanced power settings.
- Click on the box with the name of USB configuration to expand it. Then select USB Selective Suspend Configuration.
- Enter in Connected, select the dropdown menu and tap Disabled.
- In case you use a laptop, go to Batterygo to the dropdown menu and choose option to disable.
- Finally select Apply / Accept.
Install the latest chipset drivers for the motherboard
This is the last solution available to forget about the problem of not being able to connect a USB device to your team. With the help of this, motherboard chipset drivers are updated, which makes the team recognize external USB hard drive.
To do this, follow these steps:
- The first thing is review your team's documentation, since in it you must find the name of the manufacturer of the motherboard.
- Go to the manufacturer's technical support website of your team.
- Check within the website until find the right drivers for your motherboard. If you need help doing it, contact the manufacturer directly.
These are all possible solutions you can choose to solve the problems regarding connection errors with a USB device in Windows 7. If errors persist, it is time to contact the Microsoft technical support.