Sony VAIO USB problems

OK. All of a sudden my USB mouse stopped working. I tried a different port but Windows would still give me "USB device not recognized" message. I Googled the issue and it appears that this problem is known and there's a fix that involves removing a couple of INF files/etc. ( http://kenno.wordpress.com/2008/01/26/vista-doesnt-recognize-usb-drive/ for instance). That did not help. At the same time, my USB hard drive works fine. Windows also registers the action of inserting the mouse.

I tried booting Windows (Vista 64) installation from DVD and the mouse didn't work there as well, although it always works once you're presented with a menu. I then formatted my parition, did a clean install... and... same thing. USB ports don't recognize my 2 mice (Microsoft and Logitech).

Moreover, after installing all drivers/etc., my bult-in webcam and fingerprint reader don't work. The latter asks to connect the device to USB. Odd, since it's built-in It says "biometric device" is not detected.

This is the weirdest problem I've ever seen. Definitely not a problem with my devices nor is it a Windows problem. It appears that USB ports are, uhm, "half dead". How's that possible?

Someone posted a similar story here: http://www.techsupportforum.com/har...ot-working-my-sony-vaio-vgn-fs980-laptop.html

But no solution.

Searching the web further, I see that a number of such issues come up. Is this a VAIO technical problem?

I also tried loading Acrois True Image (disk imaging program akin to Norton Ghost) from a bootable CD (it uses a stripped down Linux system) where my mouse always works but to no avail.
VGN-AW190.

Resetting BIOS did not help.

 

happened to me twice on my SR290. Seems to be a Vista issue. First time the problem solved by itself (I think i did the INF file replacement thing). Second time, nothing worked. I finally had to do a full format of C drive and re-install. The whole things sucked.

 

It's definitely not a Vista issue (although Vista does have a problem of similar nature), since USB ports don't work under Windows and Linux, including Windows Vista installation screen where they ALWAYS work. Completely removing the partition, formatting it, installing a clean copy of Windows doesn't help. Today I also tried GPARTED (parition management software on bootable CD that's based on Linux and where I know the USB mouse works on every computer, including this one when I first used it to remove Sony's hidden partition)... and still nothing. Not wasting any more time. Sending it back.

I say: hardware fault.

 

yeah if it doesnt work off a live linux cd, then theres no hope

 

ain't vista or xp problem. most vaios have shared ports and they are underpowered. my T was 'loosing' the usb powered scanner if I have WiFi/BT on. My TZ would reset the USB bridge on the left when an external USB powered 7200RPM drive is connected (all those become either UNKNOWN or USB DEVICE with no specificity). The only remedy i was able to find is to COMPLETELY shut down the machine. Take the battery for 10 sec and reconnect it. All that was sporadic, not always the same results i.e. sometimes I went without this quirk for a month or so.

Please remember, Old HPs, VAIO and some Dells will not reset the device state UNTIL you take the battery out for 10 seconds or more. There is always power going through it. That's why your VAIO will fully drain a battery even on 'shutdown' after a few days while not being connected to the A/C

Most VAIOS have the following on the USB BUS:

Webcam
TPM Device
FingerPrint Reader
CD/DVD
USB Ports
PCI-E MiniCard Bridge -> USB for Wireless & WWAN
BlueTooth
SD/MS Readers
Some Have the TouchPad as well.

You see where the whole s&it comes from, right?!

 

thats a very useful post man, thanks a bunch

 

I have the same problem. Sony VGN-AW190jah.

After spending hours trying every logical solution to fix this, the one that worked was unplugging everything and removing the battery for 10 seconds.

I'm glad I found this thread. I was about to send this in for repair.

Thanks for the solution |SONY|.

 

Thank you so much. I wasted a couple of hours researching on Sony's support site and chatting with their support people and nothing worked. Two minutes of my time on this site and I found my solution. Taking the battery out worked like a charm. Thanks again.

 

You are all welcome!

