Summary
I had difficulties in installing USB flash card readers with Vista.
I had tried products by both Kingston and Belkin :
- Belkin F5U271
- Kingston FCR-HS215/1
Each time Windows tried to get a driver online and asked for a CD with a driver. But there was no success.
Eventually I found a solution. To skip to the solution see “Detailed Solution Steps” below.
Problem Research
I sent an email to Kingston and telephoned them in the UK. Amazingly there was prompt help via both routes. However they gave slightly different solutions.
Their most detailed response was…
Thank you for contacting Kingston Technical Support.
Note that Windows Vista does not require any drivers for the DataTraveler.
1. Insert drive and wait for about 20 seconds to see if the driver installation is slow.
2. During device driver search, point to a location Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository and enable “Include subfolders” in the Browse window.
If this fails, point to one of the subfolders within FileRepository:
FileRepository\usbstor.inf_…
FileRepository\disk.inf_…
FileRepository\volume.inf_…
FileRepository\wpdfs.inf_…
3. If FileRepository location(s) doesn’t work, point to location Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers and enable “Include subfolders” in the Browse window.
4. Check Device Manager for incorrectly installed drivers for the DataTraveler; uninstall them and reinsert the drive.
I tried all this and still no success. Each time Vista reported “The system cannot find the file specified”.
After searching the web for a couple of frustrating hours I cam across this entry by WickedMX…
I’ve been experiencing the same problem with usb storage devices for the last few weeks and have visited numerous forums discussing it. After having no joy I decided to take a look around my system folders and have now got these devices working again. While looking around I discovered 2 points of interest:
- In C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository I had two folders named “usbstor.inf” but each one had a different set of numbers attached to the end of the folder name. - could this be where part of the problem lies?
- When I looked in my C:\Windows\inf folder I discovered the usbstor.inf and usb stor.pnf files were missing - this definitely had to be an issue.
Once I discovered these anomalies, I proceeded to copy the pnf and inf files from the most recently updated usbstor.inf folder to C:\Windows\inf. I then went back to the update driver wizard, pointed to the inf folder and what do you know but they all started working again.
So with some scepticism I tried this approach and it worked.
Detailed Solution Steps
1. Go to C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository
Find files named usbstore…
2. Choose the most recent usbstor folder
Open the folder
You’ll see a number of files…
3. Select and copy usbstor.inf
4. Now go to C:\Windows\Inf
Paste the usbstor.inf file into this folder (On my system there was no usbstor.inf file already in this folder).
5. Now try again to install the reader
When Vista reports it cannot find a driver direct it to C:\Windows\Inf
If all goes well you will see the following information from Vista
Footnote
I don’t know whether this approach works with other types of USB device on Vista or other card readers but it certainly worked for me.
oops
standard serial over bluetooth link
changes to
USB human interface device
thanx a lot, it’s really useful now for me, i’ve purchased a usb adn couldn’t use it
thanx
I was having to click to reinstall my Logitech Orbit Sphere webcam every time I booted up. No big deal but slightly annoying as it suggests yet another deeper problem with VISTA. I followed the simple directions in post #105 and it worked great!
Once I added the extra bit to the path (as directed) I went to the location of my webcam driver (as directed), right-clicked to uninstall it (did not check the box to remove the driver from my system), and then left clicked on the button in the toolbar to “search for new hardware” (all exactly as directed). Worked like a charm!
I’m not a tech at all… just a humble member of the shuddering masses upon whom a new operating system has been thrust by the all-wise and all powerful MS. After owning over 20 computers since the mid-80’s starting with DOS I am ready for a MAC for the next go-round. Windows XP worked fine. Vista is slow with a lot of overhead that the average consumer-grade PC cannot cope with and still deliver any measure of performance. I spent the first 24 hours with my new Sony Vaio laptop deleting and disabling just about everything I could (using some instructions from MS themselves, go figure…), increasing the page size to 10K and adding a 4 GB flash drive for some MS memory magic. A bit of “belt and suspenders” but at least I can type a letter now. Rant off.
Thank’s….. I love you HEHEHEHEHE
Cheers, saved my day ^^
Great solution! Thanks!
OK, tested them both, but it did not work. Does some one have another idea?
i can’t find usbstore.inf in my filerepository folder. where can i search?
