[turtle777]

Ok, I need to vent.

Everytime I insert my SanDisk thumbdrive in my work laptop (Dell, sh!t) running XP, it wouldn't mount my thumbdrive. It's recognized, but no mounted. So after one hour of fiddling I finally found a solution: deleting the corresponding registry entries will mount the thumbdrive. Works for a little bit, until the next time it diasappears, which happens randomly and often.

WTF ?

I could slap Bill G. and Steve B. flat in their face for putting users through sh!t like that.

-t

[C.A.T.S. CEO]

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

Ok, I need to vent.

Everytime I insert my SanDisk thumbdrive in my work laptop (Dell, sh!t) running XP, it wouldn't mount my thumbdrive. It's recognized, but no mounted. So after one hour of fiddling I finally found a solution: deleting the corresponding registry entries will mount the thumbdrive. Works for a little bit, until the next time it diasappears, which happens randomly and often.

WTF ?

I could slap Bill G. and Steve B. flat in their face for putting users through sh!t like that.

-t

Windows sucks

this still hasn't sunk in yet?

[powerbook867]

unfortunately some of us are forced to work with Windows daily...

All of the tools for my SAN work, MS Office, Internet Exploder for the corporate web tools..etc..

I feel your pain WTH.. My thinkpad was great when I first got it..now it doesn't like waking from sleep, or does a slow wake (open the lid, beat on teh keyboard, get a cup of coffee, beat on the keyboard again...repeat...)

Sometimes it wakes up, sometimes it doesn't...

Don't worry, Vista will fix all our woes...

[Spliffdaddy]

I think your hardware is faulty.

I use XP every day and haven't had any trouble.

But then, I build my own PCs.

[Chuckit]

Since deleting Registry entries solves the problem, it sounds more like a faulty OS than faulty hardware.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Since deleting Registry entries solves the problem, it sounds more like a faulty OS than faulty hardware.

Yes, it thought so, too.

And I don't think it's the thumbdrive either, it works w/o a hitch on my Mac.

-t

[vmarks]

The most common reason that thumbdrives are recognized but do not mount is because Windows uses antiquated drive letters and the one that the thumbdrive is trying to be is already in use.

Go to Control Panel, Classic View, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Disk Management, and then find the disk that is the thumbdrive, right click, assign drive letter, change letter.

Then see if it doesn't mount- it should.

[turtle777]

vmarks, no, unfortunately, this is NOT the case.
My thumbdrive automatically got assigned the letter E:, which was not used. It still didn't show up.

-t

[vmarks]

Well, that's the most common reason. unfortunately, it isn't yours. Bummer.

What registry entry is it, I'm curious.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by vmarks

Well, that's the most common reason. unfortunately, it isn't yours. Bummer.

What registry entry is it, I'm curious.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\De viceClasses\{a5dcbf10-6530-…}\##?#USBSTOR#Disk&Ven_Sandisk&Prod_SD_ ..........
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\USB\V ID_0781&PID_6100

Fortunately, SanDisk had it listed on their support pages. Not for my exact model, but what the hell. I tried everything they were listing under ANY of their thumdrives...

-t

[Tyler McAdams]

The same thing happens in Linux with flash drives. I really think it was to do with the flash drives themselves being cheap and of crummy design.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Tyler McAdams

The same thing happens in Linux with flash drives. I really think it was to do with the flash drives themselves being cheap and of crummy design.

Nah, if it can be fixed by deleting a registry entry, it's a Windows OS issue.

-t

[Spliffdaddy]

It's a driver issue.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

It's a driver issue.

Uses standard Win XP drivers, I have nothing extra installed. My point: Win XP is sh!t. That includes drivers.

-t

[vmarks]

Using the same USB port every time, right?

Windows treats each port off the root hub separately. It looks like you're killing the key that says it's on the root hub and letting it redetect - I wonder what would have changed since the time MS put the mass storage driver in and the time sandisk shipped this drive.

[Spliffdaddy]

In the future...be sure to always click on "safely remove hardware" thingy before you remove the flash drive from a Windows machine.

Always drag the flash drive thingy into the trash before removing from a Mac.

It wouldn't hurt to format the flash drive as FAT16. That option should be available in 'disk management' on XP.

