MSI K7T266Pro-R (MS-6380) USB problem. Please advise

[Gamblor]

Dear all,

( Introduction )
This problem is very important to me because I do not know if it is my motherboard that is
bad. It is in regards to the MSI K7T266 Pro-R (MS-6380) motherboard's USB and a Microsoft
Intellimouse Explorer.
I'm just looking for a confirmation if other people are having this problem as well.
To first prove that the mouse is in working order, I can tell you that if I use a USB-to-PS2
adapter, the mouse exhibits no problems at all. Also, you have my word that this mouse was
working perfectly before my upgrade to the MS-6380. My system specs and OS are posted at the
end. For easy reading, I've broken my post into sections.

( The Problem )
If you have a moment, please take a look at the following description of my problem:
I have noticed two ways to detect the problem.
First, I notice that the mouse cursor would freeze *intermittently*. It would lock-up for at
most half a second and then keep going again. This happens maybe once every 3 to 5 minutes
and upwards to 10 minutes. It usually requires a few minutes of use before it exhibits its
first symptom. The mouse never fails completely and never requires a reboot. After each
little lock-up, I would be able to continue on without any more glitches.
Second, notice the red decorative light on the Intellimouse Explorer. I'm NOT referring to the
Intelli-eye.(I know the Intelli-eye turns off occasionally) I'm referring to the regular
red light there for decoration and normally, it's suppose to be ALWAYS ON whenever the mouse is initialised. Now, I know I have a problem because that red light doesn't stay ON all the time even though it is suppose to stay on. Whenever I get one of those half-second lock-ups, I can correspond it with that red light turning OFF for a half-second and then come back on again. Once again, this happens when the lock-up happen so it's appx once every 5 minutes or so.

( My plea for Help )
Please do this for me if you have a few minutes to spare:
If you have a K7T266 Pro-R and an Intellimouse Explorer on USB port, please sit at your
computer and stare at the red light for 10 minutes. If it goes off, then I can confirm it's
not my motherboard. Please do not watch for any less than 10 minutes and tell me it is
working for you.

I've tried many different settings in the BIOS and many different hardware configurations.
Even with the most barebone system, I still experience this problem. I have tried different
driver versions and different fixes but still to no avail. I'm not even looking for a fix
right now, I'm just looking for someone's confirmation that this is a problem. If it is my
motherboard, I will need to return it SOON. I've reinstalled Win2k and Win98se about 20
times total now and I still have no improvement. (I'm not exaggerating)

( System Specs and OS )

Windows 2000 SP2 (tried Win98se using seperate HD install as well but same problem)
Athlon 1.2Ghz using 133mhz fsb
MSI K7T266 Pro-R (MS-6380) AMIBIOS v1.3
256mb Crucial PC2100 at 266mhz DDR, 4-way interleaving, Cas 2.5
Maxtor DiamondMax 45Plus 30gig (on Primary master, Ultra DMA enabled)
Pioneer DVD-113CR (on secondary master, PIO mode for now)
RAID on-board is disabled
Diamond V770 Ultra (TNT2 Ultra on 4x AGP)
3Com 3c905B NIC (PCI #2)
SoundBlaster Live value (PCI #3)
Sparkle 300W power supply
(Tested Enermax 350W too)
Keyboard Fujitsu PS/2
Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer USB

( Driver versions )

VIA 4-in-1 v4.32 installed
USB filter 1.08
nVidia reference drivers 6.50
SBLive Liveware 3.0
Intellipoint driver 3.2
All other drivers are default from Win2k

Thank you for your time. Your reply is greatly appreciated.
Cheers!

Calvin
calvin@telus.net

 

[DamianEX]

I am having the same problem, same motherboard but different mouse. When I use my ps2 mouse my system works fine.

I've tried pretty much of everything, USB controller on it's own IRQ, etc but still get the problem with my logitech wireless optical. I believe it's got to a be a problem with the USB port.

Can you tell me what BIOS version you are running, and what USB options you have enabled when you experience the problem?

This is a huge problem for me since I am expecting an IOGEAR USB KVM.

Let me know if you find a solution as well!

Thanks

 

[DamianEX]

I've been doing some research into this problem and it seems to be an MSI related USB problem.

Check out msihardware.com and look in their forums for the K7T266 Pro. A lot of complaints about this very issue and there does not seem to be a solution.

It appears that USB devices are being disconnected sporatically. I'm going to return my board tomorrow and I have to pay a 15% restocking fee, but I'm going to wash my hands of this POS.

I think more motherboard reviews should focus on other aspects of the motherboard instead of just memory and game performance.

Hope this helps

 

[Gamblor]

<< I think more motherboard reviews should focus on other aspects of the motherboard instead of just memory and game performance. >>



Hi DamianEX,

I couldn't agree with you more when it comes to motherboard reviews. I concur that this motherboard is an excellent performer and very stable but that's the extent of all the reviews I've read. It doesn't go into any experiences for &quot;real-world usability&quot;. To sum it up, most reviews don't have enough love.

To answer your questions about my BIOS and USB settings, I was using BIOS v1.3 and I've tried other versions too. Also, I had my USB on one hub at a time while I tested (ie, USB1 only or USB2 only or USB3 only).

I don't think I want to return this motherboard because it truly IS a stable one and a very pleasing performer as well. Perhaps MSI will finally notice all the posts I've made around the net and will look into my email to them.

Cheers