USB Hub Problem
 

Hi there,

Just got my new Port Replicator for my Dell Inspiron 8600, and it's great! I can now hook it up to my HDTV, use an external PS/2 keyboard and mouse, etc.

The one problem I'm having is that the USB ports don't work. When I first docked (and every time subsequently), the inbuilt "Generic USB Hub" has been detected successfully, but does not install properly. It is listed as a "USB Device" under Add Hardware, with a yellow exclamation mark next to it.

The "Hardware Update Wizard" identifies it as "Allmant USB-nav (Hub)", which translates to Generic USB Hub. It then warns me the driver has not passed Windows Testing, bla bla, then says it is setting up a backup and restore point...

Finally it comes up with this screen:

http://i14.tinypic.com/4cm2cnk.gif

I've installed all the updated 8600 notebook software from Dell's website. I'm running the Dell-installed Windows XP with SP1.

Im not really a very computer-savvy person so I'm not really sure what to do next. This problem is really bugging me because the port replicator blocks off existing USB ports, so I can't use my external hard drive or sync my MP3 player without undocking.


Any ideas? Your help is really appreciated!


Thanks,
Sharon

Also, if it helps, I can't use my friend's USB hub either, I get the same errors with it, so maybe it's not specific to this particular one.

is it possible that your laptop only suports a limited amount of usb ports? check your manual.

Seems unlikely, given that the Port Replicator is designed for this laptop... also, I used to be able to use a USB hub with this laptop when I first got it. I wonder what happened.

ah ok. then possibly : did you try getting the REAL drivers for the usb instead of the generic drivers?

Grab and install the actual drivers for the device (company's website should hopefully have them, or maybe it came with a CD).

Nope, it didn't come with a CD, and I couldn't find any drivers on the website. If only it were that simple. :)

If anyone rates their Google or Dell search engine skills, my laptop is a Dell Inspiron 8600, docked into a Dell D/Port PR01x Advanced Port Replicator, and if you find it, I'll drink a beer tonight in your honour!