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

In the future...be sure to always click on "safely remove hardware" thingy before you remove the flash drive from a Windows machine.

Always drag the flash drive thingy into the trash before removing from a Mac.

So, having exhausted all other non-OS things to blame this on, you start assuming without evidence that the user has been doing stupid things, so that you can blame the user.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

In the future...be sure to always click on "safely remove hardware" thingy before you remove the flash drive from a Windows machine.

Is there a difference between "safely remove hardware" and Eject ?

If so, what is it ?

And if that's the culprit: fsck Windiws even more.

-t

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by vmarks

Using the same USB port every time, right?

Same two USB ports on the laptop. Should be the same hub, right ?

I have been trying both ports, but did not systematically track down if they would perform different.

-t

[nonhuman]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

So, having exhausted all other non-OS things to blame this on, you start assuming without evidence that the user has been doing stupid things, so that you can blame the user.

The first rule of troubleshooting is to always check the basics first. Even experienced users will sometimes forget the one simple little thing that makes it work.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by nonhuman

The first rule of troubleshooting is to always check the basics first. Even experienced users will sometimes forget the one simple little thing that makes it work.

The trouble with Windows is that you need to do 10 things right for a effing simple task, otherwise, everything will break down.

I had no problems with any Mac and thumbdrives, other than on broken thumbdrive, having issues with USB2.
On PCs, total different story. More issues than non-issues.

-t

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by nonhuman

The first rule of troubleshooting is to always check the basics first. Even experienced users will sometimes forget the one simple little thing that makes it work.

There's a difference between "Did you remember to safely remove the device?" (asking a question, troubleshooting) and "Next time... remember to safely remove the device." (making assumptions, accusing the user)

Frankly, if the USB drive were damaged, I don't understand how it would work fine in OS X (I have found OS X not to be very tolerant of damaged USB drives), nor how deleting registry keys would make it suddenly start working on XP.

[Spliffdaddy]

I'd say it's the user's fault if it isn't a hardware problem or a flakey driver.

Millions of folks use USB flashdrives with Windows daily. Few have problems.

[MindFad]

Like you could even know that.

[olePigeon]

What I hate now are the USB thumb drives that have the hidden partition on it. You stick it in a Windows machine, it mounts, creates a "CD-ROM" and automatically installs a bunch of **** you don't want onto the computer.

The worst part is that the thumb drive is absolutely useless if you don't have Administrative privileges. If you stick the thumb drive in as a Power User, it tells you you have to be an Administrator to use the drive. The only way I could get the hidden partition off of it was by sticking the thumb drive into my Mac and formatting it on there.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

I'd say it's the user's fault if it isn't a hardware problem or a flakey driver.
Millions of folks use USB flashdrives with Windows daily. Few have problems.

Well, first off, the problem is quite widespread. Do a search on Google, and you'll find tons of suggestions how to fix the issues of mounting problems. The fact that these problems are being talked about on support pages, discussion boards and blogs shows me that this is not uncommon.

Second, explain how a user's fault creates bad registry keys. I'm listening.

-t

[kick52]

using windows is a right kerfuffle.

[vmarks]

Originally Posted by olePigeon

What I hate now are the USB thumb drives that have the hidden partition on it. You stick it in a Windows machine, it mounts, creates a "CD-ROM" and automatically installs a bunch of **** you don't want onto the computer.

The worst part is that the thumb drive is absolutely useless if you don't have Administrative privileges. If you stick the thumb drive in as a Power User, it tells you you have to be an Administrator to use the drive. The only way I could get the hidden partition off of it was by sticking the thumb drive into my Mac and formatting it on there.

Is that the U3 stuff?

U3 is intended as a way to insert a flash drive into the computer, install applications on it, so that when you travel, you take 'your computer' - applications and all - with you, not just your documents.

[ghporter]

Goobered OS. I'll bet you a quarter. Reinstall (OVER the existing installation-takes only a few minutes and replaces old or damaged OS files) to fix it. Really.

I've had a few issues like what vmarks mentioned in his first post-and it's pretty darn frustrating too! It's there, I can see it, but because Windows decided that this particular device should always be "H:" and a mapped netework drive already had that letter, it refused to allow me access to it. I wound up unmounting the network drive and bingo! I could see AND USE my thumb drive.

