USB port failure!!

[BenzComander]

Hope someone can help with this!

We had a power outage after an electrical storm yesterday, and after booting my computer back up (it was on during the storm ) Windows reports that it has found an "Unknown Device" and my USB modem and printer do not work

Tried the obvious (for me anyway) and uninstalled the modem and then reinstalled it. Windows detects it and tells me my new hardware is ready to use and to reboot the computer, but then pops up a window telling me it has again found an unknown device. Modem and printer still fail to work!!!Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhrgh

Cheers everybody!

 

[shrekky]

hmmmmmmmm this could be a tricky one,dont think it is a usb failure as such,as it recognises there is something there to start with,
For one when you say you uninstalled and re-installed your modem and printer,did you do it like this ?.........dont just uninstall,make sure the relevant files have been erased,do this by hitting start then "search" and type in the name of the driver for your modem and printer(because unistalling doesn't always erase a file and if a file has been corrupted,it can still affect it again if you re-install)
a, unplug modem and printer from usb port(give a good hard blow into the usb port and usb plug to remove and crap)
b, install drivers for modem
c,turn off computer, plug in modem usb cable(give it a tiny wiggle,to make sure good contact) then turn on the computer
d, repeat steps b & c for the printer


see what i have found with windows,is that it doesn't like you installing to many things at once without rebooting in between,another idea might be to try the modem and printer on another pc to make sure they actually are ok.
If having tried all the above it is definitely time to take it to a shop for a proper test,sorry

 

[BenzComander]

Cheers Shrekky, heres an update after much cursing at the PC

Loaded the printer no problem into my laptop, and then tried the modem in to the laptop as well. It seems to load OK but then the two lights go out on the modem and nothing happens!

Flushed with success at getting the printer working decided to load it back onto the desktop PC. So, uninstalled the printer and reinstalled it and guess what, all is happy on the printing front as it now works OK.

So, back to the modem, uninstalled the drivers again, reinstalled and all was going great, Windows recognised it, and installed OK but then just as I got the message that new hardware had been installed and I needed to reboot the computer up poped the little bubble saying windows had detected an unknown device!!!!!

I have come to the conclusion that the modem is not happy with life, so called Tiscali (un)helpful desk and asked them to send me a new one! They told me to uninstall the drivers etc.....!! After I explained I had done that they now want to do a line test?? Will let you know the outcome!

 

[shrekky]

If they do the line test and say everything is ok,its not,because one important piece of information you gave in your answer m8,was the lights went out on the modem,this suggests it is either the modem or the their is a fault with their server( probably the modem),now having dealt with a number of companies the supply internet connections their first response is always it must be your computer,when in matter of fact 7/10 its not,my brother has tiscali,had a not the same problem but similar with his modem not connecting properly to server.
If its still not resolved,be firm with them,remind them that they are under contract to provide a service which you are paying for,and if they dont resolve it within 7 working days,you will sue then for breach of contract and go somewhere else.i have found this works well

 

[andy_k]

I'd suggest that being nice to Tiscali will pay dividends

It sounds to me like the modem has failed (modems and electrical storms seldom go well together) but contrary to Shrekky's advice, Tiscali are under no obligation to replace your modem - after all, they gave it to you when you signed up so it's your property not theirs. They are under obligation to provide a service but it's up to you how you connect to that service.


if Tiscali don't/can't/won't supply a new modem at a reasonable cost have a look on eBay there are loads of ADSL modems for sale at sensible prices.

HTH

Andy

 

[shrekky]

hmmmmmmmm andy,when my brother connected with tiscali,they supplied the modem for free,with a monumental disclaimer saying the modem remained the property of tiscali and should he stop subscribing he has to give it back to them ,and the same with me and my NTL modem.

 

[grober]

lightning strike!

Almost certainly your modems been fried by lightning strike somewhere on your incoming telephone line. this means
1. your modems US
2. Your telephone line is damaged. get BT to check this.
On another note my mates entire computer was fried by a similar event so check the function of all your computer bits drives etc. In his case it was an insurance claim job such was the extent of the damage.

 

[BenzComander]

Just to bring you all up to date, had a nice conversation with Tiscali unhelpful desk and they came to the conclusion that the modem was dead.

They then told me I was over the year warranty and would have to buy one from them!!

Lost it a little bit with them, and said what had I been paying them 25 quid a month for the last 18 months, that they could not send me a new one!! Well, give them their due they sent me a new one, RESULT

My faith in humanity is resotored!!