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This guide provides tips for troubleshooting issues related to PC accessories, such as printers, scanners, cameras, mice, keyboards and USB devices.
General Information
General Troubleshooting
USB Ports
Parallel Ports
PS/2 Ports
Serial Ports
IEEE-1394 Ports
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General Information
Latest Windows* Updates
Service Packs
Service packs are the means by which product updates are distributed. Service packs may contain updates for system reliability, program compatibility, security, and more.
For information on how to obtain the latest Service Pack, select your operating system:
Windows Update
Windows Update* provides updates for Windows operating system software and Windows-based hardware. Updates address known issues and help protect against known security threats.
Where to Get Peripherals for Onboard Connectors
Intel® Desktop Boards that do not have built-in legacy ports (parallel, serial, IEEE-1394) may be upgradeable with any of the following:
- Back panel port brackets that plug into onboard connectors
- Front panel modules that plug into onboard connectors
- PCI-based add-in cards
These items are typically available at most computer parts retailers. Onboard connector pin-outs are provided in the boards Product Guide (on the CD) and on the configuration label included with the board.
Integrating Front Panel Devices
Front panel modules are available to add input ports for features such as USB, IEEE-1394 and audio (microphone and headphones). Intel desktop boards often include onboard connectors for these modules. Refer to the documentation that came with your board for specific connector locations.
To install these types of modules:
- Insert the 3.5" module into a drive bay on the chassis.
- Connect the modules cables to the appropriate onboard connector (refer to the desktop board documentation for the location of these connectors):
- For modules with USB ports, connect the USB cable(s) to the onboard USB connectors.
- For modules with IEEE-1394 ports, connect the IEEE1394 cable(s) to the onboard IEEE-1394 connector(s).
- For modules with audio ports, connect the audio cable to the onboard audio connector.
Integrating Back Panel Devices
Back panel brackets are available to add input ports for features such as USB and IEEE-1394. Intel desktop boards often include onboard connectors for these brackets. Refer to the documentation that came with your board for specific connector locations.
To install these types of brackets:
- Attach the bracket to the chassis back panel.
- Connect the modules cables to the appropriate onboard connector (refer to the desktop board documentation for the location of these connectors).
- For brackets with USB ports, connect the USB cable(s) to the onboard USB connector(s).
- For brackets with IEEE-1394, connect the IEEE-1394 cable(s) to the onboard IEEE-1394 connector(s).
Checking for High Speed USB (USB 2.0)
To check if your system supports USB 2.0:
- Click Start > Control Panel > System.
- Go to the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
- Click the + in front of Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- If any of the listed items shows an ENHANCED USB Host Controller, the system supports High Speed USB (USB 2.0).
Types of USB Ports
There are four types of USB ports and connectors:
Front Panel USB Header Pinouts
Intel® Desktop Boards have USB headers that allow for additional USB ports. The ports can be routed either to the front or rear of the chassis by attaching a USB cable. The headers may be labeled "Front Panel USB" or "FNT USB" on the desktop board.
Note: Improperly connecting the USB cable may cause the external ports to not function properly, damage to the desktop board or damage to the external device. Proper connection is recommended.
Use the pin and signal name designators in the image below for attaching your USB cable to the Intel® Desktop Board. Front USB cables are available from many sources. Intel Corporation does not manufacture a USB cable for the USB header.
Note: Computer systems that have an unshielded cable attached to a USB port header may not meet FCC Class B requirements, even if no device is attached to the cable. Use a shielded cable that meets the requirements for full-speed devices.
More information on the specifications of USB and USB devices can be found at USB.org*
Types of IEEE-1394 Ports
There are two types of IEEE-1394 ports:
IEEE-1394A and IEEE-1394B Compatibility
1394a provides speeds up to 400 Megabits/second. 1394b increases bandwidth up to 800 Megabits/second. Many high end camcorders, digital cameras, hard disk drives, printers, and scanners are designed for 1394A or 1394B.
A 1394B port is backward compatible, meaning it will accept both 1394A and 1394B devices. 1394A ports will accept only 1394A devices.
Consumer Infrared
Consumer Infrared (CIR) is a key feature for new Media Center PCs. The integrated CIR solution on Intel® Desktop Boards includes the following features:
- Works with cost-effective front-panel receivers and back-panel emitters
- Eliminates the need for USB CIR dongle, saving the port for other devices
- Wakes your system from all sleep states using remote control
- Supports receiving, learning and emitting capabilities
- Controls up to two additional CE devices with your PC (e.g., set-top box)
Visit www.easy-cir.com for more information on compatible CIR receivers and emitters.
