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User profile for user: Anthony Acock
Anthony Acock Author
User level: Level 1
116 points

the USB device drawing too much power has been disabled.

Hello,


I keep getting this error.


" To prevent damaging your computer, the USB device drawing too much power has been disabled. Other devices may have also been disabled. When you disconnect the device drawing too much power, your other USB devices will be enabled again."


I'm using a macbook pro, which is about a year old. the only thing i have plugged into a usb port is a keyboard. the mouse i am using is a mighy mouse. both keyboard and mouse work fine. just keep getting this obnoxious popup.


any idea how to resolve this?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Feb 15, 2012 2:58 PM

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User profile for user: Courcoul
Courcoul
User level: Level 6
18,582 points

Posted on Feb 21, 2012 10:43 AM

The USB2 spec states that the max. current available on the plug is 500 mA. That's why some devices from the PC world sport a strange two-headed USB cable, so they can suck the whole Amp from the computer.


But in this case, if the power management is deciding there's too much power drain from the get-go with nothing plugged in, there definitely is something wrong. Mind you, some of the components on the Mac are internally connected to the USB infrastructure, such as the trackpad, camera, etc. I'd suggest the following:


  1. Reset the SMC: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
  2. Run the extended Apple Hardware Test: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509
  3. If all else fails, schedule a visit to the Apple Store. Hope the Mac is still under warranty.
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131 replies
User profile for user: Community User
Community User

Aug 6, 2015 6:07 PM in response to Anthony Acock

Hey guys,

i too have had this on and off since i brought my imac. And for what i have observed, im not entirely convinced it is all about the bad cable. Here is my theory; the usb on the mac is pumping too much power coupled with poor quality or defective cables = problem. Because i am finding that before i even connect in a usb there is a spark that comes out from the usb port on my imac. the same with my mac air. i don't think that should happen. so im thinking its a matter of both parties.
So i have done all of the above, PRAM, SMC, Reboot, Called apple support, hardware test.... but it does not stop till it feels like it. but when i reboot it comes right in a day or two... but whether that is because i do all of these things every time...it really could be just that it was ready to cooperate.
So i suggest; if your comp is still under warranty just get the ******* to replace the malfunction part! do it while you can!!

keep a record of it too, so that if it happens again and it is out of your original warranty become a painful costumer and demand justice for such a problem that is on going, world wide, and ignored by apple developers.

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the USB device drawing too much power has been disabled.

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