Windows has its moments, and when this happens it's one of the BAD moments.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by vmarks

Is that the U3 stuff?

U3 is intended as a way to insert a flash drive into the computer, install applications on it, so that when you travel, you take 'your computer' - applications and all - with you, not just your documents.

Are you talking about portable apps (like Firefox or AbiWord) ?
They don't require ANY installation on the host computer.

olePigeon is talking about apps that the mfg. of the thumbdrive wants you to install, like compression apps and "security" apps. They are self-installing, which is freakin' annoying.

-t

[analogika]

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

Second, explain how a user's fault creates bad registry keys. I'm listening.

Apart from using Windows, you mean?

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

I think your hardware is faulty.

I use XP every day and haven't had any trouble.

But then, I build my own PCs.

It's wonderful that you build your own laptops...oh wait.

I've got a SanDisk here with the U3 garbage on it, and reformatting won't even get rid of it. Their website claims it's not Mac compatible...BS. It mounts a separate folder that's supposed to be a burnable CD, but it won't leave the desktop when the drive's ejected. The fix for OS X is to go into system prefs and tell it to do nothing when a blank CD is inserted, since reformatting and even changing the entire partition scheme hasn't fixed it.
Good luck with XP...the guys at work that have to deal with it have much more work to do than I.

[Eug]

Do people install drivers for USB thumbdrives? I've never done that on Windows XP.

BTW, I have just as many problems on OS X with USB thumbdrives and flash readers.

[scaught]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

I'd say it's the user's fault if it isn't a hardware problem or a flakey driver.

Millions of folks use USB flashdrives with Windows daily. Few have problems.

As someone in a support environment with a ton of (for the most part barely competent) users throwing flash drives in and out of workstations all day i'm with SD on this one.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Eug

Do people install drivers for USB thumbdrives? I've never done that on Windows XP.

Well, maybe it would help. Since XP's drivers are buggy as heck, it can only get better

-t

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by analogika

Apart from using Windows, you mean?

Yes

-t

[scaught]

Originally Posted by Eug

Do people install drivers for USB thumbdrives? I've never done that on Windows XP.

BTW, I have just as many problems on OS X with USB thumbdrives and flash readers.

XP autoinstalls any drivers it needs when you stick a new flash drive in.

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by scaught

XP autoinstalls any drivers it needs when you stick a new flash drive in.

And brags with about 14 notifications that it has somehow found the power within itself to install new hardware.

[analogika]

Before telling you that you "may" have to restart in order to use it.

[sek929]

Wow, with all those problems with a USB drive it makes me laugh that I was able to plug in my DVR-109, install nothing, and burn a DVD within minutes.

Go XP!!

Spliff, you don't seem to understand, you don't encounter problems because you are the quintessential PC nerd who knows every in and out of their OS. I prefer to just use my computer, as opposed to deconstruct it.

[OreoCookie]

I hear ya. It made me look like a foolish rookie a few times (when I charged money for my services). That's why I won't touch it unless I have to

@analogika: that's usually the first thing I do for troubleshooting a problem

[CRASH HARDDRIVE]

Originally Posted by Gossamer

It's wonderful that you build your own laptops...oh wait.

There are in fact DIY laptops these days too.

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by CRASH HARDDRIVE

There are in fact DIY laptops these days too.

Barely. Your options are much more limited, but I guess you are technically building your own since you choose individual components. But it doesn't cost much (if any) less to build, and if you fark something up or drop it, there's no warranty.

[CRASH HARDDRIVE]

Originally Posted by Gossamer

Barely. Your options are much more limited, but I guess you are technically building your own since you choose individual components. But it doesn't cost much (if any) less to build, and if you fark something up or drop it, there's no warranty.

It may not be the best option, but it is an option. (Not that it even matters what kind of system Spliffdaddy builds in the context of OS's).

I wouldn't recommend dropping a laptop of any kind and expecting automagic warrenty coverage.

On a DIY system, if your hard drive went south, or graphics card, or ram, or any part of a barebones kit, then those things should be under warranty seperately if purchased from a reputable source.

