OS X USB Problems
Although USB was invented by a number of big-name tech companies that didn't include Apple, it has become a standard feature on every computer, Macintosh included. Its ubiquitous presence was even strong enough to convince Apple to change the interface on its iPod from FireWire to USB a few short years after the digital music player debuted in late 2001. While OS X is an extremely stable operating system, there are still occasional issues with it and USB ports on the Mac.
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About USB and OS X
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The USB ports on a Mac laptop USB technology was introduced in 1996, and quickly became the default connection method for input devices on both Macs and Windows machines. Although Apple developed FireWire, a rival interface, it includes USB ports on all of its models. Apple launched its first version of OS X in 2001, and within a few years most Mac users had migrated away from Mac OS 9 and made the switch to OS X.
Apple Input Devices
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An Apple keyboard and mouse The most common problem with Apple and USB ports is that Apple-branded input devices (keyboard, mouse) have a proprietary "notch" in the design, which prevents connecting with a third-party extension cable. Users attempting to force an Apple USB device into a non-Apple cable can damage the cable or the keyboard. Although the Apple USB extension cable is included with all new desktop models, they are often discarded along with the packing material.
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Physical Problems
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Repairing a damaged USB port isn't always possible USB ports on Apple computers are identical to those found on other computers. That means that a USB cable or device will only fit into the port in one direction, and that attempting to force a USB cable into a Mac's USB port the wrong way will crack the plastic tab inside the port, which permanently damages the port. Care must be taken when attaching USB devices to any computer, not just Macs.
Third-party USB Drivers
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Some third-party software can corrupt Apple's USB drivers Some third-party devices require installing proprietary USB drivers. While the majority of these drivers on your Mac doesn't cause any issues, sometimes these interfere or corrupt the built-in USB drivers in OS X, and create intermittent problems with USB devices. In most cases, de-installing the drivers and/or downloading debugging software from Apple (see resources section) will solve the problem. Selecting "Software Update..." under the Apple in the upper left of the screen may also solve some USB issues.
Resetting the SMC and PRAM
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Old Macs don't have USB ports Intel-based Macs sometimes require that the System Management Controller (SMC) be reset. Resetting both the SMC and PRAM on your Mac can often solve issues that cause problems with USB ports. To reset the SMC, shut down the Mac, unplug all cables and let sit for at least one minute, and then reattach the cables before booting up. To reset the PRAM, restart the Mac holding down the Option, Command, P and R keys, and allow the Mac to complete at least three boot cycles before releasing the keys.
Check Your Hub
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Make sure your USB hub isn't the problem Older USB hubs connected to your Mac may cause your computer to display "USB Error" messages. Confirm that the hub is USB 2.0 compatible, as older hubs will force connected devices to step back to standard USB speed, which is far slower than a USB 2.0 port.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of davidgsteadman Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Declan Jewell Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Rudolf Schuba Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of John Ward Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Blake Patterson Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tim Walker
