USB ports/compatibility

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proflashrtist

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Oct 10, 2011
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OK so a little while back I had a long battle with western digital about the My Book that I have. I bought it when externals first came out, it's only a 250gb pre powered. Basically they said it was only compatibile up to Vista and I have Windows 7. They told me I would have to take it apart to get the data off it and I said they were nuts. So after scouring the net I foudn out I could change the compatibility of a USB port to VISTA and it worked!!

I later told WD and they said they would tell their tech support.....

Anyway... Just had a fenderbender and had to replace my HD in my laptop, lost everything and I can't for the life of me remember how the heck to switch the compatibility for a USB 🙁 Starting from square one hoping for some help from guru's. Thanks.

PS
Windows 7 64 bit. AMD USB and I have the drivers for it, tried to run install under vista compatibility but haven't had luck with it picking up my HD.. still get the dreded "Code 43"
 
Solution
winoutreach5
Hi,

Like other members on this thread have suggested, I wonder if you are inquiring how to install a driver within compatibility mode. Unfortunately, Windows 7 does not, nor does any operating system; provide the ability to control compatibility for individual USB ports. For your convenience I have included the instructions for Compatibility Hardware Device Drivers by Microsoft MVP, Ronnie Vernon, below:

COMPATIBILITY HARDWARE DEVICE DRIVERS:

1. Place the driver installation file on the Desktop.

2. Right Click the driver installation file and select Properties/Compatibility Tab. Select the appropriate options in from the list. In your case, you would select Windows Vista.

3. Click Apply/OK.

4. Right Click the file and...
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never heard of change the compatibility of a USB port to VISTA

but i have a western digital passport 320gb and when it wont work on my laptop i have to turn off the laptop and take the battery out(main battery not cmos) for a minute or 2 then put it back and the wd passport works

same on my desktop pc--turn off disconnect mains power for a minute or 2 and turn back on

dont know why this fixes it--but its bloody annoying as i got the thing for its portability so i can take files to friends house--so having to keep doing this at my house then at theirs is a pain

maybe this will work for you--only takes a couple off minutes to try anyway
 
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Are you perhaps talking about in the BIOS -- the option to Enable USB LEgacy Support

USB Legacy Support

Common Options : KB/Mouse/FDD, None

Quick Review

This BIOS feature determines if the BIOS should provide legacy support for USB devices like the keyboard, mouse and floppy drive. This is a useful feature when using such USB devices with operating systems that do not natively support USB (e.g. Microsoft DOS or Windows NT).

When enabled, the BIOS will enable legacy support for USB keyboards, mice and floppy drives. You will be able to use these USB devices even with operating systems that do not support USB.

When disabled, the BIOS will not enable legacy support for USB keyboards, mice and floppy drives. You will not be able to use these USB devices with operating systems that do not support USB.
Click to expand...

 
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thats a good suggestion--though in my case i have it enabled and it didnt help but may work for the op
 
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Here's the thing. They gave me that as a fix before and then one day the just started telling me there was no fix because as usual with WD fixes, they don't last long. So as usual I had to find my own answer. The device is an OLD My Book (Green ring light) external. It is only compatable up to Vista, not Win 7. It was a challenge but under the properties, any program you run can be run to be compatible to another lesser version or even just pre service pack of windows. Right click>Properties>Compatability tab> (either click to make it happen for all users or just you) and set it accordingly. I just am having trouble since the new HD install and re-install of windows..getting it to function.
 
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Not sure what Legacy Support is, but no that wasn't what I was talking about. I described it in an earlier statement above.
 
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i realise you can run programs under compatibility mode--but couldnt think of how to use it for usb unless as you tried the driver install was an executable file

my passport is sitting in a drawer now as a paperweight--would fling it but with hard drive prices shooting up am too scottish to smash the bloody thing

must be really annoying if you found a fix before and cant remember it :fou:
 
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I am going to go out on a limb here and maybe assume that is is getting underpowered?

When you plug it in, and place your ear next to it, just it sound like it is "trying" to spin up?

If that is the case, try the rear usb ports on a desktop.

Some USB ports(more so MB makers) actually listen to the standard limit of 0.5 amps per port. Some gigabyte boards will only give you more then that on the rear ports.

By the same right, it is good to NOT use an unpowered usb hub to run an external hard drive unless it is self powered.

I know this does not sound right,but this is the only thing I have ever seen stop a external 2.5 inch hard drive. There are also cables that can take power from 2 usb ports for those power hungry drives. My drive enclosure came with one, but all my computers do not need it.

http://ca.startech.com/Cables/USB-2.0/Mini/1-ft-USB-Y-Cable-for-External-Hard-Drive-USB-A-to-mini-B~USB2HABMY1

I have used external hard drives from Windows 98 PC's on Windows 7 64 bit.
 
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also a good suggestion--my passport drive has the dual port cable and doesnt matter which port its in--can hear it spin up but the drive access led light stays solid not flickering like its meant to
 
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never thought to ask which version of windows 7?

as Windows 7 Ultimate, Professional, or Enterprise editions have xp mode

and according to microsoft

XP Mode also enables you to use peripherals (such as older scanners and multifunction devices) that are not supported by Windows 7; you can run them in XP Mode and save the output to locations accessible to both XP Mode and Windows 7

maybe that would work if your windows version supports xp mode
 
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im on a Laptop......
 
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Also, I know it works because prior to my HD crashing in my laptop, it was fine. Now that I had a new HD put in it's just not picking up my external. Code 43 BS!

I found a way around and I just can't figure it out. I just want to get the stuff off of it because there's too many pics of family that has died recently and I would prob. nuke the WD building if i lost it
 
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Hi,

Like other members on this thread have suggested, I wonder if you are inquiring how to install a driver within compatibility mode. Unfortunately, Windows 7 does not, nor does any operating system; provide the ability to control compatibility for individual USB ports. For your convenience I have included the instructions for Compatibility Hardware Device Drivers by Microsoft MVP, Ronnie Vernon, below:

COMPATIBILITY HARDWARE DEVICE DRIVERS:

1. Place the driver installation file on the Desktop.

2. Right Click the driver installation file and select Properties/Compatibility Tab. Select the appropriate options in from the list. In your case, you would select Windows Vista.

3. Click Apply/OK.

4. Right Click the file and select the Run As Administrator option to install.

Jessica
Windows Outreach Team – IT Pro
 
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Solution



I have like 50 files now and I can't seem to just narrow down the driver install file itself. I know I did that before. This is turning out to be such a pain in the butt.. i am so close to just having a local tech hook it up and take the info off of it so I can go office space on it and beat the crap out of it....
 
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Woo! Well, good news.. I have just discovered that my wife's computer (which has been in Maine and shes moving down to TX to live with me at my duty station) is Vista <3 Thank the nerd gods for that.. so i can just plug in and transfer it to my new external that will be Win 7 Compat.. too easy.. and no more of this backwards upwards and sidewards compat issues haha thanks all for the input :)
 
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