USB not working on Dell Precision 490 running Windows 7 x64

austinringding · 28 May 2014

I recently purchased a Dell Precision 490 with hopes of being able to run W7 x64 on it.

After installing it without a hitch, i can't get any USB device to work other than my wireless keyboard and mouse set (made by Acer).

The system will make the USB noises when plugged in / unplugged, but immediately will pop up a message stating "USB device not recognized" and an Unknown Device will show up in the Device Manager. I've tried a Neat Receipt scanner, multiple USB flash drives of varying sizes, and a WD My Studio external USB drive.

Beneath Universal Serial Bus controllers in Device Manager, I see 5x Intel 631xESB/6321ESB/3100 Chipset with Driver by Intel version 7.4.0.1005 dated 9.15.2006 I've tried loading numerous different chipset drivers, etc. None have made a difference.

Dell's support site only has drivers for up to Vista x64.

Another detail: I've got the Firewire port on the front of the case working!!

What gives? Any and all advice appreciated.

fireberd · 29 May 2014

Generally the Intel motherboard chipset drivers are all that's needed for the USB on the hardware end. The only drivers are the default built in Windows drivers.

Dell lists Vista 32/64 drivers and the Vista drivers are applicable to Windows 7, so you shouldn't have problems getting it working. If you just accessed the Dell downloads based on the Service Tag number that will only show what it was delivered with. My link below will get you the Vista drivers. Windows, when installing, will install many device drivers however with the Dell proprietary hardware (especially on older systems such as this), you really need the Dell drivers. I see what looks like a full complement of drivers on the Dell site for Vista. Maybe a new install is needed. The correct install sequence on a Dell is (1) Install Windows (2) Install the Dell desktop system software - on applicable models (3) Install Intel motherboard chipset drivers (4) Install device drivers including video, sound, Ethernet, etc. I used to do a lot of support on the Dell forums and if this sequence is followed in almost all cases it will result in a good install.

Product Support | Dell US

austinringding · 29 May 2014

Unfortunately that is the exact procedure i followed and the USB still doesn't work properly.

Anything else I can try before i ditch this install and go for a fresh installation of w7?

Thanks!

fireberd · 29 May 2014

Although a hassle, I would do the new install using the Dell Vista drivers.

austinringding · 29 May 2014

Assuming that i've done the re-install and installed the x64 drivers from Dell and USB still doesn't work, what then?

According to CPU-Z, the mainboard is Dell 0GU083 A00, Chipset is Intel 5000x Rev 12 and Southbridge is Intel 6321ESB Rev 09.

BIOS is Dell A08, the latest.

fireberd · 29 May 2014

The Dell motherboard is a Dell proprietary and not equivalent to any retail motherboard.

The USB works with the keyboard and mouse. The other devices are the issue. Where are you trying the other devices, on the front panel USB port(s) or on the rear?

You may want to post this problem on the Dell Desktop Hardware forum, if I or someone else here cannot get your problem resolved. http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/