XP won't recognize USB hubs

It could that is doesn't know where they drivers are...

***always backup the registry before making any changes***

Start the Registry Editor (Run -> Regedit). Check if under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion the item 'DevicePath' points to '%SystemRoot%\inf'. Additional items, separated by semicolons, are ok but '%SystemRoot%\inf' has to be one of them.
Then delete the file C:\WINDOWS\inf\infcache.1 - XP will recreate it.

The INF folder and the infcache.1 file are 'hidden'. To see them in the Windows Explorer:
Menu 'Tools' -> 'Folder Options' Tab 'View', mark 'show hidden files and folders'

If it still doesn't work after a restart, the files in C:\WINDOWS\inf might be corrupt. A Windows repair install should correct this.
 
Another thing to check is if the values 'FactoryPreInstallInProgress' and 'AuditInProgress' are set to '1' under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Factory
They should be 0 or not present.

Thanks very much.  %SystemRoot%\inf is in the proper key value.  I copied out the infcache.1 file to another location.  Then I rebooted, and the file was not re-created.  I plugged in a few USB devices, including a hub, and the hub still fails to install.  Should I replace original the infcache.1 file, or must something else be done for XP to recreate it?

A Windows repair is not an option, as it generally overwrites too many settings.  I could copy certain files from a similary configured machine, if I knew which one(s) to try.  

I have no Factory key in HKLM\SOFTWARE.  Neither value is present in the Setup key.  

Not sure if this applies:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;892050

Thanks.   I had seen that.  I'm afraid that it does not apply to XP 64.  

Hmm, guess I would try going to a command prompt and running...

SET DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
START DEVMGMT.MSC

Once in device manager, go the View and place a check for "Show Hidden devices"
I would then remove any missing devices (grey shaded) under Universal Serial Bus Controllers and Human Interface Devices. It's possible some driver info stored there is messing up the install. If that doesn't work, I'd try removing all devices under both and then let Windows redetect all USB devices and root hubs etc.

Thanks.  I had quite a few missing devices in HIDs and USBCs.  There were a few Generic USB Hub entries in USBCs.  Probably 20 USB Mass Storage Devices.  Under Other Devices, there were a bunch of USB Devices and USB2.0 Hub Controllers with the usual yellow ?, which I uninstalled.  I rebooted and plugged in my hub.  No joy, I'm afraid.  

I then uninstalled everything under USBC and rebooted.  Afterward, my attachhed USB mouse and dongles came back and work fine.  However, when XP tried to install my hub, the same problem occurred.  So, I'm afraid I'm still afflicted with this problem, but I do appreciate the help you've offered, and welcome more!  

Hmm, is the hub powered?

Yes, and plugged in.  Same will happen with the hub unpowered.

Thanks.  usbhub.sys and usbd.sys are present in \System32\Drivers.  However, there was no usb,inf in \Windows\Inf.  I think that's what you meant (not Windows\System32\Inf).  I copied over a usb.inf file from an identically config'ed machine (same MB, chipset, OS).  Problem solved!!!!  

I have no idea of how the file got hosed.  Also, I can't tell you how many lists I've posted to with no answer.  You know your stuff!

That was my original diagnosis
"If it still doesn't work after a restart, the files in C:\WINDOWS\inf might be corrupt. A Windows repair install should correct this."

Thanks again.  Pinpointing the exact file among many was the key.  I would have done a repair a long time ago, but, as I mentioned, a repair wasn't really an option.  Too many settings are affected.  If all else failed, I would have thrown in a USB card.  

I had this problem with Windows XP 32 bit, this forum pointed me in the right direction, but the only alliby i would have to comment on this is if you have a problem with USB Hubs not acting as a plug and play device (prompting for install) on the windows XP 32 bit system, the inf directory is not in the system32 folder. check for the existance of this file:

Windows\inf\\usb.inf

If it's missing (like it was on mine) you'll get that issue.

Hey thanks!

Restored PC from image file and lost USB hub install.

Was going crazy looking into it--I KNOW that drivers aren't needed, but found many PC uninitiated struggling to get drivers.

Don't have a clue about where my USB.inf went-maybe vacation.

Anyways, thank for the solution