Too bad not everyone listens carefully when I talk and render opinion/suggest solutions. I've been there and done that (most of my posts are based on experience and I deal with hardware on a daily basis).

Either way. I believe there should be a sticky on each forum / make on how to deal with stupid issues, like this clear Sony design flaw or how to deal with the buggy XP/Vista drivers for BootCamp that cause the rigs to completely lock up, etc. It will save a lot of time for people to search around for a solution that shouldn't have been there to begin with.

 

I am dissapointed to say i have the exact same problem with my AW120 J/H that i just bought. I was most annoyed to find out everything worked when i took it back to the store (i had the battery out).

It is good to know that there is a solution to this problem but i am so dissapointed that i have to constantly manage my laptop with a shutdown and battery removal. I think this is grounds for a return and purchase of a new model.

 

I am having exactly the same problem with my new AW11Z/B. This is a GBP1,500 laptop and should be perfect. The problem seems to appear if I use the DVD drive to load audio CDs into iTunes. After about 5 discs, I get the unrecognised device error message. I have a Logitech cordless mouse on the USB but nothing else. Thanks for the resolution - removing the battery for 10 secs restores all to normal. The Sony support desk was absolutely useless and wanted me to rebuild the PC from the support disks, losing all may data - or to return it Sony so they could do it - and lose all my data. I am going to ask Sony for a refund as this is simply not acceptable. I had lots of trouble with iTunes too but found the solution and posted that on the Apple forums - the laptop kept deleting my library. This sure is an expensive piece of rubbish.

 

Remember, it is not only a Sony problem and I've seen it since late 1999 when they started putting USB port on the laptops

Even the EEE does it!

 

Another one with this same problem. |SONY|, your procedure worked. Thank you! Really just to say thanks and to add a data point, if it helps anyone. Mine is a FW275D bought last December.

 

Hello guys I have exactly the same problem...and it is the 3th time that happens.I bought the laptop 3 mounts ago. It seems that All the USB ports are not working well LAst two times I used the recovery of windows Vista and it worked after a few tries but now nothing is working.

I will try to get out the battery!!

 

IT seems that getting out the battery is not working for me, and I think it is something hardware, because I have also a Ubuntu 8.10 and I have the same problem.
LE :It is working also for me !!!.......THANK YOU VERY MUCH |SONY| ,Stupid me .. .first time when I got out the battery out I forgot to unplug the cable ....Stupid me

 

I raised this issue with Sony Vaio-link support and they have now sent me a fix. It's a change to the registry. This is what they said:

Here is the link for the patch: http://www.vaio-link.com/CBCDL/USBRegistry.zip

You should: Download zip file -> Save locally -> Extract (unzip) -> double-click extracted *.reg file -> click Run -> Continue -> Yes -> OK

Note that I created a restore point before running it - just in case! I've applied the patch but I guess it will be a while before I can confirm it has done the job 'cus the problem was always intermittent. The rest of the laptop still seems to be working okay which is a good sign.

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you all!!!!!!


After hours of timeconsuming agony...remove battery and there you are!

And SONY pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!!

This should be something you can inform customer!

/ Roland

 

I did this reg fix some time ago and while it may have fixed an issue with hibernation and USB devices, it does not correct the core problem with the AW notebook USB power problem and solution of having to remove the battery to resolve it.

I've had this happen probably 10 times in the last month. Because it is so frequent and typically when the CPU is running at a higher level with playing back video or encoding video, I now use my notebook without the battery installed so that it is easy to unplug power, reset the USB, and plug back in.

This is a total PIA and is very frustrating since I think it is a hardware issue that will require a on-site or 'send it in and hope for the best' repair.

 

Thank you |SONY|,

I experienced this same problem and your solution fixed it!

I was trying to "uninstalling" all "USB devices" and "USB controllers", and I believe sometimes it actually "worked" a few times. Your solution works ALL the time!

In my case I wasn't paying attention to the devices I was plugging into my USB ports, and the likely power they would draw.

