USB Ports not recognized in Advanced Mini Dock-Suggestions?

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poekhali · #1 Post by **poekhali** » Wed May 03, 2006 7:17 pm

I did a search in the forum and didn't turn up anyone having exactly this problem, so I will try a post.

I recently purchased a T60 2007-76U and an Advanced Mini Dock. When docking the T60 for the first time with the dock, most things seemed functional (external VGA-out, audio, etc.). However the USB ports ON THE DOCK were not functioning. The interesting thing is that the USB ports ON THE COMPUTER were still functioning while docked (I needed some way to use an external keyboard and mouse).

I called Lenovo support and they thought that it was the dock and shipped me a replacement (only 2 days, quite fast). It turns out I have the same problem with the new dock.

Now I (obviously) suspect the problem is with the T60, and my first suspicion is software drivers / USB controllers. I need to call Lenovo back, but wanted to first check to see if anyone else has had this problem.

If this gets resolved by tech support, I'll post a follow-up.

Thanks in advance for any help or insight.

Scratch · #2 Post by **Scratch** » Wed May 03, 2006 10:22 pm

I can't speak to what's causing your Dock based USB problem. I'm running the same dock on a 2623DDU T60p without any issues. My only question would be - did you put the machine on the dock powered off and boot up on the dock the first time you attached it? or did you place it on the dock wihile it was suspended the first time you attached. if you did the latter you might have ended up with a corrupted system profile. you could try booting up off the dock and deleting all profiles, but the active one then shut down, dock and power up.

The laptops USB ports are always available. the dock based ports augment them; the don't replace or disable them.

Good luck in finding a solution.

poekhali · #3 Post by **poekhali** » Thu May 04, 2006 1:12 am

Thanks for the suggestion.

The first time I used the dock, the computer was powered off before docking. I haven't tried your suggestion to delete other profiles and then reboot the system, but that seems not to be applicable according to your comment. I'll try booting with a different profile and comment back if that changes anything.

I called customer support and didn't get much help. The representative quickly just said, "send in the computer, I have no idea." I guess I expected to do some troubleshooting in real time so I am a bit disappointed by the response.

I am a "first-time" ThinkPad purchaser, and have unfortunately not been impressed. When I first received the machine I had problems with the wireless card (talked about in other posts). My solution was to uninstall Access Connections and drivers and then reinstall all of that. That actually seemed to fix the problem, but leads me to believe that there might just be some buggy software in the load of my machine, if that is possible.

I'll keep plugging away at this on my own until the box arrives to ship the computer to "Level 2" (i.e. more knowledgeble??) support. In the meantime, I don't think I'll be recommending any ThinkPads, especially for the price premium one pays.

(To be fully honest, the fact that IBM actually answered my tech call is light-years better than the support I got from Linksys and Belkin when investigating my wireless problem. When they became frustrated, they said, "we'll contact you," and neither did. So, in a relative sense IBM/Lenovo support still seems pretty good.)

Sorry about the rant, I appreciate the help and hope I can fix this problem and end up with a decent ThinkPad experience.

Scratch · #4 Post by **Scratch** » Thu May 04, 2006 7:01 am

Another silly question possibly, but have you run software installer to pull down the latest of everything including the BIOS update?

poekhali · #5 Post by **poekhali** » Thu May 04, 2006 7:54 am

Yes I did run Software Installer to make sure everything was up-to-date. Thaks!

johnp126 · #6 Post by **johnp126** » Fri May 05, 2006 7:20 am

I have had the same issue and undocking/redocking seems to do it sometimes. i have noticed when i have the usb issue the red docked light does not come on and also i do get video/charger working so its very odd. also has anyone noticed that you really have to push down to make the connection. even when it looks connected a push of the area above the kb clicks it in more. very bad design

Scratch · #7 Post by **Scratch** » Fri May 05, 2006 8:55 am

When you attach to the dock snd then power up, creating a new hardware profile; what happens when you run the add hardware applet from the control panel? does it see the additional usb ports/controller? Does your profile that's created recognize that the machine is docked?

poekhali · #8 Post by **poekhali** » Fri May 05, 2006 9:42 am

It's comforting to know I'm not the only one!

As for trying to dock/redock or push harder to achieve connection, I assume you are pushing along the hinges with the cover closed and docked, right? I'll try this.

