[Elecraft] Potential Solution for: Windows 10 USB problems after UPDATE(AKA: K3s USB/Driver issues)

[Clay Autery]

OK.... I think these are ALL the links needed to get all the stuff I used...

Essentially, you want to use USB Oblivion, Ghostbuster, USB View, an 
Enviroment Variable change to show unconnected devices, et al to make 
visible what you need to see AND to allow you to CLEARLY identify which 
devices need to be uninstalled. Ghostbuster has the additional function 
of IDing other stuff too.  You want to be VERY sure you aren't deleting 
something you don't want to delete or you CAN hose the installation of 
the OS entirely....  There are a number of things I don't touch...  Use 
Google search and read if you aren't sure.  The VID/PID listing will 
help you ID devices with crappy descriptions bu IDing the manufacturer 
(Vendor ID/VID) and product (PID).

NOTE: Connect ALL critical USB components before starting EXCEPT the 
devices that aren't working properly.  THEN, don't uninstall any 
connected devices.  IF you have multiple configs on different ports for 
the SMAE device, THIS should help ID which is where and which to 
delete.  Delete ALL instances of NON-working devices.... HOPEFULLY, 
doing so will allow a FRESH install of the non-working device that will 
function properly.

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/usboblivion-remove-usb-traces-windows

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/a-ghostbuster-for-your-windows-7

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/show-non-present-devices-windows

http://www.linux-usb.org/usb.ids

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/pstools

https://wvd-vegt.bitbucket.io/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/usbview

You'll need to become familiar with how it all works....  Win 10 DEVICE 
MANAGER is your friend.  The "Details" tab on each device entry will 
give you a way to cross check each device in the tools I listed above to 
VERIFY if you want to uninstall a device.  While the tools have varying 
ability to do this automated in and in mass fashion, I ONLY used Device 
Manager to do the uninstalls.  One of the articles shows how to set an 
Environment Variable in "Advanced System Settings--->Environment 
Variables that allows DEVICE MANAGER to display disconnected devices.  
THEN, in Device Manager you set it to "SHow Hidden Devices".  NOW, it 
will show everything.  Then use primarily Ghostbuster (download at Swiss 
Tools....) (use the installable version, the portable version isn't as 
feature filled.) to identify candidates...  cross check with the other 
tools AND the Details tab on Device Manager... Then, decide if you want 
to uninstall, and then uninstall... ONE at a time!!!

In general....  don't uninstall any "hubs" even if they aren't 
connected.  There will be an entry probably for every flash drive or 
card reader EVER connected.  Certain devices if they were plugged into 
multiple ports will have multiple entries.
USBVIEW from Microsoft via the SDK Tools, will show you a GREAT 
hierarchical layout of the ENTIRE USB tree established from last OS 
install.

Hope this helps a little...  I had 237 entries on Ghostbuster of all 
type devices....  82 of them were NOT connected.  I ended up deleting 
some 70+ devices...

As a side note....  my computer sped up quite a bit.... I deleted at 
least ONE thing I probably shouldn't have and it caused my USB Audio 
Codec entries to be re-enumerated and dumped the title and custom icon 
on it.... It happened to be one of my VNWA USB Codecs and VNWA chose the 
wrong two on next startup.... Chose two from my Mackie Pre-Amp USB 
audion interface....  Took me about 20 minutes to figure it out and 
re-set it up.... but the ones it created WERE still there.


PS - Have NO IDEA if this cleanup will fix anything for those of y'all 
who are having issues... My system was working perfectly before and now.

BUT, I suspect that uninstalling the disconnected entries of NON-working 
USB devices will pave the way for a working FRESH install.

Going on 2 all-nighters in a row... I am going to sleep now.

73,

______________________
Clay Autery, KY5G
(318) 518-1389