How to Check the Port of a Computer

When a computer user finds that one of his peripheral devices is not working properly, he may not know if the problem lies in the device, or the USB port in which it is plugged. In order to prevent an unnecessary purchase of a new peripheral device, it is helpful to first check the port.

Instructions

1. Go to the Windows Desktop, click on the "Start" button, and then click "Run" or "Start Search" if you are using the Windows Vista operating system.

2. Type the following text into the text box:
   "devmgmt.msc"
   Click OK.

3. 

   Select your computer when the Device Manager window opens, and then select "Action" from the options at the top of the window. (see graphic)

4. Choose the "Scan for hardware changes" option from the drop down menu that appears.

5. Insert any USB device such as a mouse or flash drive into the USB port in question. Now simply check the USB device to see whether it is working in order to test the port.

Tips & Warnings

• If the above process does not get an inoperative port to function, sometimes a simple system reboot will do the trick.

References

• Device Manager

Resources

• The PC Guy: USB ports