I also planned on doing a comparision between the USB controllers I could see while docked vs. undocked in Device Manager to try and identify if the new USB ports were visible. I took a look at this while docked and couldn't figure it out. I figure a comparison might help.

johnp126 · #9 Post by **johnp126** » Fri May 05, 2006 12:38 pm

i have a demo from ibm of a 2007 model just their build. i tried it on a advanced mini doc and the usb error can be duplicated. it was interesting to note that when the USB error shows up the red light does NOT come on so it does not appear docked,however the power and video seem to work but the system is NOT docked according to windows or hardware. Got the error a few times in a row, eventually it worked again but I am confused as to why it has to DOCK at all. Just purchased a port rep for the T60 and that has everything except the serial,parallel ports, the mic and speaker and the DVI out ports. It does have the 4 usb's which I thought were the problem but I guess I am wrong.. So if a Demo from Lenovo with their build on it has the issue, they should be able to find it fast..

freakwave · #10 Post by **freakwave** » Sat May 13, 2006 10:09 am

Does anybody have any update on this? I have a very similar problem, except that my docking stations has the red light on, but the usb does not work at all. All the other ports do work.

poekhali · #11 Post by **poekhali** » Sat May 13, 2006 10:45 am

Sorry for the delay. I was a bit busy with work and didn't have time to "troubleshoot" this further. It seems I have the same problem as johnp126 mentioned. I did a comparison of the USB Root Hubs while docked and undocked and there was no change. I then undocked and redocked the computer making sure to press the far end (hinge side) in first and the computer in more firmly than before. When I rebooted, the docking station USB ports worked! One of the hubs that I mentioned earlier that listed 8 available ports now registered the memory key I was using to test the ports. Maybe its odd that the hub is there whether I am docked or not (I don't claim to be very knowledgable on what these things are, I am guessing.)

Anyway, a few days later I was going to try and see if this was reproducable. I docked the laptop and ARRGH, the dock USB ports were no longer visible. When I "wiggled" it, it seemed like it had some play, so I undocked and redocked it again paying atttention to push a bit more firmly while installing it. And, voila, it worked!

So, with all this in mind it seems that the problem may be in the docking interface. I have tried two different docking stations so it's doubtful I am going to get much help by trying a third. So one could imagine that changing the laptop could help since it doesn't seem like there are a LOT of people with this problem.

As for Lenovo customer service, I remain underwhelmed. Following my call to them about a week and a half ago, they saiid they would send out a box to return the computer in for repair. As of today, I have never received it. I probably will call them back and add this additional troubleshooting information. I'm not too keen on sending back my computer, so I'll probably keep docking and undocking the station several times to see if I can work out a docking technique so that it "works" most of the time.

By the way, every time I have docked, the appropriate lights come on, regardless of whether the USB ports work.

johnp126 · #12 Post by **johnp126** » Sat May 13, 2006 11:27 am

I have had numerous issues with the t60's, a lot with docking and have spoken to level 2 and higher tech support. the issues with network port problem and crashing and having the system turn off seem to go away with a different doc from a different build date. I can't say 100% but I got them to replace 3 of the many docs i have. I have not seen the replacements yet ,but since it solved 3 different issues on 3 different machines it is possible there are issues with some of the mini docks. Also have news that a new video driver has been released to the web and hopefully should be posted soon, hoping this solves other pesky issues..

poekhali · #13 Post by **poekhali** » Sun May 14, 2006 11:12 pm

Looks like I may have spoken too soon....

While docked, I turned off and on the computer without undocking or otherwise jostling the computer. When I turned everything back on, the USB port wasn't responding (keyboard and mouse are attached). Interestingly enough, when I unplugged and replugged in the USB connectors it worked.

So the issue is a bit more complicated. I might try unstalling and reinstalling the USB hub device just to see what happens. I have been busy with other things and haven't had time to fiddle with this. I am leaving on business this week so won't need the dock. I'll post more info as I troubleshoot this. Hopefully it will be of some use to others.

Riddil · #14 Post by **Riddil** » Mon May 15, 2006 10:14 pm

It's one of two things... either you've got REALLY stiff connectors in the dock, and you need to REALLY exert pressure to get it to dock solidly.

Or two, the dock is busted, and the USB ports won't work.

In either case, you've got a valid complaint. Call the 800 service number, tell 'em your USB ports don't work, and get warranty to pay for it. Should have a new one in a couple days.

poekhali · #15 Post by **poekhali** » Mon May 15, 2006 11:41 pm

Thanks for the feedback. The only problem is that this is the 2nd dock that I have had. So I could try a third one (which I might do), but if I received 2 bad docks and the dock is the problem I am led to believe this is (1) a very wide-spread problem or (2) a bad design. However, I have only seen a couple of people respond to this post with a similar problem (unlike the Intel 3945 wireless issues which seem to be wide spread), so it is a bit confusing. I am planning on calling customer support again to see what they say since I still haven't seen the box they said they were sending to ship my computer back (an option I'm not keen on in any case!!)

etxeba · #16 Post by **etxeba** » Tue May 16, 2006 12:23 am

I'm having this exact same problem. I haven't been able to get the USB ports to ever work on the Advanced Mini Dock, but they work on the laptop itself . . . annoying.