Here, let me add more value to your post ...

1. I plugged in an external mouse. (No problem with that, right?)

2. I also plugged in an external 2.5" hard drive from time to time. It requires two USB ports to operate, but I think maybe the USB ports can't all be drawing power at the same time? Anyway, this USB issue would pop up from time to time.

3. I also use an iPhone with a "Mophie Juice Pack" (Google it). Hmm ... likely this draws too much power too, so I have stopped "charging it" on my laptop, and now I think I will be removing it when I want to sync my iPhone.

Bottom line, I guess I have to pay attention to the power draw on my USB devices with my laptop.

USB 3 should fix this, because USB 3 will support higher "amps" to each USB port. So, I think I will be looking for USB 3 on my next laptop!

Sincerely,

Bill

 

@wpapolis:

I don't think it is a USB power draw problem, at least not on the AW. I have a POWERED USB hub with my peripherals and the USB on the right side is running a Logitech wireless mouse with the micro receiver.

Having recently installed windows 7, I continue to have this issue with losing USB ports and having to power off and remove the battery. So, now, this also proves it is not a Vista 'registry' issue as well.

I'm waiting until 11 months old and then sending it to Sony for repair which won't be long now. Meantime, I need to create a reproducable case that causes the issue for the tech.

 

I've also now upgraded my laptop to Windows 7 64 bit and the issue that went away with the registry patch in Vista has returned. I've even had the DVD drive being unrecognised - never had that before. Windows 7 has cured a problem where it took the laptop ages to realise that I'd plugged in my iPOD or mobile broadband and overall, W7 has transformed the perfromance and stability of the laptop but the need to continue to preiodically unplug the battery just shouldn't happen with any laptop, let alone one that is so expensive.

 

Please Admin STICKY THIS THREAD, it is a common issue.
Some people are reformatting their drives, reinstalling windows, uninstalling/reinstalling USB drivers, going nowhere, wasting lots of their own time and energy.

The shutdown, remove battery for 10 or more seconds, Does fix the issue.
Its a simple fix, a pain in the but still a simple fix.

(works great on my VGNFW-180D with Win7 64bit)

Michael

 

Not sure if this is your fix, but it did solve my web cam and some other usb problems....

Click on the "start" button on the task bar and type power options, or right click on your batter icon in the task bar and get to power options from there.

then "change advanced settings"

for ALL your power schemes, scroll to the 6th option, "USB Settings"

"USB selective suspend setting"

DISABLE THAT STUFF!!!!

Restart, and see what happens. Solved all the problems I was having with fingerprint reader not working and motion eye not working too.

 

Any more progress with this issue? Think I'm seeing a similar problem with my SR5, I have an external soundcard and DJ mixer that work fine on their own, but throw a wobbly when I have them both plugged in. All worked fine on my old Toshiba laptop, and I've tried running with both W7 (64) and XP (32) on the Vaio without any luck.

If it's a power issue will buying a powered USB hub help? What about an ExpressCard USB card?

 

I just bought a patriot usb 3.0 expresscard for my vgnfw180 laptop.

Found out it could not power the western digital external harddrive (usb 3.0) though the expresscard slot without an extra power adapter for the expresscard.

On the side of the expresscard there is an female adapter for power input.

I then took an extra usb hub power adapter and plugged it into the expresscard (same plug adapter) and now the harddrive works great and anything else I plug into the expresscard works fine with no issues.

Inconvient when you just want to run off battery but oh well at least I have working usb ports now.

Too bad S-o-n-y cannot engineer something as simple as properly powered usb ports.

Michael

Updated.
(I always had the issue with usb external hard drives working for a few minutes then failing due to usb 2.0 ports not providing enough power to the hard drive, thus making the external drives useless unless they have an external power supply. Also I have issues with so much of the internal equipment being powered off the usb bus that the bluray/dvd burner fails with burning media sometimes.)

This Thread should really be stickied as it is a very common issue with S-o-n-y Laptops.