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General Troubleshooting
Latest Microsoft* Windows* Updates
Service Packs
Service packs are the means by which product updates are distributed. Service packs may contain updates for system reliability, program compatibility, security, and more.
For information on how to obtain the latest Service Pack, select your operating system:
Windows Update
Windows Update* provides updates for Windows operating system software and Windows-based hardware. Updates address known issues and help protect against known security threats.
Get the Latest BIOS for the Intel® Desktop Board
If you are experiencing issues with peripheral ports on your desktop board, the latest BIOS revision may help. However, we recommend you update the BIOS on your computer only if the newer BIOS version specifically solves a problem you have. We do not recommend BIOS updates for computers that do not need it. You can view all BIOS changes in the Release Notes included on the BIOS download pages in Download Center.
Install Latest Device Drivers from Peripheral Manufacturer
Many peripheral devices require specific drivers provided with the device. Be sure to install those manufacturers drivers. We also recommend you check the manufacturers websites for updated drivers and troubleshooting tips.
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USB Ports
Need USB 2.0 Drivers
USB 2.0 drivers are included in the latest Windows* XP Service Pack*.
USB Drivers Not Installed
If you plug in a USB device and it is not detected in Windows*, check that all drivers have been properly installed:
- Check Device Manager for errors on system devices (Start > Control Panel > System > Hardware tab > Device Manager).
- If errors on USB devices are present, re-install the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility. This utility can be installed from either:
- The Express Installer CD that came with your board (in the Software\Driver\Chipset_INF folder)
- The latest driver downloaded from Intel's Download Center.
USB is Disabled in BIOS
Check that USB is enabled in BIOS. To check the setting in the BIOS:
- Enter BIOS Setup by pressing [F2] during boot.
- Go to the Advanced > USB Configuration menu.
- Set USB 2.0 to Enabled.
- Exit and save changes [F10].
USB 2.0 Devices Operate at USB 1.1 Speeds
If you see messages in Windows like A HI-SPEED USB device is plugged into a non-HI-SPEED USB hub try the following:
- Make sure you have the latest drivers for the USB device you are using. Refer to the manufacturers website for the latest drivers.
- Ensure High Speed USB is enabled in BIOS:
a. Enter BIOS Setup by pressing [F2] during boot.
b. Go to the Advanced > USB Configuration menu.
c. Set High Speed USB to Enabled.
d. Exit and save changes [F10].
- If you've made sure that everything on your computer is USB 2.0-compliant, and you're still getting low-speed results, see the Microsoft* Knowledge Base article, Universal Serial Bus 2.0 Support in Windows XP* for more detailed information.
Peripheral Lights Stay Lit When Computer is Off
Some lntel® Desktop Boards are designed to have continued power supply in standby mode even if the system has been shut down. USB or PS/2 optical devices (such as mice and card readers) may stay lit when a computer with this feature is turned off.
Devices Do Not Work When Plugged into USB Hubs
Some USB devices fail to operate properly if plugged into non-powered USB hubs.
Check to see if your USB hub has its own power supply (powered) or if it gets its power simply by plugging into the USB port on the computer (non-powered).
Non-powered hubs may not provide sufficient power for your USB device. If you have a non-powered USB hub, you may need to plug your device directly into the USB port on the computer.
If your hub is a powered hub, make sure that you have connected the power supply to AC power. Some powered hubs also have a switch on them to switch back and forth between powered mode and non-powered mode. Make sure the switch is in the powered mode position.
USB Devices Do Not Work in DOS Mode
If USB Legacy Support is disabled in the BIOS, you will not be able to use your USB mouse or keyboard in any of the following situations:
- Running your computer in Safe mode.
- Using a Windows Startup menu.
- Starting your computer in MS-DOS mode (instead of opening a MS-DOS session from Windows).
- Starting your computer from a floppy disk or leaving a floppy disk in the drive when you turn on or restart your computer.
- Windows "blue screen" errors that ask you to "Press any key to continue".
- Responding to ScanDisk and other messages during the start-up sequence.
- Editing or upgrading the BIOS.
- Entering a BIOS password.
Check for and enable USB Legacy Support:
- Attach a PS/2 keyboard to the computer and boot the system.
- Enter BIOS Setup by pressing [F2] during boot.
- Go to the Advanced > USB Configuration menu.
- Set Legacy USB Support to Enabled. (May be listed as USB Legacy)
- Exit and save changes [F10].
Any USB mouse or keyboard should now work in DOS mode.
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Parallel Ports
Parallel Port Disabled in BIOS
Check that the parallel port is enabled in BIOS. To check the setting:
- Enter BIOS Setup by pressing [F2] during boot.
- Go to the Advanced > Peripheral Configuration menu.
