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Have USB ports changed over the last few years?

MrMatt

MrMatt

Banned
I built a computer with an ASUS A8V deluxe mobo in it, back in February 2005. I have a Canon Pixma 4200 printer that I hooked up to one of the USB slots. Recently I built a new computer. But for some reason the USB connector from my printer won't fit in ANY of the USB ports on the new mobo. I check it on my old computer, and the USB fits fine. I just bought a new HP laptop...and the same problem occurs, the USB connector won't fit in the slots. What gives? What can I do to fix this?

Here's a couple pics of the USB connector


img6895.jpg


img6898.jpg
 
The (physical)standard hasn't changed any. I'd suspect your connector has gotten bent/worn over the years, and your old port stretched to fit it. Now that you have a fresh new port, it doesn't fit right anymore. If you're sure you have the right end up, you should be able to get it back in shape with a screwdriver and some pliers.
 
lxskllr said:
The (physical)standard hasn't changed any. I'd suspect your connector has gotten bent/worn over the years, and your old port stretched to fit it. Now that you have a fresh new port, it doesn't fit right anymore. If you're sure you have the right end up, you should be able to get it back in shape with a screwdriver and some pliers.
Click to expand...

I'll have to try this. I just don't know what to do/change
 
MrMatt said:
I'll have to try this. I just don't know what to do/change
Click to expand...

Feel the connector, become the port, be one with the computer grasshopper... :^D

That's actually how you do it. With careful feeling, you can get an idea of where it's hanging up. Make small changes until it fits. It would be best to do this on a front port on your desktop case. That way, if you screw it up, it can be replaced easily. Better than messing up a mb port, or one one your notebook.
 
lxskllr said:
:^O

What kind of geek are you?!?! You fix that cable until you break the whole computer, and buy all new parts :^D
Click to expand...

plus it'd have to be compatible with my printer.


So are you saying that by dicking around with the cable it might fux0r one of my usb ports?
 
FIXED!

See whhen I would look into the USB connector I would see that black thing and think it was part of the connector...except it wasn't. FINALLY fixed


img6899.jpg
 
MrMatt said:
plus it'd have to be compatible with my printer.


So are you saying that by dicking around with the cable it might fux0r one of my usb ports?
Click to expand...

There's always a chance, but it's pretty small.I'd have the computer shut off while you were fitting the cable. I wouldn't hesitate to refit the cable, but if you aren't comfortable with it, buying a new cable isn't a bad idea.

They're all standardized. I'm sure it has the computer part on one end, and a small square on the other end. They all have official terms, and wikipedia would probably tell you what they are. You could get one from BestBuy and get reamed on price. The dollar store may have one that fits, or you could get one online from monoprice. I haven't dealt with them before, but everybody seems to like them for cables.

Edit:
Glad you got it fixed :^)
 
lxskllr said:
There's always a chance, but it's pretty small.I'd have the computer shut off while you were fitting the cable. I wouldn't hesitate to refit the cable, but if you aren't comfortable with it, buying a new cable isn't a bad idea.

They're all standardized. I'm sure it has the computer part on one end, and a small square on the other end. They all have official terms, and wikipedia would probably tell you what they are. You could get one from BestBuy and get reamed on price. The dollar store may have one that fits, or you could get one online from monoprice. I haven't dealt with them before, but everybody seems to like them for cables.

Edit:
Glad you got it fixed :^)
Click to expand...

thanks! And thanks for the monoprice link, had never heard of them before
 
MrMatt said:
FIXED!

See whhen I would look into the USB connector I would see that black thing and think it was part of the connector...except it wasn't. FINALLY fixed


img6899.jpg
Click to expand...

UH OH...

That little black piece is part of a female USB port. BE VERY CAREFUL PLUGGING ANY CABLES INTO THE PORT TO WHICH THAT CABLE WAS PREVIOUSLY ATTACHED. Sorry for the caps, but I've been in that exact situation, and it ended up in a fried USB header on my mobo.
 
mfenn said:
UH OH...

That little black piece is part of a female USB port. BE VERY CAREFUL PLUGGING ANY CABLES INTO THE PORT TO WHICH THAT CABLE WAS PREVIOUSLY ATTACHED. Sorry for the caps, but I've been in that exact situation, and it ended up in a fried USB header on my mobo.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I wouldn't use that previous port ever again. I never even considered that a port would get worn out enough to have that piece break off.
 