Manage to find a more permanent solution that worked for me.
After you insert a USB device:
- do a manual search for drivers and point to c:\windows\winsxs
- Vista will show some warning about drivers not being signed or something, ignore and click continue
After 3 weeks of searching for a fix from many forums this option finally worked for me,
Hi
Thank you so much. I didn’t know that the solution can be so easy but it worked at the first try. thanks for this helpful article. No My USB mass storage center is able to work.
Wow. This is the best advice ever! Between the original post and Post #105 on registry edit, you guys fixed my biggest Vista 64 problems!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
The only thing I have to add is that after I did the initial step of copying usbstor.inf over to windows/inf, it fixed my usb error but errors with disc and volume cropped up, so I had to repeat the same procedures with disk.inf and volume.inf (copying both into windows/inf as well). But after that and the registry mod from post #105 everything is now fixed and vista is working smoothly.
THANK you so much for fixing a problem that’s been ruining my day since I build this new computer 3 weeks ago!!!
Funcionou na primeira !!
PERFECT !
I had tried the various hotfixes suggested by MS. The usbstor inf, pnf and sys files all appeared to be in the correct folders as well.
The solution which worked for me was that from post 159, i.e. looking in the Windows Side-By-Side folder.
Thanks.
My friend thank you very much. You solved all my problems!!! Mike from Greece
thanks a lot , it works
when i try to paste the file i’m told there already exixsts a file of that name. also my problem is not aonly with usb storage devices but also my microsoft/reclusa keyboard and microsoft laser mouse. is usbstor still the same inf file to replace?
Tried all of the above suggestions to no avail. Also checked my registry and there is no DevicePath within the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
3. In the details pane, double-click DevicePath.
Could this be causing my mass storage issues?
How do I add ‘DevicePath’ to my registry and what do I need to do exactly?
I’d greatly appreciate any comments on this matter!
Found Devicepath in the details panel of the Registry. Made adjustment as noted in post #105. Still no luck. Might I be missing something? If so, can anyone help me with this? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
thanks a lot , it works…!!!!
Thanks man,
actually i had similar problem with dvd/cd-rom. i took some of your ideas and that really helped me to install my dvd-rom.
i think u should also mantion about other drivers u installing ex: cd/dvd-rom, printer or any other kind of driver.
it is basically similar process. (u just have to find your driver in file respitory and copy paste all(watever in the folder) in c:/windows/inf) and use above process(last step).
Dell technical people and liteon technical people even didn’t able to help me.
Thanks again for nice article.
I had the same problem seeing my usb ports on Vista OS
try going to service pack 1 for vista it slove all my issues.
Thank you very much…..Damn fine
This solution works for Sony HDR-SR5 and Vista Ultimate.
U rock
I have had this problem for such a long time …. and i cant begin to tell u how happy i was that u gave me the fix for it!!!
os vista x64, with beta SP1….the root of all evil!!!!
microsoft should get u on board!!!!
I love you!!!
I’ve a Dell E520 with Vista Home Premium (no SR1 yet) & I’m still struggling with this. Although I’ve had great help from Kingston over the past week & have followed their instructions to the letter (they match yours!), my problem is that when I open the usbstor.inf_8416e98e folder – the latest I have is dated 31/08/2007 – usbstor.PNF is there but not usbstor.inf!! Can this be right. Incidentally, the DataTraveler works without a hitch on a very old Windows ME setup. Any help is apprectiated
Thank you credde (post 159). The original solution worked for a USB key I had but I just bought a play.com MP3 player and could not get it to work.
Your solution to point to c:\windows\winsxs worked.
Why has M$ not solved this problem is beyond me.
Thanks go to both the op and credde.
This worked for an external (Ultra) USB hdd enclosure that worked fine while connected to an external USB hub, but would not install if connected to the laptop directly. The internal drive was a Seagate ST330083. Worked great – Thank you.
hay thank a LOT NA KAB
Thanks dude, it really works. I give a gold medal to you….
credde @ #159 – thank you thank you thank you … USB drive installed and sanity restored (well, back to where it was before this madness really)
Serious thanks a million I had the USB problem for months! You’re a hero! Vista is really buggy!!!
Michael
Thank you
It was amazing… thanks a lot….
