[SOLVED] usb not working with win 7 home premium sp1

[ccrb]

hp presario cq56, gifted to me.

I cleaned out assorted malware, but one thing I haven't solved is that I can't plug in a usb device and get anything recognized. I've tried thumb drives, and my smart phone. cord is good. phone charges battery via usb. But it never sees the device.

Let me qualify that. The smart phone shows up in device manager with a driver error. (a driver should not be needed), and attempts to get a driver fail.

not sure what my next step is... any advice is appreciated.

oh, and, when I try "start" "computer" "manage" it doesn't do anything. I had to go into device mgr another way. this may be related.

 

[ccrb]

turns out Norton Internet Security, long uninstalled, was still running as a service. Norton removal tool took it out, and solved the issue.

I detest Norton/Symantec. over the years, perhaps a dozen PCs where you couldn't uninstall it. and perhaps 4 that blocked all internet communication until the product was removed.

I can close this thread myself.

 

[Patrick]

Good to hear you got it solved.

FWIW, I generally find that using the Add/Remove programs method of uninstalling isn't enough for antiviruses, so I always refer to the uninstaller tools.

Regards,

Patrick

 

[Digerati]

FWIW, I generally find that using the Add/Remove programs method of uninstalling isn't enough for antiviruses, so I always refer to the uninstaller tools.

[rant on]

Especially true with Norton - the biggest most egregious offender, IMO. And while I fully understand anti-malware programs must dig deep and set deep hooks, I personally feel it is poor, lazy, mismanaged programming when the program's own uninstaller routine, whether activated via the Control Panel applet or by a shortcut provided by the program, fails to totally remove the program from our systems. And I find it particularly offensive when these so-called "good guy" security programs leave services, not just installed, but "started" and running after (supposedly successfully) uninstalling the program. :censored2: :censored2: :censored2:

I don't mind if it takes a reboot to fully remove the final hooks and remnants, but then I expect no traces to be left behind after that. Particularly, nothing running! :shame2:

Norton is so egregious (and has been for decades ), that I feel their Norton Removal Tool claims that it is for failed "installs" and "damaged" Norton products is simply PR hogwash. It is marketing weenie speak. The tool should be bundled with every Norton product, IMO.

That said, I do prefer and recommend using a program's own uninstaller (or the via the Control Panel), then use Revo or the Norton Removal Tool (or both - and CCleaner too) to clear out the flotsam and jetsam left behind.

I also REALLY dislike how a Norton "trial" version comes free, and already installed on many factory built computers, then when the trial period nears the end, the product uses scare tactics to intimidate users into paying a premium to keep protection running. :mad7: And not just a one-time premium payment either.

McAfee is not much better.

In all fairness, both are very effective at keeping your computer secure - but, IMO, at too big a cost - literally and figuratively.

[rant off]

 

[Patrick]

Yep, agreed with everything you said.

You can find the list of uninstallers on Corrine's blog - Antivirus Product Removal Tools ~ Security Garden

It's listed elsewhere, but Corrine's is the prettiest :grin1: