gmichaelbeach Loc: Connecticut

Thanks Chrissybabe! FYI: This all happened yesterday, Tuesday, June 26th 2018, I was running Windows 10 Home Ed. When it happened the 1st indication of the problem was that my wireless mouse stopped working. I eliminated the mouse as the source, while also testing it in all 3 of the 3.0 USBs. Nothing worked. I tried to back up some files but neither a 64 gig SD card, (THE INTERNAL CARD READER also did not function, (no recognition)); nor did a 2 tig external, USB connected hard drive work. I hot and cold rebooted several times (But never unplugged the machine's adapter.) I did exhaustive research on Google and discovered this problem to be somewhat common and also that ASUS (mine is an 8 gig RAM, i7 quad processor) laptops were fairly susceptible to both external mouse & internal "mouse" pads (my pad worked fine.) Google also revealed a plethora of solutions, but none of them mentioned unplugging.
Wouldn't the laptop's main battery obviate the effect of unplugging? Anyway, it is a solution that makes some sense to me and you have vastly greater knowledge and experience than do I with this subject. So I appreciate your reply and advice.
When I finally got around to calling Microsoft Support, they directed me to try resetting the default something or other, which I did, but to no avail.
As my last resort I attempted 2 "factory" resets. That didn't work until the 3rd time.
Now, apparently all USB ports work!! I have to go through the initial Windows 10 setup bs... so far so good, but I'm tiptoeing through it cautious of some new problem arrising. So far, so good.
Anyway, sorry for the rambling recitation.
Thanks again Chrissybabe for your input.

gmichaelbeach Loc: Connecticut

Thanks mrhea! However your suggestion to "deleting the usb entries in windows device manager...." is beyond my level of understanding. E.g, what are "usb entries?" I must admit to being clueless here. Anyway, too late for that as I have reinstalled windows I realize many of my apps/programs are now gone; I'm praying that I haven't lost files!! I haven't gotten that far yet. I guess I'm afraid to find out.

gmichaelbeach Loc: Connecticut

I want to thank everyone for your input and advice. There are a lot of very smart people in the UHH!
I'll keep you posted (as it were) as to my outcomes.
Please say a prayer.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I find that a cold re-boot usually solves 99% of the problems occurring with Windoze operating systems. (yes I'm aware of the spelling). I have never had to re-install an OS to solve a problem.
--Bob

Dave H2

I also have 38 years of computer experience. The suggestions to cold boot are excellent. Remember however, that your pictures are on the hard drive. You can always remove the hard drive and read it on another computer to access your photos.
Good luck,
Dave

ChuckMc Loc: Prescott, AZ

I have several thoughts here. First, as another asked, what is your version of Windoze? When did you last update the OS? Also, how old is your PC? Do you regularly backup and especially do you perform regular maintenance? RE the latter, a good package is CCleaner. They have a free version, but I find it worth while to pay for their upgrade.
You are obviously concerned RE losing your files; I don't think that is a problem. I agree with another comment that you probably have corrupted drivers. If so, the good news is that is easily fixed. The bad news is that it is too complex for me to take you through it here. I suggest you find a local service who can perform the fix. There are several good ones, a surprisingly good one is Staples. I'm sure it varies from place to place, but I've even used one in So Calif and I'm rather technical.
For you in the future, and others: perform routine maintenance with CCleaner (if you're not technical, get someone to recommend settings); keep your PC up-to-date; and most, regularly backup your system! Regularly!!! That includes having an OS restore disk or a USB thumb drive. For your data, you should have 3 separate copies: one is your drive in the PC, a backup drive separate from the PC, and the third off site. If you are really doing this right, you should be able to reformat your hard drive and restore the OS, applications, and data on a yearly basis. I confess I've fallen down in this area. It is a pain but worth while.
One last thing, there is another freebe out there called Belarc Advisor. I try and run it monthly, but it usually ends up being quarterly. This will give you a rather complete report of what you have installed and the status of your updates, and more. By comparing a current report against a previous one, you can focus in on changes. Changes you may not have been aware were made!
The totality of the above may seem daunting, but when you lose your system snd/or data, it is absolutely worth it.
Hope I've given you a path. I wish you well.

11bravo

Right click "This PC". From the pop-up window, select "Manage" (left click). This'll bring up the computer management window. Select "Device Manager" (left click).

For a mouse problem, left click "Mice and other pointing devices" on the > symbol. For your mouse, right click and select Properties". Check its status. With a right click, you can try and Disable Device, then Enable Device. If that doesn't work, try Uninstall device, then Scan for Hardware changes to force windows to install.

USB devices are under "Universal Serial Bus Controllers". Trouble here is determining which one. See if anyone has a yellow ! in a triangle next to it. Also check "Other Devices" for unknown devices.

Check out Nirsoft USBDeview to get a listing of all USB devices. This little utility can also disable/enable devices. Nirsoft has a number of useful utilities on his site.

A cold boot can't hurt.

www.nirsoft.net/utils/usb_devices_view.html

tomcat

I sure wish that gene51 would join this discussion. I would love to hear him talk about PCs and how he would solve this problem......

ChuckMc Loc: Prescott, AZ

Let me add to what 11bravo said. If you delete a device manager, the OS will download and install a new one. Yes, it is scary the first time, but it works.