- Set Parallel Port to Enabled.
- Exit and save changes [F10].
Setting Parallel Port Mode
An incorrectly set parallel port mode may cause a printer or scanner to run slowly or not work at all. The parallel port mode has 4 options: Output only, Bi-directional, EPP and ECP. These settings determine the speed and transmission capabilities of the parallel-port connection.
Many printers may not function unless you set the parallel port to ECP. Your printer or scanner manual should indicate the correct mode you must use.
To set the parallel port mode:
- Enter BIOS Setup by pressing [F2] during boot.
- Go to the Advanced > Peripheral Configuration menu.
- Set Mode to ECP (or appropriate setting for your device).
- Exit and save changes [F10].
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PS/2 Ports
USB-to-PS/2 Converters
Plugging USB devices into PS/2 ports: You may experience PS/2 port issues if you plug a USB device into a PS/2 port with a USB-to-PS/2 converter. Some USB devices will not work in this configuration. Refer to the device documentation to see if this connection is supported.
Plugging PS/2 devices into USB ports: You may experience PS/2 device issues if you plug a PS/2 device into a USB port with a PS/2-to-USB converter. Some PS/2 devices will not work in this configuration. Refer to the device documentation to see if this connection is supported.
Peripheral Lights Stay Lit When Computer is Off
Some lntel® Desktop Boards are designed to have continued power supply in standby mode even if the system has been shut down. USB or PS/2 optical devices (such as mice and card readers) may stay lit when a computer with this feature is turned off.
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Serial Ports
Serial Port is Disabled in BIOS
Check that the serial port is enabled in BIOS. To check the setting:
- Enter BIOS Setup by pressing [F2] during boot.
- Go to the Advanced > Peripheral Configuration menu.
- Set Serial Port A to Auto or Enabled.
- Exit and save changes [F10].
Incorrect IRQ Assignment
Serial ports may not work properly if the Interrupt Request (IRQ) and Base I/O assignment is incorrect. A computer supports up to 4 serial ports, COM1 COM4. (On Intel® Desktop Boards, serial ports are designated Serial A, Serial B, etc.)
Standard IRQ assignments are:
- COM1: IRQ 4, I/O 03F8
- COM2: IRQ 3; I/O 02F8
- COM3: IRQ 4; I/O 03E8
- COM4: IRQ 3; I/O 02E8
To set the IRQ and I/O assignment in BIOS:
- Enter BIOS Setup by pressing [F2] during boot.
- Go to the Advanced > Peripheral Configuration menu.
- Set Serial Port A to Enabled.
- Set the Base I/O Address to the standard assignment.
- Set the Interrupt to the standard assignment.
- Exit and save changes [F10].
Serial Device Jumpered Incorrectly
Some older serial devices require jumpers to be set to indicate the IRQ and I/O assignments. Refer to the documentation that came with the serial device for information on setting the jumpers.
Incorrect Serial Header Pin Connection
Check the pin assignments of the desktop boards serial connector and make sure the cable from the serial device is connected correctly to the pin-outs. Intel desktop boards require a 'straight-through' configuration. We recommend cable lengths of at least 16 inches.
|
Serial Port (2x5) Onboard Header |
2x5 pin |
Signal Name |
DB9 Pin |
Male 9-Pin D-Sub Connector |
|
|
1 |
DCD |
1 |
|
|
2 |
RxD# |
2 |
|
3 |
TxD# |
3 |
|
4 |
DTR |
4 |
|
5 |
Ground |
5 |
|
6 |
DSR |
6 |
|
7 |
RTS |
7 |
|
8 |
CTS |
8 |
|
9 |
RI |
9 |
|
10 |
--- |
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25-Pin to 9-Pin Serial Adapters
If you have a 25-pin serial device, youll need to use a 25-pin to 9-pin adapter to connect to the serial port on your Intel® Desktop Board.
Direct Connection Between Two Computers
You can set up a direct connection between two computers through the serial ports by using a null modem cable. This is especially useful when transferring large amounts of data from one computer to the other.
For configuration details, refer to How To Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP*.
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IEEE-1394 Ports
IEEE-1394 is Disabled in BIOS
Check that IEEE-1394 is enabled in BIOS. To check the setting:
- Enter BIOS Setup by pressing [F2] during boot.
- Go to the Advanced > Peripheral Configuration menu.
- Set IEEE-1394 to Enabled. (May be listed as Onboard 1394)
- Exit and save changes [F10].
Incorrect IEEE-1394 Header Pin Connection
Check the pin assignments of the desktop boards IEEE-1394 connector and make sure the cable from the device is connected correctly to the pin-outs.
This applies to:
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