Can I get some help, please, in navigating

[madamesilverspurs]

the help functions on my new laptop? I don't speak geek at all, so that's adding to my difficulties. The computer is a brand new Toshiba Satellite L305-S5894, if that helps. I'd gotten okay finding my way around on my desktop, but that was XP and the laptop has Vista.

Anyway, the thing stopped recognizing the mouse, indicated that it had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. Pitched it and got a new one, and got the same message. That message keeps repeating even though no mouse is plugged in. And when I shut the computer off, it restarts itself.

I did a system restore, it eliminated the AVG that I had downloaded for protection, and it's still giving the faulty mouse message. At this point, I don't know where to proceed.

WIFI is sporadic in my building, so I'm posting and checking my email from my dialup desktop until I can reinstall the AVG.

Any and all assistance very, very much appreciated!

Edited to ask: If push comes to shove, can I uninstall Vista and install XP?

[PennDem]

1. Lots of questions here...

Regarding the mouse malfunction, reply with the exact error message that you are getting. Does the built in trackpad still work?

Regarding the restart problem. How are you shutting the computer down? The more details you can provide, the better.

I'm surprised that your brand new Toshiba did not have at least a trial antivirus program on it. If it came with antivirus, did you remove it before installing AVG? Do not ever install more than one antivirus program at a time on any computer.

RE: If push comes to shove, can I uninstall Vista and install XP?
Not unless you own a retail copy of XP or purchased the laptop with a downgrade license.

[madamesilverspurs]

2. Thanks for responding, PennDem!

Since I first posted, I undid the system restore as it seemed to create more problems and solved none. The AVG is back, and I had uninstalled the trial Norten that was expiring anyway before installing the AVG.

The XP Professional was purchased from the Microsoft company store as a gift for me from a MS alum.

When I shut down the computer I do so through the Start menu, selecting shutdown.

The trackpad does work, but the computer was purchased with a view to doing graphics work so the mouse is much needed. The message window reads:

"USB Device is not recognized

One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. For assistance in solving this problem, click on this message."

When I click on the message, another box comes up in the middle of the screen, repeating the message that a USB device is not recognized. It continues "Location of this device is shown in bold type", yet the window inside the box is empty.

Hope this clarifies. And again, thank you so much for taking the time to answer. We old dogs can learn new tricks, it just takes us a little longer sometimes!

[PennDem]

3. Check to see if there is a BIOS update available

from Toshiba for your model laptop. It may correct both problems.

[PennDem]

4. No BIOS updates available from Toshiba support

for your system. It appears they use a utility to manage the BIOS functions directly through Windows.

TOSHIBA Hardware Setup is the Toshiba configuration management tool available through the Windows operating system. To access it:

Click Start, All Programs, Toshiba, Utilities, and then HWSetup, or click the TOSHIBA Hardware Setup icon in the Optimize tab of TOSHIBA Assist.

You may try checking the USB tab in HWSetup to enable or disable USB Legacy Emulation. Click apply to save the setting.

Try setting the HWSetup to defaults on the General tab. Make sure you record all of your current settings first before clicking the default button.

You could also try going into Windows Device Manager, clicking view, then select show hidden devices. Under the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" heading, right-click on each entry and uninstall it. When all have been removed, reboot the computer and try your mouse again.

Here is a link to download the latest version of Toshiba's HWSetup although you may already be running it. Select the downloads tab and the HWSetp utility is on the 4th page of downloads. FYI -There are a ton of recently updated drivers and utilites for your system in the downloads section.
http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/support/jsp/modelContent.jsp?ct=SB&os=&category=&moid=2144779&rpn=PSLB8U&modelFilter=L305-S5894&selCategory=3&selFamily=1073768663&selModel=2144779%7CPSLB8U#

I noticed a download called Toshiba Service Station for Windows Vista that states: "This software will allow you to check automatically for new software or driver upgrades from the Toshiba Internet server." This might be worthwhile to automate the driver updating process for you.

If all else fails, contact Toshiba support, especially if the system is still under warranty.

One last thought, do you have a bluetooth wireless mouse you could try?

[madamesilverspurs]

5. Whew!

I am relieved by your message, having just been very frustrated in trying to find an update on Toshiba's site. Still a bit slowed by unfamiliar terminology, and that definitely impairs my navigation attempts.

I'll have another cup of coffee, then tackle your suggestions.

The mouse I just purchased is USB, a Microsoft product; personal economics won't permit purchasing another until next month.

Again, much thanks!

[madamesilverspurs]

7. Found the "service station,"

but my model isn't in the list of applicable models.

Still plugging away...

[madamesilverspurs]

9. Mouse is working.

Just tried the suggestion about the battery, and it worked.

But I'm keeping your information on hand for future reference.

Thanks again for your effort on my behalf!

[qanda]

6. I just went through the "usb device not recognized" problem

I did many of the same things you did, including the system restores which made my problems worse. My Sony laptop was only three months old when this started happening. I finally had to do a complete factory reinstall. Guess what? I started getting the "usb device not recognized" problem all over again. Sony scheduled someone to come out and replace the motherboard because they couldn't find any solution. Well, I looked online to find my own answer because it seemed like a very drastic move to replace the motherboard for the problem. I found a website that discussed the issue and said the best solution they have found is doing a power cycle-- shut down the computer, take out the cord (very important) and remove the battery. Leave it for a few minutes and then plug everything back in and restart the computer. This solution worked instantly for me. My computer recognized the driver that was missing (a bluetooth driver) and I was able to go online and download it. My computer has been working perfectly ever since (knock on wood).

[madamesilverspurs]

8. Yeeeehaawwww!

That did the trick! It's hard to remember to 'keep it simple' in pooter world, isn't it?

Thank you so very much!

[qanda]

10. I am so glad I could help!

It's amazing that it really was something so simple.

[PennDem]

11. Nice find qanda!

I came across a similar post about removing the battery that worked for a user for one day. They had to do the same procedure regularly to keep the ports functioning so I never mentioned it. The simple fixes are sometimes the hardest to find.