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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
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
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.
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.
There are a number of things which elicit this error. My response was to those who have plugged in an external drive via a usb port and failed to eject it before disconnecting. The computer or laptop from which you have removed the drive without properly ejecting it, will then refuse to reconnect with it. It does not seem likely that one would have to eject a printer. But if you have access to another computer, you might plug it in there and see if it works. If so, I suggest you click on the little ^ located at the far right of your task bar. If the popup shows a kind of vertical rectangle with a little check mark in the lower right corner, click on it and see if it offers you the option to safely remove hardware. If you have that, click on it and if it lists your printer, click on that and wait for the notification that you can safely remove hardware. At that point you could probably plug it back into the original computer and it would work.
Regarding error Code 43 resolution tips, I don't understand this statement from above: "The problem can be rectified merely by plugging the device into a different computer, letting it load up and then properly ejecting it."
What does it mean to eject it? My problem is that my Dell Inspiron (Windows 10) can't seem to communicate my HP printer [Deskjet 2132] which I'm connecting by USB, not wirelessly. but I consistently get these USB errors "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) and then see it's a Code 43 error from Windows. This printer works with my older Compaq laptop which uses Windows Vista.
I've tried all the suggestions from removing the battery to uninstalling the USB devices and rebooting. I can't get rid of this one USB error!!! I have gone thru all the HP t/s guides and HP can't seem to talk to this printer either, probably because of this USB problem.
HELP!!! and thanks.
So how do I do this on an ASUS windows 8 two-in-one?
