USB 3.0 file transfer fails in mid transfer

CaptainHypertext

Commendable
May 28, 2016
1
0
1,510
I recently built a computer which runs great all around. It currently runs Windows 10, but this problem also existed when it was running Windows 8.1.

When I plug a USB drive into the 3.0 port on the front of my tower, the drive comes up fine. I can mess with files on there like normal.

If I begin a large transfer, say over 100 Mb, such as a folder of videos, then at about 30-50% through, the transfer rate slowly descends to 0, then a few seconds later the drive just disconnects, like I ripped it out or something.

My USB 2.0 ports in the back work fine, no problem, even with the same USB drive. I've also tried different 2.0 drives in the 3.0 ports, and the same problem happened. I've tried reseating the USB connector to the motherboard, but that hasn't helped.

Any ideas? I'm hoping this is either a driver or cable problem, and there's not a motherboard issue.

Also, the 3.0 ports in the back work fine.

Thanks!

UPDATE:
Sorry I haven't responded for a while, I've been pretty swamped the last few weeks.

My motherboard is a ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 No, it's not happening with the USB 3.0 ports on the back of the computer, they work fine.

As for OS updates, I'm on Windows 10, so I'm definitely getting those...

In fact, after getting another 3.0 drive and testing it out, it only happens with one drive in one port (the main one on the front). The newer drive works fine in both front ports. The other drive works fine in the left port, but fails in the right port, so I definitely feel like I'm missing something.

I also did a hard drive clone over both front ports, which failed mid-way through. I had to plug them into the usb 3.0 ports in the back for the clone to succeed.

So...mysteries abound.
 
Solution
Hey there, CaptainHypertext.

From what I understand this happens with all USB mass storage devices connected to the USB 3.0 ports, is that correct?
Well it could be an issue with the OS as well, besides everything you've suggested. I'd recommend that you check if you have any available OS updates and install them if you do. You could also try resetting/updating your BIOS/UEFI, to see if the same thing happens. Check if the cables of the front panel are properly connected. Other than that you could try reinstalling or updating your chipset drivers, to see if that fixes things up.

Hope that helps. Please let me know how everything goes.
Boogieman_WD
Hey there, CaptainHypertext.

From what I understand this happens with all USB mass storage devices connected to the USB 3.0 ports, is that correct?
Well it could be an issue with the OS as well, besides everything you've suggested. I'd recommend that you check if you have any available OS updates and install them if you do. You could also try resetting/updating your BIOS/UEFI, to see if the same thing happens. Check if the cables of the front panel are properly connected. Other than that you could try reinstalling or updating your chipset drivers, to see if that fixes things up.

Hope that helps. Please let me know how everything goes.
Boogieman_WD
 
Solution
I have had trouble with front panel USB3 connections on ASUS motherboards for years. I use USB drives, both memory sticks and external hard drives for both data storage and transfer. I have stopped using the front panel USB3 connectors - I even bought three different panels in case that was the problem. The USB3 connection to the same drives is rock solid on my Thinkpad.

The most recent motherboard to give this trouble is a Asus H110 based board. The machine is running Windows 10 with all the latest drivers. I had hoped the new motherboard would work - but the same problem exists - exactly as you describe.

So using the back panel connector is my not very helpful solution!