xp x64 and usb mass storage device

[cL0N31]

when i connect a usb storage dev and start computer xp x64 loads fine into the login screen... but when i actually login into windows and it starts recognizing and setting up drivers for my usb storage dev computer restarts... the dev is good and works perfect on the same machine with the xp pro running but i don't know what's wrong with x64

[Abbadon]

There are many drivers for Windows XP 64 that don't work, I had to go back to Windows XP 32 to continue using all of my devices.

[redwudz]

Check your BIOS settings and make sure USB isn't selected for a boot device. My XP64 computer does the same thing. I don't plug in a USB thumbdrive until after Windows is running. If it's there on boot, it stalls out or reboots. The USB driver is part of the OS, you probably can't update it. You might go to the Microsoft site and see if you can find that problem listed and hopefully a solution.

[cL0N31]

bios settings are fine and computer restarts every time windows detects that my usb storage is turned on and connected even if i turn it on after windows finished booting up... i guess there's no other explanation other than what Abbadon said - buggy x64 driver...

question: what do i loose by going back to win 32 from x64?

[cL0N31]

i wonder whether vista will support 64bit cpus better

[redwudz]

question: what do i loose by going back to win 32 from x64?

That's a hard question to answer. XP64 has a lot of benefits, according to Microsoft. I'm not all that happy with it, though it works fine with my system. I'll leave it to others to give the plus and minuses. I've ran both XP64 and XP32 on my computer in my profile.

With XP64, you do have to make sure you have the latest drivers from your motherboard's site. Most manufacturers should be up to speed with the latest drivers, as XP64 has been around a while.

I suspect your USB problem is more of a motherboard or BIOS problem than with XP64. Update your BIOS and motherboard drivers to the latest versions.

Since you haven't filled out your computer details, it is impossible to give any further advice.

[Morse2]

>>>...question: what do i lose by going back to win 32 from x64?...<<<

Speed and stability - x64 is based on the Server 2003 kernal and IME it's both more stable and "quicker handling" than is 32 bit XP Pro. No way will I go back on my workstation!

Before you do anything, take Redwudz' suggestion and make sure your board isn't trying to boot off the USB. Failing that, try uninstalling the device COMPLETELY and then plug it back in.

If all else fails and your USB doesn't play nice with x64 Pro, why not just use this as an excuse to buy a new larger cap USB drive - you can get a 4GB drive for under $100 these days....and that's enough capacity to try your hand at Bart's PE Builder, USB bootable Linux, etc. in addition to more mundane daily storage requirements.

Good luck and all the best,
Morse

[Skith]

(possibly) performance in a *few* select applications or instances, but only if said applications are truely taking advantage of the 64bit enviroment, and those are few and far between (to my knowledge anyways).

What you gain by going back to 32bit is compatibility, and probably stability, with more devices and software.

XP x64 should be treated as either (1) Something to tinker with, or (2) A very specialized OS which should only be used if you know exactly what you are using it for and why. If you don't already know that, then stick with the 32bit version.

[cL0N31]

I suspect your USB problem is more of a motherboard or BIOS problem than with XP64. Update your BIOS and motherboard drivers to the latest versions.

out of the question - like i said before i've tried winxp pro 32 on the same machine - usb storage working good...

[cL0N31]

If all else fails and your USB doesn't play nice with x64 Pro, why not just use this as an excuse to buy a new larger cap USB drive - you can get a 4GB drive for under $100 these days....and that's enough capacity to try your hand at Bart's PE Builder, USB bootable Linux, etc. in addition to more mundane daily storage requirements.

just 4 gigs under $100... no thanks... i use my enclosure with 40 gigs in it... the enclosure was under $40 and 40gig hd was given me free

[cL0N31]

thank you guys for your replies and for completing my vision on winxp x64... now i agree with the following quote from here:

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is a near feature-complete version of Windows XP Professional that runs on x64 processors.

[Abbadon]

Hi,

You will not lose anything, your CPU can handle 32bits with no problems. I installed Windows XP 64
in my Athlon 64 home made machine and after several failures ended up going back to Win32. Two of my devices (Satellite PCI TV card and Soundblaster Audio card) cannot be used under Win64.

The worst part of all is that the manufacturer of my Satellite card does not plan to release drivers for Win64, Soundblaster drivers are still beta and the applications bundled with the card are not compatible with Win64.

[Morse2]

>>>...just 4 gigs under $100... no thanks... i use my enclosure with 40 gigs in it... the enclosure was under $40 and 40gig hd was given me free...<<<

Didn't realize you were using a USB for a HDD - I was talking about a 4GB "thumb drive", wherein compatibility is between the drive and the OS, rather than between the chipset in the enclosure and the OS, which is the case for you.

Before doing a radical rebuild of your computer's OS, you might look to see if there's an updated 64 bit driver for the chipset on your enclosure.

Good luck and all the best,
Morse

[redwudz]

Here's is a good site to check for XP64 compatibility with devices and programs. http://www.ukgamer.com/article.php4?action=win64

The problem seems to be more with your external device than with XP64. Check the devices manufacturer for updated drivers. I assumed you were having the problem with all USB storage devices. Have you tried the 'Compatibility Wizard' in 'Accessories'?

[cL0N31]

there is no 64 driver for the dev on the offsite... i've switched to win32 and everyhthing works perfect now... when vista 64 is out i'll see whether the problem is in dev or os

[cL0N31]

btw the dev we were discussing here about is this so if you plan to buy it for your x64 machine - dead trick... working good with win32 though