helplessinmo

Q: USB drawing too much power

Well after more than a year without the "USB is drawing too much power" warning the @##%$&% thing is appearing again.  I've already disconnected everything from my USB ports, but it doesn't matter. I recently used my Flash Drive for an hour or so, but properly disconnected it. So what am I to do? Buy a new computer since this zombie cannot be killed.

iMac

Posted on Oct 19, 2015 7:53 PM

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Q: USB drawing too much power

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  • by Klaus1,

    Klaus1 Klaus1 Oct 20, 2015 4:16 AM in response to helplessinmo
    Level 8 (48,821 points)
    Oct 20, 2015 4:16 AM in response to helplessinmo

    Which iMac?

     

    What version of OS X?

  • by helplessinmo,

    helplessinmo helplessinmo Oct 20, 2015 6:59 AM in response to Klaus1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 20, 2015 6:59 AM in response to Klaus1

    I'm using Snow Leopard (10.6).

  • by Klaus1,

    Klaus1 Klaus1 Oct 20, 2015 9:13 AM in response to helplessinmo
    Level 8 (48,821 points)
    Oct 20, 2015 9:13 AM in response to helplessinmo

    Are you using a powered hub?

  • by Eric Root,

    Eric Root Eric Root Oct 21, 2015 8:27 AM in response to helplessinmo
    Level 9 (71,294 points)
    iTunes
    Oct 21, 2015 8:27 AM in response to helplessinmo

    Try a restart.

     

    Do a backup, using either Time Machine or a cloning program, to ensure files/data can be recovered. Two backups are better than one.

     

    Try setting up another admin user account to see if the same problem continues. If Back-to-My Mac is selected in System Preferences, the Guest account will not work. The intent is to see if it is specific to one account or a system wide problem. This account can be deleted later.

     

    Isolating an issue by using another user account

     

    If the problem is still there, try booting into the Safe Mode using your normal account.  Disconnect all peripherals except those needed for the test. Shut down the computer and then power it back up after waiting 10 seconds. Immediately after hearing the startup chime, hold down the shift key and continue to hold it until the gray Apple icon and a progress bar appear. The boot up is significantly slower than normal. This will reset some caches, forces a directory check, and disables all startup and login items, among other things. When you reboot normally, the initial reboot may be slower than normal. If the system operates normally, there may be 3rd party applications which are causing a problem. Try deleting/disabling the third party applications after a restart by using the application un-installer. For each disable/delete, you will need to restart if you don't do them all at once.

                   

    Safe Mode

  • by helplessinmo,

    helplessinmo helplessinmo Oct 21, 2015 9:11 AM in response to Eric Root
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 21, 2015 9:11 AM in response to Eric Root

    Two - three years ago I did use a USB hub from Radio Shack, and I suspect that was the origin of my problem. I have since disposed of that hub as I saw in its "manual" it might draw too much power. Have not used any hub since. When I first had this problem I did Restart my computer to no effect. I even took it to a repair shop, but they could not replicate the warning message. I was going to take it to an Mac Store, but the problem began to stop to the point that in the last 6-8 months it stopped all together.

     

    Then I used one of my Flash Drives in the same port that I had once plugged in the hub. Now the problem has reappeared.

     

    I'll try the remedies your have suggested (thanks), but I'm on the road right now with my trusty MacBookPro and won't be back to my older desktop until November 2nd.

     

    I'll give you guys an update then.

     

    Thanks for your help.

  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Oct 21, 2015 1:30 PM in response to helplessinmo
    Level 6 (19,420 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 21, 2015 1:30 PM in response to helplessinmo

    Screen shot 2015-10-21 at 21 Wed 4.25 PM.jpg

  • by helplessinmo,

    helplessinmo helplessinmo Oct 21, 2015 4:00 PM in response to BobHarris
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 21, 2015 4:00 PM in response to BobHarris

    Bob,

     

    I'm afraid I don't understand. My computer skills are quite limited.

  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Oct 22, 2015 5:58 AM in response to helplessinmo
    Level 6 (19,420 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 22, 2015 5:58 AM in response to helplessinmo

    Applications -> Utilities -> System Profiler -> USB

     

    Will tell you what things are plugged into your USB ports.  The items I have marked on the right side is the power information for the different device I have plugged into my iMac.  If you look at "Your" System Profile report, maybe you can identify the collection of USB devices on a given USB bus that are drawing too much power.  And maybe not.

     

    This link tells you the maximum power each USB bus can provide

    <Apple Computers and Displays: Powering peripherals through USB - Apple Support>

  • by helplessinmo,

    helplessinmo helplessinmo Nov 1, 2015 3:45 PM in response to BobHarris
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 1, 2015 3:45 PM in response to BobHarris

    Bob,

     

    Back home tonight with my malfunctioning iMac. I've gone to my Systems Profiler and USB and found a lot of  information that I do not understand.

     

    I have disconected everything from my USB ports and still get "flashed" with the same message, i.e. that one of my USB ports is drawing too much energy. How can that be if all ports are disconncected?

  • by BobHarris,Helpful

    BobHarris BobHarris Nov 1, 2015 7:35 PM in response to helplessinmo
    Level 6 (19,420 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 1, 2015 7:35 PM in response to helplessinmo

    IF YOU DO have a USB keyboard and/or USB Mouse (or a USB wireless dongle for something like a Logitech mouse or keyboard), these items could be at fault.

     

    If there is nothing plugged into any USB ports, including keyboards and mice, then maybe you have a hardware problem inside the iMac, and should consider making an Apple Store Genius Bar appointment to have the iMac evaluated (the evaluation is free, but if repairs are needed, they will want money, unless it is under warranty or Apple Care).

  • by helplessinmo,Helpful

    helplessinmo helplessinmo Nov 1, 2015 7:36 PM in response to BobHarris
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 1, 2015 7:36 PM in response to BobHarris

    Bob,

     

    Nothing plugged into any USB ports. I'm considering an appointment for an evaluation. Depending on the results I'll either pay for any repair if that's the proper term or consider tossing the machine and getting a new lap top.

     

    Thanks very much for your attention and advice.

     

    Scott

  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Nov 1, 2015 8:06 PM in response to helplessinmo
    Level 6 (19,420 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 1, 2015 8:06 PM in response to helplessinmo

    Did you try the Safe mode suggested?

     

    Safe mode does not load 3rd party additions, and it is an easy way to make sure 3rd party additions are not interfering with standard OS X software.

     

    If Save mode changes nothing, then again, the Genius Bar appointment is suggested.