 

Hi,
Thanks so much
your solution solved my problem and I am sure it will solve others in the future.

God bless you

 

Hi,
Thanks so much
your solution solved my problem and I am sure it will solve others in the future.

God bless you

 

hi i bought vpcf136fm , but battery didn't work for me please if anybody have any idea what should i do help

 

Has anyone found a definitive solution or, at least, a workaround that doesn't involve turning the PC off, removing the battery and turning it on again? It works for me, but it's REALLY annoying being forced to exit an online game (or anything else, for that matter) just because Sony doesn't care about us...

 

Anyone? Some days it happens at least three times on a row, as soon as Windows has booted up again the USB controller crashes again and I have to do the whole process one more time... It is really annoying, specially after posting on the official Sony forums and being completely ignored.

 

Hi all,
I have the same problem with my USB mouse then by accident I remove the battery then replugged the mouse work normally and every time I've this problem I do the same thing and the mouse work fine.
I don't know why that happen.

Sadiq Al-Mohandis,

 

The solution to the USB issue is to power off the notebook, remove the ac adapter and remove the battery, push a few keys to de-energize the remaining charge.

I've been luck and not had to to this for quite a while, but there for a while it was very frequent and for convienience, I've been running without the battery installed so i can quickly remove the power plug and not fuss with the battery compartment.

This will clear up all USB related issues (for a while).

As far as I know, this is a hardware issue and not resolved by the end-user as a permanent fix.

 

THIS is the correct solution. I had done the battery solution repeated times over the length of two years, and the problem still always came up. If the problem is still happening to your computer you do not have to remove the battery 10 times a day, try this instead. I have edited the quote in blue to make a little more sense. I run Windows 7 64 bit Sony Vaio VGN-FW. Below is an explanation from Microsoft of the Selective Suspend feature.

"The USB selective suspend feature allows the hub driver to suspend an individual port without affecting the operation of the other ports on the hub. Selective suspension of USB devices is especially useful in portable computers, since it helps conserve battery power. Many devices, such as fingerprint readers and other kinds of biometric scanners, only require power intermittently. Suspending such devices, when the device is not in use, reduces overall power consumption. More importantly, any device that is not selectively suspended may prevent the USB host controller from disabling its transfer schedule, which resides in system memory. DMA transfers by the host controller to the scheduler can prevent the system's processors from entering deeper sleep states, such as C3. The Windows selective suspend behavior is different for devices operating in Windows XP and Windows Vista and later versions of Windows."

 

I tried the battery removal and it worked perfectly for me..

I was so frustrated with my sony motion eye camera not working suddenly that i did whatever I though could have fixed the problems.

Unnecessarily I restored even the factory settings when just the fix was removal of battery.. I should have searched on google sooner than later.. but all is well that ends well... I even patched the registry with the zip provided here.. But I did the patch and battery removal thing at the same time. As per other people the battery removal is the one which helped them and I think solution to my problem was also battery removal..

Many thanks to everyone for letting people know of these crazy Sony created problems and their Support wants somewhere 80+ dollars to fix this which I clearly refused this.

Thanks...

 

Any advice for a non-techie who has tried removing the battery, adjusting the advanced power settings and is too afraid to download anything that will change the registry because they are scared of that?

I am having the same problems but the 'remove battery' fix didn't fix it. For me it is my air card and also my wireless mouse. PC recognizes it's plugged in with an audible notification, provides power to them both. Even attempts to download drivers for these devices I have used for a few years now, but it's like the pc doesn't know what to do with what is plugged in to the USB port. I have 3 ports and have tried all of them on all 3 ports and have the same errors. Air card manager won't recognize the device even though the pc does (via the audible notif.), and mouse just won't work. Help?

 

easy way to solve this problems -

turn off notebook, remove battery and AC
press power button and hold 20sec
insert the battery and connect a charging
turn on the computer

this procedure deletes a static electricity and after that everything works fine!