Why is my USB using too much power and deactivating?

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Level 1

0 points

Why is my USB using too much power and deactivating?

Sometimes when I turn on my computer I get a pop up that says my USB is using too much power and it will now deactivate. I think it's the right one on my macbook pro. Can anyone help me?

Thank you!

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.1), 2007

Posted on Dec 27, 2007 9:55 AM

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Answer 1

Ricktoronto

Level 6

11,560 points

Dec 27, 2007 11:11 AM in response to Art_attack

What's plugged in there?

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Answer 2

Jan 16, 2008 10:19 PM in response to Art_attack

this happens to me as well. I am attempting to pull data off of my friend's portable hard drive. He has a 17 inch macbook pro and I have a 15 inch. I have used his hard drive before. However, now, it tells me that the device is drawing too much power. This is when nothing else is plugged in (except the power cord.) Any suggestions? The hard drive does not require its own power source besides the USB connection.

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Answer 3

Toadman

Level 1

85 points

Jan 16, 2008 11:05 PM in response to Art_attack

I've found that newer Apple laptops have much more conservative limits on the output current of their USB ports. To be fair, the problem drives probably do not meet USB specifications. There are USB cables that have 2 USB A plugs to provide additional power (see photo below). Try one of these if you have or can get one. Otherwise a powered (comes with it's own brick) USB hub will do the trick.

Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!

Message was edited by: Toadman

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