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Problem with Acer Aspire 7741z-4643

I had a persistant virus that my antivirus software couldn't get rid of, so I restored the laptop to factory conditions. Since then, the computer has not been able to correctly install USB devices. I have tried restoring it again, downloading every driver I can think of, and even taking the whole thing apart to see if there was any connections that looked loose. Nothing has helped. Anyone have any other ideas, or is my motherboard on its way to an early grave?

Also, since I can no longer connect my USB mouse, I was hoping to use a bluetooth mouse until I can get a new computer, but can't get it installed. Did the 7741z-4643 not come with bluetooth (even though there is a button for it on the keyboard), and if not, is there some way to get it working without too much hassle?

Thanks!

Accepted answers

All comments

JackE

Did you use this recovery procedure to restore? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2xoMEPfiPQ

Jack E/NJ

jspringer4

I originally user Acer eRecovery Management from a fully booted computer. I ran it that way a few times hoping the first was just a bad install. I just ran it again the way that is outlined in the video you posted and my USB ports are still not working correctly.

JackE

Look for anyt device warnings or errors in Device Mgr. Report back.

Thanks

Jack E/NJ

jspringer4

There are two unknown device warnings under Universal Serial BUS controllers, which I assumed was from the mouse trying to install itself and not being able to successfully. I've tried uninstalling everything under USB controllers and restarting to "refresh" the drivers and it hasn't helped.

Untitled.png

JackE

OK, try this next. Press the WinKey + the RKey. Enter "main.cpl" without the quotes. If the option for other pointing devices is available, select this option. Report back.

Thanks

Jack E/NJ

jspringer4

I don't have an option for other pointing devices.

JackE

>>>since I can no longer connect my USB mouse>>>

Was it a wired or wireless USB mouse? If disconnected, it shouldn't show up after deleting them in Device Mgr after rebooting. Is this the case?

Jack E/NJ

jspringer4

It's a wireless mouse that uses a receiver plugged into a USB port to connect to the computer. It tries to install when I plug the receiver in but I get a "USB device not recognized" error and that's when the "Unknown Device" shows up under USB Controllers.

JackE

It's likely the mouse receiver (dongle) is defective. Try another mouse/dongle combo.

Jack E/NJ

jspringer4

I don't have another USB mouse, but I have tried plugging in my iPhone and it doesn't even show that it's getting power consistently and I get the same error messages that I get for the mouse (device driver did not install properly, unknown device warning in device manager) once it does manage to do something. I think the USB port is cutting in and out but still can't get devices installed even when it is "on".

JackE

You might want to pop off the back cover to see if the port is soldered to the MB or uses a ribbon connection. If the latter, you could try to re-seat it a half-dozen or so times to clean the contacts --- this usually resolves intermittent problems like this.

Jack E/NJ

jspringer4

There are three USB ports. One is soldered onto the motherboard and came loose a long time ago because of a different mouse that had a very large dongle that was constantly getting bumped. We primarily use the other two ports that are connected to the motherboard with a ribbon. I reseated it several times on both ends but it didn't help. I did notice some black residue (circled in red on the picture) on the motherboard end of the ribbon cable. The other end did not have that. Could that be causing problems? Do you know if you can buy just that cable or would I have to buy that whole board that houses those USB ports?

photo.JPG

JackE

Can't see your pix yet as it first has to be moderator approved. Nevertheless, I'd remove the ribbons and swab and clean all the contact surfaces with a Q-tip moistened in either 70% or better 90% isopropyl alcohol, aka rubbing alcohol. The MB contacts too if you can get at them. Dry thoroughly and try again. If that doesn't work, you usually have to resort to ebay to find stuff like that.