Solve : unreliable USB port?

1.	Solve : unreliable USB port?
Answer» I want switchable access to an external HDD, and have bought (from Ebay) and set up, a number of powered hubs - a number, because I found that 'contact was lost' after a short period of 'normal' functioning, and so replaced the hubs with new ones. After much trial and error (over years) I have discovered reliable operation is achieved only by removing the HDD USB CABLE from the hub socket and then re-inserting it - or simulating that action by moving the connector in the socket without actually extracting the USB plug. The need to 'remove & replace' the plug in the socket, pretty well DEFEATS the purpose of having a switchable hub socket. I would like to know why proper functioning stops after a short period of use when the hub is new; and why 'rubbing the plug in the socket' restores function; and if there is a technique (greasing the socket with graphite powder ?) to make it reliable.Please clarify - same plug, different sockets? Quote After much trial and error (over years) I have discovered reliable operation is achieved only by removing the HDD USB cable from the hub socket and then re-inserting it - or simulating that action by moving the connector in the socket without actually extracting the USB plug. This is a typical SYMPTOM of marginal hardware. Same plug, same socket - removal not even needed, just 'jiggling' the plug in the socket brings recognition of the HDD.I was trying to establish if the problem recurs if you insert the same plug in a different socket (I presume whatever device you are connecting to has more than one USB socket?). If the problem moves to a new socket, it is likely that the USB lead you are USING has a faulty connector. If the lead is detachable at both ends, try a new one - you can buy them. If it is captive to the external drive, then you have a problem, that may be solved by PURCHASING a new empty enclosure, and opening up the faulty one and transferring the hard drive. If the problem goes away when you move to a new socket, then it is likely that you have a damaged or marginal socket.

Answer»

I want switchable access to an external HDD, and have bought (from Ebay) and set up, a number of powered hubs - a number, because I found that 'contact was lost' after a short period of 'normal' functioning, and so replaced the hubs with new ones. After much trial and error (over years) I have discovered reliable operation is achieved only by removing the HDD USB CABLE from the hub socket and then re-inserting it - or simulating that action by moving the connector in the socket without actually extracting the USB plug. The need to 'remove & replace' the plug in the socket, pretty well DEFEATS the purpose of having a switchable hub socket. I would like to know why proper functioning stops after a short period of use when the hub is new; and why 'rubbing the plug in the socket' restores function; and if there is a technique (greasing the socket with graphite powder ?) to make it reliable.Please clarify - same plug, different sockets? Quote

After much trial and error (over years) I have discovered reliable operation is achieved only by removing the HDD USB cable from the hub socket and then re-inserting it - or simulating that action by moving the connector in the socket without actually extracting the USB plug.

This is a typical SYMPTOM of marginal hardware. Same plug, same socket - removal not even needed, just 'jiggling' the plug in the socket brings recognition of the HDD.I was trying to establish if the problem recurs if you insert the same plug in a different socket (I presume whatever device you are connecting to has more than one USB socket?).

If the problem moves to a new socket, it is likely that the USB lead you are USING has a faulty connector. If the lead is detachable at both ends, try a new one - you can buy them. If it is captive to the external drive, then you have a problem, that may be solved by PURCHASING a new empty enclosure, and opening up the faulty one and transferring the hard drive.

If the problem goes away when you move to a new socket, then it is likely that you have a damaged or marginal socket.

Solve : unreliable USB port?

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