Front external USB port not working, how to repair?

Question

Level 1

25 points

Front external USB port not working, how to repair?

For some reason the single front USB port on my lovingly-maintained PowerPC G5 now fails to recognize any external devices plugged into it. It delivers power to a connected device (ex. iPod, external HD, etc.) but the device will not show up on the desktop on in the Finder. Note, the rear USB ports work fine.

Possible solutions, troubleshoots, etc.? I'd hate to lose the conveniently located port.

MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz, 120 GB, Mac OS X (10.5.7), iLife 09, iWork 09

Posted on Jan 2, 2010 12:07 PM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jan 2, 2010 12:24 PM in response to Randy Varcho

Hi there,

Have you done a PRAM reset...

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238

How to reset the SMU on a Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) or Power Mac G5 (Late 2005) ...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1436

Earlier G3, G4, G5 models...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1939

More links...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1720

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1317

I think you should get Applejack...

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/19596

After installing, reboot holding down CMD+s, (+s), then when the DOS like prompt shows, type in...

applejack AUTO

Then let it do all 5 of it's things.

At least it'll eliminate some questions if it doesn't fix it.

The 5 things it does are...

Correct any Disk problems.
Repair Permissions.
Clear out Cache Files.
Repair/check several plist files.
Dump the VM files for a fresh start.

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Answer 2

cja

Level 1

15 points

Jan 2, 2010 12:47 PM in response to Randy Varcho

that's odd. i've had issues in the past of plugging something in and then getting a warning message about the lack of power and then ALL of my USB ports crapping out on me forcing a restart.

i would think if none of the solutions/ideas Aqua proposed do not work to then try the Apple Hardware Test or run Test Tool Deluxe. I know Tech Tool runs a test for the USB inputs.

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Answer 3

Randy Varcho Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 2, 2010 12:47 PM in response to BDAqua

Thanks for the many suggestions. I earlier reset the PRAM, to no avail. I'll try resetting the SMU and also download Applejack.

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Answer 4

Randy Varcho Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 3, 2010 10:28 AM in response to BDAqua

Alas, every suggested remedy failed, including my downloading and running Applejack. It's odd that the USB port powers devices but neither recognizes them nor allows them to show up in the System Profiler. I'm at a loss.

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Answer 5

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Jan 3, 2010 12:23 PM in response to Randy Varcho

Did you try cja's suggestion...

Boot off your original G5 Install Disk while holding down Option/alt key to select AHT, then run the extended Apple Hardware Test.

If that turns out good, then I'd consider maybe a relatively painless Archive & Install, which gives you a new/old OS, but can preserve all your files, pics, music, settings, etc., as long as you have plenty of free disk space and no Disk corruption, and is relatively quick & painless...

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120

Just be sure to select Preserve Users & Settings.

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Answer 6

Randy Varcho Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 4, 2010 1:56 PM in response to cja

Thanks, CJA, for the suggestions. I have Tech Tool Pro 5 but don't seem to remember it running, or reporting the findings of, any USB port test.

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Answer 7

Randy Varcho Author

Level 1

25 points

Jan 6, 2010 11:42 AM in response to BDAqua

The Apple Hardware Test found nothing wrong with the G5. Also, a reload of the Mac OS (10.5) via Archive & Install did not correct the front panel USB problem. Strange, in that I felt certain that a refreshed system, including USB controller files, would have helped.

As things stand, all provided suggestions have been undertaken — to no avail. The front panel USB will power but not recognize devices attached to it.

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Answer 8

REYNE

Level 1

10 points

Jan 15, 2010 4:05 AM in response to Randy Varcho

Good old G5's... Mine does the same thing, sometimes drives show up, sometimes they don't. Once again, no easy way to pinpoint was exactly the issue is.

When was the last time you replaced the battery on the motherboard?

A whole host of random events can occur when the battery runs low and I would recommend doing that. Before you do it though, remove the PRAM battery and give your G5 some time off, let the power drain completely out of it. Then replace the battery, reset the PRAM and NVRAM - then see if your USB problem remains.

Some more dialogue:
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20061101081125696
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/G5/G5usb_firewirereports.html

Cheers, R.

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