External USB2 (and probably FireWire) drive: delayed Windows write error
I have an external 120GB WD disc in a USB2 enclosure. The device keeps connecting and disconnecting occasionally and I get a "Windows - Delayed write failed" error. This happened on 3 PCs, with VIA and nForce chipsets on Windows XP. Same happened also when using a Seagate HD (both brand new). I also replaced the USB2 enclosure (tried both 3.5 and 5.25), USB cable, etc.
I also tried all the tips recommended on this very thorough discussion thread: http://forums.viaarena.com/messageview.cfm?catid=16&threadid=50469
I upgraded the BIOS and the system is configured correctly to page memory for programs (I also tried the "System Cache" option).
The same thing also happened on one PC when writing to a USB2 disk on key and also in the middle of a USB2 DVD-R burn.
I did not try it on other OS but heard this also happens with FireWire external drives.
It seems to be a MS bug but there is no MS documentation
I also tried all the tips recommended on this very thorough discussion thread: http://forums.viaarena.com/messageview.cfm?catid=16&threadid=50469
I upgraded the BIOS and the system is configured correctly to page memory for programs (I also tried the "System Cache" option).
The same thing also happened on one PC when writing to a USB2 disk on key and also in the middle of a USB2 DVD-R burn.
I did not try it on other OS but heard this also happens with FireWire external drives.
It seems to be a MS bug but there is no MS documentation
Callandor
I have a USB 2.0 external drive that works fine, so I would not say it's an OS bug. The delayed write error is happening because the system senses your drive losing it's connection at random times. Since it is using a write-cache, this causes the error to appear. Fixing sporadic USB connections involves trying different USB ports, and perhaps a powered USB hub. I have noticed that USB behavior can vary from motherboard to motherboard, so it may just be a case of a marginal controller or port. You could also get a PCI USB card and try that.
Are you sure the port on the PC is a USB 2 port?
What windows service pack are these computers running?
ASKER
I am sure it's USB2. I will try with a PCI USB2 card as well. Maybe it is a problem with certain controllers.
Win XP SP1. I should also check with SP2 but I read that it didn't help.
Win XP SP1. I should also check with SP2 but I read that it didn't help.
In reading the previous threads something caught my attention.
1. You tested the USB2 HD on another computer and it worked fine.
2. You tried a different USB Cable, etc.
Where are you plugging in the power adaptor for the USB2 HD?
Try connecting the computer and the Power supply on another plug. Preferebly in another room and or opposite wall. Most houses are wired in series and switching plugs that are next to each other wont help.
The reason I recommend this is that I also run external HD's and CD-ROM's without a problem in 2k and XP. You tried moving the drive to another machine and it worked fine. The only thing that you did not test was moving the computer and USB2 HD to a different power source.
Also check your UPS or Surge Protector.
Gus
1. You tested the USB2 HD on another computer and it worked fine.
2. You tried a different USB Cable, etc.
Where are you plugging in the power adaptor for the USB2 HD?
Try connecting the computer and the Power supply on another plug. Preferebly in another room and or opposite wall. Most houses are wired in series and switching plugs that are next to each other wont help.
The reason I recommend this is that I also run external HD's and CD-ROM's without a problem in 2k and XP. You tried moving the drive to another machine and it worked fine. The only thing that you did not test was moving the computer and USB2 HD to a different power source.
Also check your UPS or Surge Protector.
Gus
Have you tried accessing the external drive using WD's Data Lifeguard Tool? I guess you have formated the drive in NTSF. Do you have a FAT partition in that drive?
NTSF is a common culprit that involves in "delayed write" trouble among high-speed external devices.
In addition to the USB hardware controller, one important element that determines whether it's a usB?$!h is the chipset in your enclosure, such as Prolific or Oxford, etc., the latter may make life with an external enclosure a bit easier.
It's very hard to be a successful matchmaker between USB2 or firewire devices. They are very hardware-dependent and system specific. Can you be more specific on your hardware and software parameters?
Other than trying different USB card(such as one with NEC chipset) or ports, you may also try the following:
Under the USB Controllers Properpties in Device Manager, find out to which USB root hub your external drive is connected. then UNcheck the "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" under "Power management"
see if that may help.
Best of luck.
NTSF is a common culprit that involves in "delayed write" trouble among high-speed external devices.
In addition to the USB hardware controller, one important element that determines whether it's a usB?$!h is the chipset in your enclosure, such as Prolific or Oxford, etc., the latter may make life with an external enclosure a bit easier.
It's very hard to be a successful matchmaker between USB2 or firewire devices. They are very hardware-dependent and system specific. Can you be more specific on your hardware and software parameters?
Other than trying different USB card(such as one with NEC chipset) or ports, you may also try the following:
Under the USB Controllers Properpties in Device Manager, find out to which USB root hub your external drive is connected. then UNcheck the "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" under "Power management"
see if that may help.
Best of luck.
ASKER
I used an external power supply connected to the external enclosure. I used it on computer in different locations. This is not the case.
one
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293842
two
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;842520
three -- when unplugging usb 2.0
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;818788
four
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328504
try reading through these
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293842
two
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;842520
three -- when unplugging usb 2.0
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;818788
four
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328504
try reading through these
ASKER
I tried everything except using a USB2 PCI card. Everything failed so far. I also tried XP SP2. The external USB2 HD did not work properly on another PC. Tried it on different ports and with a different power source which is actually just a conventional power supply, actually it does not work at all without external power supply.
The on-board USB2 controller used is NEC. The motherboard is MSI KT3 Ultra.
I also went over the MS KB entries suggested by icedrop-dcse in the thread – no help there.
As for NTFS – I don't think it is the problem but I will try a FAT partition as well.
The on-board USB2 controller used is NEC. The motherboard is MSI KT3 Ultra.
I also went over the MS KB entries suggested by icedrop-dcse in the thread – no help there.
As for NTFS – I don't think it is the problem but I will try a FAT partition as well.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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I think that the Comment from HongChia_tan on 10/04/2004 02:22PM CDT Gives the best explanation of why te problem happens and what you need to fix it.
I wonder if the origianl poster has his problem solved... it seems that there is not really any response though.
ASKER
Sorry I am asking this question on behalf of someone and I have some hard time getting answers from him,
If I'll not get answer in couple of days I'll grant the points to HongChia_tan
If I'll not get answer in couple of days I'll grant the points to HongChia_tan
ASKER
I got the answer from him:
I was not able to resolve it no matter what I tried. It seems this post proves this is a Windows issue. I do not believe each drive and USB chip manufacturer should create a driver to solve it. This has to come from Microsoft transparently.
Go I am ganting Hongchia the points
I was not able to resolve it no matter what I tried. It seems this post proves this is a Windows issue. I do not believe each drive and USB chip manufacturer should create a driver to solve it. This has to come from Microsoft transparently.
Go I am ganting Hongchia the points