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Thread ID: 120790	2011-09-26 09:44:00	Broken USB port?	Oddly (16567)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1233742	2011-09-26 09:44:00	Hello all, Whenever I plug a USB device into the bottom USB port of my laptop, the laptop immediately turns off without any warning whatsoever, and can only be turned back on by removing and plugging the power lead back in (it has no battery). I have checked for newer versions of the drivers (for the USB ports as well as all my devices). One thing I thought was suspicious was the fact that the status lights would very quickly blink once after it had shut off. I have also seen this behavior in a portable tablet device that was affected by a buildup of static electricity, as the repaired told me. The laptop is an IBM T43, running Windows 7 Service Pack 1. The problem has only started occurring a few weeks ago, and has never happened before. The laptop itself is quite old (5-6 years), and I was considering buying a new one. Many thanks.	Oddly (16567)
1233743	2011-09-26 09:58:00	The power adapter (or the plug maybe dodgy or something). If it comes back on, after you remove it then plug it back in. Does it turn off at any other time (besides plugging something into the USB port)? Or is it fine? It maybe overheating.. How long does it take before it turns off?	Speedy Gonzales (78)
1233744	2011-09-27 04:49:00	Hi Speedy Gonzales, It only immediately turns off when I plug a device in. It doesn't appear to be overheating. Rather than displaying the Windows shutdown screen, it immediately turns off as if the power has been cut. The plug is fine and works on other computers. I was thinking maybe a buildup of static electricity or something but I may be wrong. Many thanks	Oddly (16567)
1233745	2011-09-27 05:03:00	Have a good look inside the actual USB port on the Laptop. Quite often either the pins or a pin can get bent, or the alignment tab get broken, and the moment you plug in any USB device it will cause a short circuit and instantly shut down the PC/Laptop. One of my Workshop PC has had a zap at some stage,and both front USB ports are toast,if I try to put in any device instant crash - its actually done damage to the motherboard, as the internal headers are damaged, even replacing he ports makes no difference.	wainuitech (129)
1233746	2011-09-27 05:17:00	What sort of device is it, something that draws current from the port? (e.g. an external HDD or similar, possibly overloading the port (usually rated at 100 milliamps per port, 500 milliamps total for all ports)), try using a (independently) powered usb hub. Maybe you have a low output power brick/adapter, or even a dead short in the usb plug or socket (I've often seen bent contacts esp in the sockets) or a broken connection of the socket to the laptop motherboard.	feersumendjinn (64)
1233747	2011-09-27 07:06:00	Have you tried plugging in just an extension lead with nothing on the other end? If it shuts down it probably means that the port is damaged. If it goes ok, plug something into the extension lead and see what happens.	b.... (7683)
1233748	2011-09-27 07:06:00	Have a good look inside the actual USB port on the Laptop. Quite often either the pins or a pin can get bent, or the alignment tab get broken, and the moment you plug in any USB device it will cause a short circuit and instantly shut down the PC/Laptop. +1. Laptop or desktop. Ignore it at your peril.	pctek (84)
1233749	2011-09-27 23:56:00	Hi wainuitech, I will check that tonight. The device in question is an iPhone 4. I am not using the genuine apple cable as I lost it, and am using a cheap one. Perhaps that could be what's causing it? Many thanks	Oddly (16567)
1233750	2011-09-28 00:28:00	Hello all, Whenever I plug a USB device into the bottom USB port of my laptop, I hate to state the obvious, have you tried another USB port on the laptop ?? on another side of the laptop ??	1101 (13337)
1233751	2011-09-28 03:16:00	Hi 1101, Yes, I have been using that port with no problems. The only reason I need a fix for it is because the laptop only has 2 USB ports in total.	Oddly (16567)
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