Win XP is detecting a mass storage device that isn't installed. I used to have a USB thumb drive that win detected as this same volume, but one day it fried while loading files (it became hot to touch) I get constant messages popping up in the 'Safely remove hardware' window (from the status bar), as a generic mass storage item (yet I haven't installed anything). I'm wondering is there any setting in win xp that allows me to turn off new hardware detection? Any other ideas how to resolve this? I've already tried physically removing the USB port lines connected to the board.

This could be a driver issue. Even though you dont use it anymore the drivers are still installed on your computer and can be causing some conflicts. Download this tool: http://www.ic.sunysb.edu/Stu/cdigia... This will allow you to see hidden devices in the device manager (Because you do not have your jumpdrive plugged into your computer anymore it will not show the drivers in the device manager. This will fix that). Once you launch the tool the device manager will automatically open up. Click view -> Show hidden Devices. Now look for your device in the device manager. I will most likely be under "Disk Drives". If not try "Storage Volumes". Once you find your device right click it and click uninstall. This will remove the driver from you comupter and hopefully solve your problem. Goodluck! Ryan

Thanks for the response Ryan I installed the tool you recommended. On first run of the program, I followed your instructions. Disk Drives and Storage Volumes were fine. However, under 'Universal Serial Bus controllers' there were two greyed out menu items (the other items were darker). One was 'USB Composite Device' and the other was 'USB mass storage device' Right clicking properties it told me the items were not currently installed. I closed out the program as i didn't want to uninstall something that I wasn't sure of. I then rebooted. However, now that I've gone back to device manager, it shows those two items as installed and working properly. (And my computer is no longer popping up messages from Safely Remove Hardware) The only item that I have physically connected through USB is a Brother Printer\Fax|copier (it works fine) I believe it is the item listed in the device manager as 'USB Printing Support'. Should I try uninstalling the 'USB Composite Device' and\or the 'USB mass storage device'? Many thanks Ryan Tim

You could go ahead and try uninstalling the two devices, mainly the USB Mass storage device. It wont hurt, if it is something else that you are using it will automatically reinstall when you restart windows or try using the device. So your pretty safe. If i were you i would give it a try. Goodluck. PS. Also note, in order to see the grayed out icons or hidden device again you will have to access the device manager by running the tool you downloaded again as the tool doesnt actually install anything to your computer. Ryan

Hi Ryan I uninstalled the mass storage device and so far so good! Everything else seems to be OK and I'm no longer getting the messages. Thanks for your help. This site has been very helpful every time I post and I'm grateful to you folks. Cheers Tim

Glad to hear you solved your problem. Always happy to help. Ryan