Server 2008 does not recognize USB Hard Disks
Recently installed Server 2008 to a Dell PowerEdge, upgrading from Server 2003. I attempted to install Acronis True Image to the server this morning. The installation caused the server to become unbootable. Solved the problem by booting to the Install DVD, dropping into command prompt and renaming snapman.sys to snapman.old. Upon reboot, the server could no longer recognize the USB hard disks intended for backup. I've searched out that the USBSTOR.inf is likely corrupted. How do I reinstall/reinitalize that driver? Is there a better solution?
http://en.kioskea.net/forum/affich-2169-drivers-for-usb-mass-storage
I also found this. I dont know if that helps. However, Good luck in your endeavor.
L
I also found this. I dont know if that helps. However, Good luck in your endeavor.
L
ASKER
No previous versions available. I've got a copy of the usbstor.sys from Win 7 Pro (newer and supposed to be compatible) but Server 2008 says I need permission to do anything with that file. I'm nervous about forcing such things. I would love to replace the current file with a Windows Update or a SFC /scannow type solution, but none are coming to mind.
Are you getting any messages telling you that it does not recognize the USB disk?
If not, check out Disk Management (Storage Management) to make sure that the the drive letter has not been removed/cleared from the drive. This happens (Microsoft design) sometimes when you set up the USB disk for backup purposes.
Best regards,
ebak
If not, check out Disk Management (Storage Management) to make sure that the the drive letter has not been removed/cleared from the drive. This happens (Microsoft design) sometimes when you set up the USB disk for backup purposes.
Best regards,
ebak
ASKER
ebak -
The process goes something like this:
-Plug in drive to power and data connection
-Windows tells me it sees a new device and is installing drivers for it
-Windows tells me driver installation has failed
-Nothing shows in Disk Management
-Device manager returns "Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)" in the Device status box.
This has me pretty stumped because when I search for drivers online the Windows tool tells me that I already have the best drivers for the job.
The process goes something like this:
-Plug in drive to power and data connection
-Windows tells me it sees a new device and is installing drivers for it
-Windows tells me driver installation has failed
-Nothing shows in Disk Management
-Device manager returns "Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)" in the Device status box.
This has me pretty stumped because when I search for drivers online the Windows tool tells me that I already have the best drivers for the job.
OK, so no doubt it's an USB related problem ;-)
I know it's a very long shot, but are you sure the drive works when you connect it to another computer? When you check, it is important that you use the same USB cable: please be aware that a few of the socalled A->B cables are not usable for data transfer but for charging the external device only.
I didn't even consider this option until recently when I wasted several hours in a similar situation and found this: https://buy.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={e3ba99d0-fccb-11dc-ec92-0
Best regards,
ebak
I know it's a very long shot, but are you sure the drive works when you connect it to another computer? When you check, it is important that you use the same USB cable: please be aware that a few of the socalled A->B cables are not usable for data transfer but for charging the external device only.
I didn't even consider this option until recently when I wasted several hours in a similar situation and found this: https://buy.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={e3ba99d0-fccb-11dc-ec92-0
Best regards,
ebak
ASKER
ebak: Thanks again for your insight. I have tried the drives on another computer (same data cable, power supply) and it worked fine. After having spent considerable time and effort looking at the problem, this is definitely a driver file issue: usbstor.inf. I am open to other solutions, but that is the only one that makes any sense to me.
I am thinking about deleting that file, doing sfc and letting Windows replace the file?
I am thinking about deleting that file, doing sfc and letting Windows replace the file?
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ASKER
Erik,
The Registry key was a little off, but searching 'UpperFilter' got the offender on the run. Having a little trouble with formatting and initializing the drive but I'm next to certain that isn't related to the reason for this post. Thank you very much for your assistance!
The Registry key was a little off, but searching 'UpperFilter' got the offender on the run. Having a little trouble with formatting and initializing the drive but I'm next to certain that isn't related to the reason for this post. Thank you very much for your assistance!
I have the exact same problem, also not able to initialize / format drives although I can see them after removing 'Upperfilter'. Any solutions for this yet ?
ASKER
Removing UpperFilter entry did initially help in this case. Unfortunately in my case (as in, not necessarily yours or anyone else's) we eventually had to reformat the server and start over. I had extensive problems caused by the failed install of Acronis, which is what I blame for the Server failure. Initially, I fixed the UpperFilter reg key and was able to see and initialize the USB disks, hopefully this will be the case for you.
I hope this helps in some way .
L