USB stopped working with USB KVM switch

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Level 2

240 points

USB stopped working with USB KVM switch

I've been using a Dr Bott USB switch since OS X first came out with no issues. I am switching between my Mac Pro (2008) and a laptop running windows. I used to laugh at the issues Windows had with dealing with USB, and how superior OS X was.

Since El Capitan, this is no longer the case. Windows is keeping the USB devices active, OS X will stop seeing them. I've tried PRAM resets, the reset button on the Motherboard, but nothing seems to stop this from happening. I really don't want to buy another keyboard and mouse.

Sadly Dr Bott is no longer around, but the switch has been solid and problem free.

I'm hoping there is a setting for USB polling or the like , that will solve this problem.

thanks

Dual Quad Core 2.8ghz, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on May 3, 2016 8:43 AM

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Answer 1

Tim Lovern Author

Level 2

240 points

May 5, 2016 8:15 AM in response to Tim Lovern

update - just replaced the battery on my motherboard, and this seems to have fixed the issue. Though I will be monitoring the situation closely.

It is easy to forget about such things.

but if you have a system you've had for a while, I'd consider changing the battery on the motherboard as a maintenance step.

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Answer 2

Tim Lovern Author

Level 2

240 points

May 5, 2016 9:02 AM in response to Tim Lovern

new update - the battery on the motherboard did not solve the problem. After a day of no issues, it is back again. 😟

will continue to explore solutions.

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Answer 3

Tim Lovern Author

Level 2

240 points

May 15, 2016 11:10 AM in response to Tim Lovern

Maybe I spoke too soon. after replacing the battery, it took maybe a day or two, but now it appears to be handling the USB ports the way I was accustomed to.

for folks with older Macs, I would suggest replacing the battery on the MB as a cheap step in trouble shooting some problems.

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