Too bad you don't live nearby. I have like 30 USB cables in one place or another. Never buy gold plated USB cables. I'm surprised there aren't some Monster™ USB cables for sale. LOL

Edit: Yes there are! Haha... all for $25 for a 7' cable!

* Precision 24k gold contacts and connector shell maximize signal integrity
*SingleHelix construction delivers increased 500 MHz bandwidth, five times the minimum USB requirement
* Laser-controlled USB Extruder ensures cable delivers fastest data transfer above 400 Mbps
* Larger gauge power conductor for maximum, low-loss power transfer to self powered USB devices
* Hex Mesh jacket to keep cable tangle-free
* High density triple layer shielding rejects noise for the most accurate data transfer

Seriously, don't buy Monster. Go to monoprice. Glad that you found the problem. 🙂
 
mfenn said:
UH OH...

That little black piece is part of a female USB port. BE VERY CAREFUL PLUGGING ANY CABLES INTO THE PORT TO WHICH THAT CABLE WAS PREVIOUSLY ATTACHED. Sorry for the caps, but I've been in that exact situation, and it ended up in a fried USB header on my mobo.
Click to expand...

shit...I'm going to have to look at the port it came out of. I don't really use the computer it came off of anymore; but I may give it to my mom, I'll have to check it out. THANK YOU!



bigboxes said:
Too bad you don't live nearby. I have like 30 USB cables in one place or another. Never buy gold plated USB cables. I'm surprised there aren't some Monster™ USB cables for sale. LOL

Edit: Yes there are! Haha... all for $25 for a 7' cable!

* Precision 24k gold contacts and connector shell maximize signal integrity
*SingleHelix construction delivers increased 500 MHz bandwidth, five times the minimum USB requirement
* Laser-controlled USB Extruder ensures cable delivers fastest data transfer above 400 Mbps
* Larger gauge power conductor for maximum, low-loss power transfer to self powered USB devices
* Hex Mesh jacket to keep cable tangle-free
* High density triple layer shielding rejects noise for the most accurate data transfer

Seriously, don't buy Monster. Go to monoprice. Glad that you found the problem. 🙂
Click to expand...

LMAO! Monster USB Cable. I'm laughing in class right now.
 
Well now that the OP got his problem fixed, let's talk about the USB connector. Why did they have to make it so it only fits one way? Seems like it wouldn't have been too hard to make it symmetrical so it can go in either way. I hate how I always have to guess which way it goes and end up wrong half the time.
 
M0RPH said:
Well now that the OP got his problem fixed, let's talk about the USB connector. Why did they have to make it so it only fits one way? Seems like it wouldn't have been too hard to make it symmetrical so it can go in either way. I hate how I always have to guess which way it goes and end up wrong half the time.
Click to expand...

I agree. The USB "A" type connector has got to be the most horrid design in recent memory. If the connector isn't going to be symmetrical, it should at least be obviously asymmetrical like the original Firewire connector.
 
mfenn said:
I agree. The USB "A" type connector has got to be the most horrid design in recent memory. If the connector isn't going to be symmetrical, it should at least be obviously asymmetrical like the original Firewire connector.
Click to expand...

I agree. It should be keyed somehow to obviously fit one way. I always seem to guess wrong which way it is.
 
If everything was assembled correctly, the USB logo on the cable should face up when it's plugged in. The front port on my case was put in upside down, but I haven't felt like taking the time to fix it.
 
lxskllr said:
If everything was assembled correctly, the USB logo on the cable should face up when it's plugged in. The front port on my case was put in upside down, but I haven't felt like taking the time to fix it.
Click to expand...

Wow, I never noticed that! That's actually really helpful.

Unfortunately a lot of devices (thumb drives esp.) don't have a USB logo on them. 🙁
 
All of my USB ports (front and back) are orientated vertically, not horizontally. I have one aftermarket card reader (3.5" bay) that has a couple of horizontal USB ports. Although I installed it correctly I have to insert the USB plugs upside-down. I can remember that. It's the vertical ports that are challenging.
 
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