USB mystery...

[KHRZ]

So I've had this problem lately, if i leave my computer for a long while, maybe an hour, when i come back, none of USB devices works (keyboard, mouse, etc.). If I take them out and plug them back in, they just blink once before shutting of again, for all my 6 USB ports. Only solution is to restart my computer...
It didn't happen untill I updated Vista to service pack 2, though googling have yelded me no proof of this connection (I hardly found anyone with the same problem at all). I was suggested in another forum to check the power management of Vista, and it was not allowed to shut USB devices down to save power. The mouse wasn't allowed either in mouse settings.

Any solutions to this great mystery? (Yes I'll go fully over to Windows 7 ASAP)

[LoneWolf]

One of your devices or USB cords/plugs could be faulty and causing the conflict? Or one of the USB ports could the the problem as well. Try plugging in the devices into different ports and see if that helps. Also, don't have devices plugged in all at the time if you don't need to use it, as perhaps too many devices plugged in at the same time is causing some kind of power strain or conflict?

I have an external USB hard-drive, and once in a while it seemed to stop working for no apparent
reason. I plugged it into a different USB port, and I haven't had any trouble with it since (for some reason it just didn't seem to like the USB port I had it previously plugged into).

You may try turning off all power-management settings and see if that makes any difference.
If not, there may be a way to install newer USB drivers or re-install the drivers and see if that helps.

Or the problem could have something to do with Vista and some conflict with your hardware.

If your computer is a Desktop, then you may also consider getting something like a PCI card that has USB ports on it, and then try plugging your devices into that instead of the other ones.

Don't know if any of my ideas will be of any help, but hopefully you can find a way to fix your problem. Good luck.

[KHRZ]

For now I'll just try switching ports, I could also plug out my Xbox 360 controller I guess. Since it only happens when I'm not around, is not a huge issue, more like an annoyance that occurs a few times a week. I have Windows 7 RC but haven't really tested if the same happens after an hour, I just want to blame it all on Vista...

[Chaoscode]

its a power related issue, try using a powered usb hub.