[Spliffdaddy]

The drivers included in Windows are provided by hardware manufacturers. Microsoft does not write drivers for hardware. You can submit your driver to Microsoft for "qualification" and it'll be added to the "Windows Qualified Hardware List" - but that doesn't mean it's a troublefree driver.

In my opinion, USB just sucks. Across all operating systems. Some chipsets seem to have fewer problems with USB - VIA, for example.

Show me a USB external hard drive - and I'll show you a future customer for Norton Disk Doctor.

It isn't Windows that's the problem. I can prove it. Just uninstall all of your hardware drivers. You'll never see another BSOD or tweaked flashdrive.

PS, when will I be able to run OSX on my homebrew PC? I have what is essentially the very same hardware as a Mac. Is it possible to do it *now*? and I'm just not aware of how to do it?

[Person Man]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

PS, when will I be able to run OSX on my homebrew PC? I have what is essentially the very same hardware as a Mac. Is it possible to do it *now*? and I'm just not aware of how to do it?

It's possible, just not in any form that's sanctioned by Apple. Start with the OSX86 Project. Look in the forums.

I have a few friends that run fauxMacs... I'm just not interested in being one of them.

[Spliffdaddy]

cool.

I might give that a try. If it doesn't work out, I'll have a copy of OSX to give away - not that anybody needs it.

[Person Man]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

cool.

I might give that a try. If it doesn't work out, I'll have a copy of OSX to give away - not that anybody needs it.

I will say this. The closer your hardware (chipset, etc) is to an actual Mac, the easier it will be to get OS X running on it.

[Spliffdaddy]

I was careful when I chose the hardware.

I have a ASUS P5LD2-VM - which seems to have essentially the same stuff as a Mac. The chipset, audio, and network are identical.

Should be pretty simple to get OSX running on it - though I might need a different video card. I'd be shocked if this nVidia Quadro NVS-280 PCI (not-e) card was supported. I'll likely have to borrow the video card from my ass-kicking quad opteron. That I never use.

I ordered a copy of OSX and a DVD burner....something I've never needed until now. So I'm into this OSX-on-peecee project for almost 200 bucks.

The Mac experience better be everything you freaks claim it is. Else I'm gonna be mad.

I'll let ya know what happens. This rig is a bargain if it runs OSX. Hopefully, I can keep the $97 dual-core 805 2.66 running at over 3.5GHz.

[Gossamer]

Originally Posted by Spliffdaddy

I was careful when I chose the hardware.

I have a ASUS P5LD2-VM - which seems to have essentially the same stuff as a Mac. The chipset, audio, and network are identical.

Should be pretty simple to get OSX running on it - though I might need a different video card. I'd be shocked if this nVidia Quadro NVS-280 PCI (not-e) card was supported. I'll likely have to borrow the video card from my ass-kicking quad opteron. That I never use.

I ordered a copy of OSX and a DVD burner....something I've never needed until now. So I'm into this OSX-on-peecee project for almost 200 bucks.

The Mac experience better be everything you freaks claim it is. Else I'm gonna be mad.

I'll let ya know what happens. This rig is a bargain if it runs OSX. Hopefully, I can keep the $97 dual-core 805 2.66 running at over 3.5GHz.

You didn't read the link did you...
You can't buy a copy of OS X and use it...yes you can hack the OS yourself, but that takes intricate knowledge of the OS. Most people download the torrent (the 'JaS' version seems to be the most popular).
The compatible hardware wiki (here) doesn't have your Nvidia graphics card listed, usually OS X is picky about that, but it said this about your motherboard:

All works great apart from the ITE IDE port. Sound works great but only 2ch out. GMA950 (64MB max) gfx work wonderfully. Go to [How To] ALC882 Sound - InsanelyMac Forum to find instructions to get audio working.

The easiest route is to get the GMA900/950 (like you have), as support is built into OS X for that, and core image and quartz extreme both natively work. The link I just gave you gives a list of all compatible cards, and what it takes to get them working. The X1600 is also a good candidate. When looking at motherboards, the most important parts are an ICH6 southbridge and the 9xx (915, 945, etc) northbridge for maximum compatibility.