I used the inf file and also the driver search in winsxs!!!, got my card reader working”"”"”"”"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP MAN YOU SHOULD BE PAID BY MICROSOFT FOR FIXING THERE C>>K UPS!!!!!
Thanks
Worked to fix a play.com Mobile Card Reader
bloody vista bug. thanks a lot man!
با سلام و عرض تشکر
Hi Thanks A Lot From Iran . Great Work !!!
=============================================================
| DLL Download site |
=============================================================
http://www.dlldump.com/
http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/
http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/sys/index.php
=============================================================
| Inf Download site |
=============================================================
http://www.infdump.com/download-inf-files_new.php/
Thank from RASSIA!
It works with CORSAIR *Flash Voyager* CMF USB 2.0-4Gb.
I thank and I respect!
Hi, I have new Vista SP1, but the solving here doesn’t work.
(
I have the usbstor.inf in C:\Windows\Inf since the Vista installation, but the USB external disk (WD Passport Essential Blue – 160GB) cannot connect. Vista is trying repeatedly find the driver, but repetedly inform about unsuccess. Please help, if You can…
Thanks a lot.
Hi once more! I just solved the problem by finding this article on then net (http://www.vistax64.com/vista-hardware-devices/105066-western-digital-passport-drive.html):
“I have a 160G WD Passport. When I plug it in the USB connectors on the face of my PC my Vista wasn’t able to identify the HDD.
I plug the device in the USB connectors on the back (are on the MB – no cable between) and I have no problems.”
Now, I am a happy man!!!
)
Have all a nice day!!!
for those who still having the problem…
there is a another solution for u, especially for those deleted their system files accidently.
What u need are :
1.) window vista installation cd
2.) 7-zip
Steps.
1.) open your E:\sources\install.wim by using 7-zip.
*Let says E is the rom where it read the installation DVD.
2.) Locate \windows\inf\ and copy the whole inf folder and paste them into your c:\windows.
*U need to take ownership of the c:\windows\inf folder so that you can modify the items. About the onwership, pls do google.
* indicates the version of your window vista. Go find your number by opening E:\SOURCES\INSTALL.WIM\1.xml
3.) Repeat the 2nd step for E:\SOURCES\INSTALL.WIM\3\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\
Try reinstall your driver, and choose the Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\ dir.
This works for me
EDITED
for those who still having the problem…
there is a another solution for u, especially for those deleted their system files accidently.
What u need are :
1.) window vista installation cd
2.) 7-zip
Steps.
1.) open your E:\sources\install.wim by using 7-zip.
*Let says E is the rom where it reads the installation DVD.
2.) Locate (number)\windows\inf\ and copy the whole inf folder and paste them into your c:\windows.
*U need to take ownership of the c:\windows\inf folder so that you can modify the items. About the onwership, pls do google.
*(number) indicates the version of your window vista.Pls find your number by looking at E:\SOURCES\INSTALL.WIM\1.xml
3.) Repeat the 2nd step for E:\SOURCES\INSTALL.WIM\(number)\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\
And last..
Try reinstall your driver, and choose the Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\ dir.
This works for me
Youre a mothafuka!
From Spain:
Do not give up!
Post #1 in conjuction with post #161 saved my Vista Home Premium installation on my tablet HP Pavilion TX1000.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!
hi
If i don’t have this folder on my PC (usbstor.inf_8416e98e)
where i can get it……? thx
Oh my God! It works!!! Thx a lot, a million, a hundred thousands!!!
Ghassam, go to your latest usbstor whatever it is, it doesn’t have to be that particular number!
Hey, I don’t believe it… You know i just read this post with a biased mine, i was like here we go again!
But then it did work, i pointed to d FileRepo…. folder and well in my case i had to direct Windows to it like 3 or 4 times, but each time i noticed Windows installed a different thing.
All in all, it worked 10ks Man!
thanx so much. u dn kw wat have u done 4 me. god bless u buddy.
wow. thanks so much. an addendum-
make sure usbstor.inf, disk.inf, volume.inf and wpdfs.inf are in windows\inf, and the corresponding .sys and .dll’s are in the windows\system32\drivers folders.
all of these files can be found in the windows\system32\driverstore\fileRepository\ directory.
for me, my installation was missing more than just the usbstor files.
[...] [VIA] [...]