Laptop is not recognizing USB Drives

[kmblw]

My daughter's computer, a Dell laptop, has stopped recognizing her USB drives. This includes thumb drives, external hard drive, USB mouse, etc.

I put in a new hard drive and new memory about 3 weeks ago. This problem started recently, like within the past couple of days.

She's using Windows XP.

Can anyone tell me how to try fixing this for her?

Diane

[Toke]

Hi.. when you installed the OS on the new Hard Drive did you install the chipset drivers ?? if not go to Dell site and you should be able to DL from there . Cant look for you as you have not given full model number.

[kmblw]

Originally Posted by Toke

Hi.. when you installed the OS on the new Hard Drive did you install the chipset drivers ?? if not go to Dell site and you should be able to DL from there . Cant look for you as you have not given full model number.

Hi Toke,
I'm embarassed to say this but she rebooted her computer and now the USB ports are working. I guess I should have thought to tell her to do that because rebooting solves many other problems but I have no experience with this issue.

I didn't reinstall the OS but used an Acronis Image of the entire hard drive so would I still need to download the chipset drivers to keep this from happening again?

It's a Dell Inspiron D1505 laptop.

Thanks for your help!!

Diane

[Toke]

Its always advisable to have your chipset drivers handy. I would DL from Dell and burn to a CD and store where you can put your hands on them again. if you go to this link fill out appropriate questions Service Tag/product type and follow on screen suggestions, or if you are unsure post the Service tag and product type.. http://search.euro.dell.com/results....&advsrch=False