Question for the Computer Whizzes

[BigPop]

I was wondering if one of you "computer whizzes" maybe able to help me at all.

I have an old PIII 667Mhz computer running Windows XP SP1 and today upgraded to SP2 and when I went to reboot my computer it would not start up fully - in that I mean it would only go as far as the XP Logo and then keep re-setting itself and re-booting.

I did a bit of searching about and from what I read I ended up turning the USB port off in the BIOS and booted up and the computer started and loaded XP fully etc.
My problem now is because the USB is off I have no mouse, printer, scanner etc and cannot download from my digital cameras (video & still).
Is there a simple fix to it or not????

As far as I know the USB on the Motherboard is only a USB 1.1?? and from what I can tell I may need USB 2.0 - would that be right???

Which would be the best way to go - upgrade the M/B and processor to something modern and not in the stone ages like this one is or just get a PCI - USB Upgrade Card ???

SWMBO has given me permission to go to the computer markets this weekend and get a new MB, processor, case etc but if the card will do the fix I would prefer to go that way at this time and save the pennies for some more woodworking stuff.

Hope someone out there can help me out.

Thanks in advance

[vsquizz]

Pete, I'm not totally convinced its all USB problems, will get back to you tomorrow. You could always roll back the SP 2.


Cheers

[BigPop]

Squizzy,
Thanks for that.
Everything else is working fine now excepting for the rotten USB - as soon as I turn it back on it does the same thing - turn it off and XP loads fully - so it is pointing to it being the problem.
Wouldn't really want to roll back after spending all that time and effort downloading and installing etc and then ripping me hair out for the past 6 hours wondering why this rotten thing wouldn't work. :):):)

[vsquizz]

You can always try loading the Bios defaults if you haven't already. Flashing the Bios may work if you can find the site and the manufacturer still has the firmware, and it doesn't crap itself in the flashing process. Always a bit risky if your not the full bottle. Have you updated the Chipset drivers?. What make is the MB?

[BigPop]

Squizzy,
No haven't 'flashed' the BIOS - [feel like "flashing" the whole friggin thing though :( ] I read somewhere about it but again there were heaps of cautions on doing it so I have stayed clear of that.:)
It's a Gigabyte M/B and have been to the Gigabyte site but not much info on it. Haven't updated the chipset drivers either.
Have read somwhere where they say you can't update the USB port by software and that only proper way to do it is to replace M/B or put in a PCI-USB card ???? Would this be right???

[vsquizz]

Pete, unplug all your USB stuff. Re-boot to Bios and enable USB, boot up and when windows is running plug in your USB devices one by one and at least we will find out if they are going to work at all. If they don't work then its toast time.


Cheers

[BigPop]

Squizzy,
Just been thinking about it and thought of doing the exact same thing and then read your post.

Will give it a go and see what happens - will let you know.

[BigPop]

Have done that and guess what it started up - plugged all the other stuff in and still worked fine then as soon as I plugged my wireless optical mouse in the bloody thing shut down and re-booted - so it is the culprit!!!!.
Now to see how to get it up n running again as it was working fine beforehand. Am sending a question to the manufacturer (A4 Tech) to see what they suggest.
Maybe need to get a new one. Funny how it is the only thing that plays up with it though - it is one of the type that has an inbuilt battery charger in it too and I took the batteries out of it just incase they may be causing a probloem and it still re-booted as soon as I plugged it in.

[AlexS]

Ain't it amazing how easy computers make life!

[BigPop]

Computers - bloody unreal these things aren't they - went to the manufacturers home page and downloaded the latest drivers (mind you the ones I already had are only a few months old) loaded them on and lo and behold all's well and the mouse is up n running again and the computer is behaving itself. Funny how a small thing like that can stop the whole shebang.
Saved me a few $$$'s anyway so now can get some more woodworking stuff I need. :):):)
Thanks for the help Squizzy it is really appreciated.

[vsquizz]

Pete, your original "USB" theory is correct. The wireless optical mouse is drawing more power (they do) than your board can supply. Try an older PS2 mouse and try you mouse on a different computer, like at the local Geek shop. If its OK grab an additional 1 or 2 port USB card for a PCI slot from the Geeks an Bob's your uncle (Actually Uncle Bob is dead).


Cheers

[BigPop]

It's all up n running nicely now - I might actually look into getting a new pci -USB card anyway and put it in - at least that way I will have a higher speed access if anyhting at all.
Thanks again

[ozwinner]

Pete, your original "USB" theory is correct. The wireless optical mouse is drawing more power (they do) than your board can supply. Try an older PS2 mouse and try you mouse on a different computer, like at the local Geek shop. If its OK grab an additional 1 or 2 port USB card for a PCI slot from the Geeks an Bob's your uncle (Actually Uncle Bob is dead).


Cheers
Ahhhaaaa, so you are a Geek???

Al :D

[vsquizz]

Sprung!! A Geek!!:eek: , well truth is I'm a closet Geek (The worst Type) This is my big coming out:D

Actually Al I'm an Engineer, so if I don't understand it I generally pull it apart and mess with until it blows up. Then I take it to somebody who knows what they are doing and get it fixed. Then I figure it needs hotting up and so on....

The real truth is I have a good mate who is like the Lord High Geek of Geeks and he fixes I my stuff ups.


Cheers