error code 43 when USB not recognised

Anonymous
2010-01-15T14:58:42+00:00

I have a Windows 7 pc, a laptop running XP and a USB flash drive that I would like to use to back up files. It works on the laptop, and it did work first of all on the pc. But now I get a message saying device not recognised due to malfunction of device. And in device manager I'm told that it's an error 43 code. I'd be grateful for any advice; also, should I try buying a new memory stick/flashdrive exclusively for the pc? I've tied uninstalling the device and restarting the computer, but to no avail.

thanks,

laurencewithau

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2016-08-26T21:45:13+00:00

As I have mentioned periodically on this forum:  quite often, the problem arises because a USB connected device has not been properly ejected.  The problem can be rectified merely by plugging the device into a different computer, letting it load up and then properly ejecting it.  You can then take it back into the other computer and it will work.  This is a problem if you are limited to accessing only the one computer that is showing the error.

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Anonymous
2012-02-21T02:53:42+00:00

Hello laurencewithau,

Error Code 43 is a Device Manager error that means the following:

Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

When you get this error with USB devices it’s because one of the drivers controlling the device notified the operating system that the device failed in some manner. This can be because of corruption in one of the loaded drivers and the driver cache just needs to be flushed. Unplugging the computer sometimes doesn’t resolve the problem because the battery still holds power. To fix this, unplug all of your USB devices, then turn off the PC and take out the battery (This is assuming that you’re on a laptop), let the PC set for about 5 minutes, then put the battery back in and restart the PC. Next, plug your USB devices back in one at a time and make sure that they work.

If this does not work or you’re on a desktop, follow the steps in this KB article

Error: “USB Device not recognized” when you try to access a USB external hard drive.

(Mainly methods 3, 4,and 5)

Thanks

L.D.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-11-05T16:04:33+00:00

    Thanks a ton; powering down and unplugging my Dell Studio XPS desktop worked – next step would have been to reinstall Windows 7. The “Unknown Device” turned out to be a built-in Realtek Card Reader. Unbelievably simple solution! Thanks again for posting.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-10-13T11:25:09+00:00

    Hello,

    I've done what you wrote and the link is:

    https://skydrive.live.com/#cid=1CD865A157789B2F&id=1CD865A157789B2F!105

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-09-07T22:11:35+00:00

    This code 43 has been bothering me for months. Almost ready to replace the usb controller. Tried many suggested ways. They were similar. One important step is to unplug all usb devices, cut the power to the computer for a few minutes, start the computer, then plug the usb devices one by one to let the computer re-install the drivers one at a time. My problem has been solved. The usb controller can recognize all my usb devices now. Mine is a desktop.  Thanks to LittleDevil501.

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