WD usb drive kills internet

50Twuncle

I have just bought a WD "my passport" USB backup drive - which keeps on killing my internet connection
I am assuming that it is linked to the USB wireless adapter IRQ conflicting or similar - but Windows 7 should not conflict - has anyone got any suggestions on how to fix this ?

Nilrem

Are the two devices plugged in next to each other?

If they are, especially on a laptop it can mean that you're using the full power available for both ports on the drive (not leaving enough for the wireless adaptor to be powered).

You shouldn't have any IRQ issues with USB devices* (the only IRQ the PC sees/uses is the one for the host adaptor which is internal).

My recommendation for a quick fix would be, if possible move the drive (or wireless adaptor) to a different USB port


*Although Windows 8/8.1 does appear to have an issue with USB resources if you have a bunch of things connected, which Windows 7 did not have (but it only seems to pop up if you're connecting loads of things - I have it but I have 3 HDD's, a couple of memory sticks, 3 printers, scanner, and about 4 input devices).

50Twuncle

Nilrem wrote: »

Are the two devices plugged in next to each other?

If they are, especially on a laptop it can mean that you're using the full power available for both ports on the drive (not leaving enough for the wireless adaptor to be powered).

You shouldn't have any IRQ issues with USB devices* (the only IRQ the PC sees/uses is the one for the host adaptor which is internal).

My recommendation for a quick fix would be, if possible move the drive (or wireless adaptor) to a different USB port
*Although Windows 8/8.1 does appear to have an issue with USB resources if you have a bunch of things connected, which Windows 7 did not have (but it only seems to pop up if you're connecting loads of things - I have it but I have 3 HDD's, a couple of memory sticks, 3 printers, scanner, and about 4 input devices).

This is on a desktop - the Wireless adapter is plugged in to a rear USB 2 port
The hdd is plugged in to a front USB 3 port

GabbaGabbaHey

There's a known issue with USB3 interfering with wireless networking.

Just do a search (with Bing, Google or whatever) for "USB3 wireless issues" (without the quotes) and you'll get lots of information.