Any progress?

jwbbuk · #17 Post by **jwbbuk** » Mon May 22, 2006 3:54 pm

I have the same problem. Thinkpad T60p 2363 with advanced mini dock. Worked for about half a day and then all USB ports went dead and Ethernet port on notebook is now dead if notebook is docked. Under Thinvantage system updates, they offer a BIOS update that seems to address something like this problem or something similar. Not sure I have the time right now to take on that challenge, so have just put the dock aside for the moment. If anyone finds the cure in the meantime, I would sure like to know.

jwbbuk · #18 Post by **jwbbuk** » Mon May 22, 2006 3:57 pm

Mistake on my Thinkpad model --
should be T60p 2623DDU

johnp126 · #19 Post by **johnp126** » Mon May 22, 2006 4:27 pm

I have some news. I have a newer bios 1.05a that works with new video to solve the video issue of blanking the screen. However I am told that soon there will be another new bios higher than this to fix the min dock issues.

None of these has hit the web yet but stay tuned.

On the prob with the internal net issue, if you go into device mgr and disable then enable the network port it comes back. this also is to be fixed in this soon to be released bios..

dem107 · #20 Post by **dem107** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:58 pm

I'm on my second advanced mini dock and the USB ports on it are mostly dead as well. It must be a BIOS or driver problem.

poekhali · #21 Post by **poekhali** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 1:29 am

I recently downloaded bios 1.06 which was supposed to (according to the release notes) fix a USB/dock problem (sounded familiar to me!). I do have active ports, but there now seems to be some sort of intermittent accessing of them when I plug a mouse in (i.e. I see a hesitation as I try to drag the mouse across the screen). So, the good news is that it seems that the problem is software related, the bad news it they may not have completely fixed the problem. I have yet to call tech support or anything as I am functional otherwise and have been busy until recently.

dem107 · #22 Post by **dem107** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:19 am

I'm using BIOS 1.07 on my T60p and still having intermittent problems with all the USB port on the mini-dock being dead.

jagged · #23 Post by **jagged** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:14 pm

I have the port replicator and I sometimes get "unknown device" error messages with the dock's USB ports sometimes. It happens when I move the docking port a bit while my T60 is docked on it. I have unplug and replug the printer's (HP Laserjet 1010) USB cable to remove that error.

Its not too big of a problem yet but its getting annoying.

mpbaker12 · #24 Post by **mpbaker12** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:59 am

Hey everyone, I know MANY of us have struggled with thinkpads and docking stations. Here's my story and where I am... I have a new Thinkpad Z60T and the Advanced Mini-Dock. However, due to a backorder on the mini-dock I started with the regular Mini-Dock. I used the regular mini-dock for just a couple of days with no problems. When I received the advanced mini-dock and plugged it in, it worked fine for a week or so (typical of everyone else's situations). Then, the 4 USB ports on the dock stopped working. I followed everyone elses suggestions (disabling the power/shut down port option, redocking, etc) but nothing worked.

I plugged the regular mini-dock in and had the same problem with the usb ports. I plugged the advanced mini-dock in and had the same problem.

Here's where I am. If I delete ALL references to USB under System, Hardware options, then I reboot (undocked) and let my thinkpad find the USB ports, then shut down, then dock, then power on - It seems to work...

If anyone can replicate this and let us know the results it would be appreciated. At this time, I think it is some kind of USB driver issue. Can't put my finger on it yet, but that is where I am heading.

If there is any information I have forgotten or would be helpful to you, please let me know.

Here's some specific item numbers;
Thinkpad - 2511 E5U
Port Replicator - Mini Dock - 250510W
Advanced - 250410U

PriceJ · #25 Post by **PriceJ** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:12 am

I have about 40 of the T60s and I am having the same USB problem.
It seems that the Bios 1.09A resolved the problem on most of them.
But…
After I installed 1.09A I still had the same problem on one. The only thing that was different was that I had a printer connected to the dock. I disconnected the printer and all of the USB ports are now working.

The printer never did work when used with the dock…

We get on site service from IBM…I will be opening a call on the problem.

I’ll keep you updated.

Kamika007z · #26 Post by **Kamika007z** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:31 am

Hey all,

I don't know if this was already posted on this thread, but have you tried reading this? http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-65164

Thanks

PriceJ · #27 Post by **PriceJ** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 2:09 pm

The link was very helpful...i was able to get all ports and printers working.

thanks

USB Ports not recognized in Advanced Mini Dock-Suggestions?

USB Ports not recognized in Advanced Mini Dock-Suggestions?

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