Windows 7 Computer crashes on USB or audio cable - Must be a grounding issue

[Bobazonski]

I've established that this is a grounding issue. About one third of the time, if I plug a USB device in, ANY device, the monitor will go blank, audio will stop, and I have to manually force a restart. If I tap the device on the metal case before plugging it in, and let the static discharge, the frequency of the computer resetting goes down to about one in 30 times - better, but still not completely fixed.

With USB devices, I usually use a hub that's wired around to a rear mobo port, but the two front case ports do the same, wired to a header on the mobo. I also tried a PCI hub, and this did the same thing also. With audio devices, it seems to only be the case ports, not the rear ports, but I plug these in much less frequently, so it's hard to know for sure.

I get tired of losing all my unsaved stuff everytime this happens, so it's really irritating.

Basically, I want to know how to fix this, now that I know it's some sort of grounding issue.

(This just came to mind, and I never realized it before. The hub that is wired around to the back is also connected a FDD power supply connector. Could this possibly be causing the problem? I've had it this way since I first built the computer.)

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are dealing with a grounding issue that is causing your computer to reset when you plug in USB devices. This can be frustrating, especially when you lose unsaved work due to these sudden restarts. Here are some steps you can take to address this grounding issue: 1. Check Power Supply Connections: - Ensure that all power supply connections are secure and properly plugged in. Loose connections can cause grounding issues. 2. Inspect USB Ports: - Check the USB ports on your computer for any signs of damage, debris, or bent pins. Clean them carefully if needed. 3. Use Grounded Outlets: - Plug your computer and peripherals into grounded outlets to ensure proper grounding. 4. Eliminate Static Electricity: - Discharge any static electricity from your body before connecting USB devices. You mentioned tapping the device on the metal case, which helps. You can also touch a grounded metal object before plugging in a device to discharge static. 5. Verify Hub Connections: - Check the connections of the USB hub to ensure they are secure and properly grounded. The FDD power supply connector may be a potential source of the issue, so consider disconnecting it temporarily to see if it affects the problem. 6. Update Drivers: - Ensure that your motherboard chipset drivers, USB drivers, and audio drivers are up to date. Sometimes outdated drivers can cause unexpected issues. 7. Isolate the Issue: - Try plugging the USB devices directly into the rear ports of the motherboard without using any hubs to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem lies with the hub or the motherboard ports. 8. Consult a Technician: - If the issue persists after trying these steps, it might be beneficial to consult a technician who can perform a detailed inspection of your hardware. By following these steps, you should be able to mitigate the grounding issue causing your computer to reset when connecting USB devices. If the problem persists, seeking professional help may be necessary for a more in-depth investigation.