Front panel USB freezes computer

[ClickRight]

(Solved Front panel USB freezes computer

Hey All,

I have a PC in my office that will freeze whenever a device is plugged into the front USP ports. I've even disconnected the front panel USB connector from the header on the motherboard, and the computer will STILL freeze when the metal from, for example, a usb key touches it. I've connected another computer's front USB ports to this computer, and it works just fine, so I suspect the problem is with the front panel header USB ports itself. The other front panel connectors (audio and eSATA) work just fine.

PS. the case is a Compucase 6BRBBB Mid-Tower ATX Case.

Anybody have a computer do this before? Any suggestions before I replace the case?

 

[Lone99star]

Didn't you just solve your own issue?
How can you have a bad case?


Customer? Whats wrong with my cpu?

Tech: I think it is a bad case. If I rip the guts out of this machine and put it in a new case you should be fine.

 

[PcTestCard.com]

"I've connected another computer's front USB ports to this computer, and it works just fine"

So the problem seems is the front USB panel then.

Or try install the latest mobo chipset driver and reboot.
The chipset driver may correct the software issue for the USB device as well.

Hope this helps!
Bill
Tech Manager

 

[ClickRight]

Well after some more investigating, I found out I was incorrect. The front e-sata port does the same thing, even though it is NOT connected to the motherboard. I can't see how any of the ports could be shorting on the case as they are encased in plastic.

 

[Vicenarian]

Sounds like there must be a short somewhere there

 

[ClickRight]

Sounds like there must be a short somewhere there

That's what I'm beginning to think. I'm going to pull this sucker apart again and have another look!

 

[MobileTechie]

My computer does this. When you plug in a usb stick the screen goes black and whilst the lights are on and fans are running etc, you can never get the video up and running again without a reboot.

With my amazing technical skills I solved it....by using a USB hub plugged into the back!

 

[Bobbing]

I have seen this happen when the front USB panel cannot supply enough voltage for the device. Yours defiantly is a bad connection.

 

[parker.casey]

My guess - One or more of the USB ports likely has a bent contact, shorting together with another contact. One or both is then shorting to either the case, or the mo/bo. I'd say rip the guts, and rebuild the system in the same case, testing at each step of the way. Should take an hour, charge accordingly. Yeah?

 

[ClickRight]

Ok, I tore this sucker down, replaced the PSU, and then finally the entire case. Even with a new case, the the pc freezes! I can plug into the back USB ports just fine, so I was thinking it may be the motherboard headers, but then why would it happen even when the front USB ports are unplugged from the motherboard?

Now I'm even more confused than when I started and MobileTechie advise to use a USB hub is sounding better and better.

I inspected all of the rear USB ports and they look just find. The computer is only a few months old with an Asus M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 motherboard.

 

[Vicenarian]

Maybe a motherboard standoff is in the wrong place? Just a random guess.

 

[MobileTechie]

Now I'm even more confused than when I started and MobileTechie advise to use a USB hub is sounding better and better.

It wasn't advice, just a comment on how lazy I am with my own machine. I never liked bending down to plug it in anyway.

 

[red12049]

Ok, I tore this sucker down, replaced the PSU, and then finally the entire case. Even with a new case, the the pc freezes! I can plug into the back USB ports just fine, so I was thinking it may be the motherboard headers, but then why would it happen even when the front USB ports are unplugged from the motherboard?

Now I'm even more confused than when I started and MobileTechie advise to use a USB hub is sounding better and better.

I inspected all of the rear USB ports and they look just find. The computer is only a few months old with an Asus M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 motherboard.

Jeez man, this is basic troubleshooting. Is the new case same as the old one?

What else is plugged in on the front panel unit? Unplug everything on that front panel from the mainboard. Still freeze? Then you have a mechanical short somewhere in that area.

No freeze? Good. Plug one item in and see if it freezes. If not, move to the next item. When it freezes, you've found your culprit.

Rick

 

[TimJacobs]

My computer does this. When you plug in a usb stick the screen goes black and whilst the lights are on and fans are running etc, you can never get the video up and running again without a reboot.

With my amazing technical skills I solved it....by using a USB hub plugged into the back!

You Lazy Arse (I think that's what you guys on the other side of the pond call it right???)

 

[ClickRight]

I finally found the problem! I took apart the computer again and removed the I/O shield plate (Asus Q-Shield) and reinstalled the motherboard into the original case. I made certain not to make any other changes. Now the front panel USB works perfectly!

Upon further investigation, it looks like the thick, metal portion of the Q-shield may have been touching the side of the motherboard, causing a short. (Asus Q-Shield's have a thick completely conductive back padding.)

 

[lake54]

Glad to hear you got it sorted. Sure took a while to find the culprit, I never would have guessed it was the shield!

James

 

[Martyn]

Good to get it sorted. Just using a meter though should have instantly found that without all the swapping.

 

[Blues]

I finally found the problem! I took apart the computer again and removed the I/O shield plate (Asus Q-Shield) and reinstalled the motherboard into the original case. I made certain not to make any other changes. Now the front panel USB works perfectly!

Upon further investigation, it looks like the thick, metal portion of the Q-shield may have been touching the side of the motherboard, causing a short. (Asus Q-Shield's have a thick completely conductive back padding.)

I was reading the article beginning to think something like this I don't remember if it was ASUS but I recall reading about an issue with such things on many boards perhaps in general.