USB keys and Cameras
Description
A common problem encountered with USB keys, cameras and other USB storage devices is that Windows XP will detect the device but not automatically assign a drive letter to it.
Click on the links below to resolve the problem. Note that Microsoft do not have a fix for this known problem. Refer to Microsoft Support for more detailed explanation.
Symptoms
When you plug in a USB key or a camera into a USB port you may notice the following:
- An existing mapped network drive is no longer available
- The new drive is not visible in Windows Explorer
- You see the following error message when you log in:
The local device name is already in use
Cause
This behaviour occurs if you have mapped a network drive using the first available letter after the last fixed drive.
For example if you have a C and a D drive and have mapped E as \\ningadhun-cj\users, Windows XP will attempt to map your USB device or camera to E. As a result of the conflict, the device will not appear in Windows explorer.
Solution
It's recommended that you leave the first few drive letters after your last mapped hard drive free.
For example if you have C and D mapped, it's recommended that you have at least E and F free for USB devices.
If you need to free up the E drive, perform the following steps.
- Start Windows Explorer (Right mouse click on Start and go to Explore)
- Go to Tools and select Disconnect Netowork Drives
- Select the drive (e.g. E) and click on OK
- Re-open Windows Explorer and check to see if the USB device is now visible
Original: John Giovannis (23rd Jun 2005), modified: Brett Lennon ()