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Thread ID: 81585 2007-08-01 03:53:00 USB memory sticks not showing in "My Computer" dotbond (7154) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
574892 2007-08-01 03:53:00 A friend of mine has an Acer Aspire 1691WLMi Laptop running Win XP and whenever you plug in a USB memory stick it shows up in Device Manager and detects in system tray but you cannot see it in My Computer to access it.
Any ideas?
dotbond (7154)
574893 2007-08-01 03:57:00 If only one particular stick missbehaves like this, it's probably not formatted, or it's formatted in a non-Microsoft file system.

Can it be accessed on another computer?
Graham L (2)
574894 2007-08-01 03:57:00 It sounds like it hasnt been formatted (which I doubt), or SP1 or 2 isnt installed. Speedy Gonzales (78)
574895 2007-08-01 04:03:00 SP2 is installed.
Have tried 3 memory sticks. All work in my home PC. But not the laptop.
Can't say i have ever formatted a memory stick before though.
The brands are:
Dick Smith.
Legend.
Silicon Power.
dotbond (7154)
574896 2007-08-01 04:12:00 If they are usable on another computer, they are OK.

Have you ever used any other type of USB device on the laptop? It might be an idea to force reloading of the drivers for the USB ports.
Graham L (2)
574897 2007-08-01 04:29:00 Will give the reloading of the USB drivers ago next time i'm near the laptop. Hopefully this weekend. dotbond (7154)
574898 2007-08-01 04:32:00 Hate changing ISP's and then forgetting forum passwords. Anyway post 1


Dotbond

This is a common problem and it is likely the USB drive is being allocated a drive letter that already exists by Windows XP.

Go

Right click on "My Computer" and select "Manage"

Under "Storage" select "Disk manager'

Look for a device that is the same size as the USB mem stick EI 2gig and assign it another drive letter like "X" or something not taken. You "may" need to reboot (don't change the wrong device or you will be in for some fun).
Battleneter2 (9361)
574899 2007-08-01 04:52:00 I lose my USB sticks all the time too . . and have to find them in the Disk Manager . . . from there I just right click and EXPLORE to get what I want . . . never thought of assigning them a new drive letter . . . but thanks for that tip!

This even works for my SanDisk card reader too . . . it is never there when I want it!

I guess I can keep that trip going every time they take a Houdini .

I tried (unsuccessfully) to send them to the desktop and even made a folder for them . . . but they vanish all the time . :rolleyes:
SurferJoe46 (51)
574900 2007-08-01 04:52:00 right click "my computer" choose "manage" double click "storage" double click "disk management" does it show there if so want drive letter and is that drive letter used else where on your pc for example a network share beama (111)
574901 2007-08-01 05:17:00 OK guys. Thanks for the input. Will give all the suggestions a try. Will let you know what happens.
If anymore ideas pop up, post them here.

Thanks again.
Trev.
dotbond (7154)
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