JCKobo and SameerH: can you help with my Kobo not being detected by my computer?

tbrod · 01-16-2011, 09:39 PM

Hello JCKobo and SameerH,
In a response to an earlier posting of mine, one of your Chapters/Indigo/Kobo colleagues suggested that you might be able to help with my Kobo problem. (Look for the tbrod post on "is my Kobo a lemon") Here's the problem: my computer isn't recognizing the Kobo e-Reader when I attach with the USB cord: there is no "sync" option showing on the desktop Kobo application; my ePUB doesn't automatically show Kobo on the bookshelf, etc. The only way I can add new books is wirelessly, and only directly from the Kobo bookstore. I should note that I've already done a factory reset (multiple times), I've uninstalled and reinstalled Kobo and ePUB many times, and eventually, at the Tier 1 helpdesk suggestion, also exchanged the Kobo for a new one but the problem is continuing. We've tested both Kobos on both household laptops with the same results. I should also mention that when I plug in the Kobo and select “Manage Library”, my computer makes an “error” sound. Thanks for your help.

taming · 01-16-2011, 10:04 PM

You might PM them. I am not sure that they are reading here as often now that http://getsatisfaction.com/kobo is up and working. That board/forum is staffed by Kobo employees, including both of them, I believe.

sabredog · 01-16-2011, 10:14 PM

Perhaps a silly question. Have you tried Calibre to see if the Kobo, when connected, is recognised?

It may be the Kobo desktop causing the issue.

MikeLC · 01-17-2011, 12:49 AM

There could be some software blocking the Kobo from accessing the computer if it doesn't reconize the device is even connected, does it charge when you plug it in or does it completely not even reconize the device at all?

Like sabredog suggested I'd try a calibre sync and see if the computer allows that or maybe try a different computer to see if it's that computer's issue. Was the desktop application off the kobo or the website www.kobobooks.com/desktop

digiSara · 01-17-2011, 09:30 AM

Are you using the cable that came with the Kobo? My mom was using a generic cable and she was having the problems you are experiencing. I know you *should* be able to use any cable, but for some reason the one she used didn't work.

Also, try a different USB port?

EDIT: Sorry - I just read your other thread and see that you have already tried different cables. Apologies.

Psyke · 01-17-2011, 09:54 AM

I'll take a stab at this, but need a couple of things:

- what operating system are you running? (didn't see this in your other posts)
- are you running on a laptop or a desktop?

will start with this... From what I read so far, the problem sounds more like a computer issue rather than a kobo issue, despite the fact that your ipod has been working flawlessly. I bought my 2 year old a media player teddy; Plugged it into my USB hub and there was an issue. plugged it into a port on the front of the pc and it installed no problems. Have a client here at work who uses a laptop and his mouse suddenly died. Turned off power management for the usb port being used and all was good... USB shouldn't have shut off because he was powered via an AC cord, but it did anyway.

In your case, you know it's being detected because you hear the usb connection sound, so it's seeing something, but for some reason it's not proceeding with an install, this could be anything from USB power requirements not being met to the drivers finding a conflict.

ltr · 01-17-2011, 11:05 AM

The trouble is that the OP has tried both his/her computers and the fault is the same. I suppose they could have manipulated something on both computers that was causing the problem though.

I would definitely try using different USB ports as a test.

ltr

taming · 01-17-2011, 11:16 AM

I don't know about the OP, but in my house we tend to use the same security programs and various other things that are known to create problems. Our computers are not all that different one to the other.

The only other thing I haven't seen mentioned is checking to see if there are updated USB drivers available. Many new/updated drivers were issued when SP3 was released for Windows and after Windows 7 was released. And as drivers can become corrupted, uninstalling them and reinstalling can also help. Intel based Macs can probably have similar driver issues.

Psyke · 01-17-2011, 11:42 AM

I've got 5 machines at home, 2 being laptops and 3 being desktops; 3 of them run windows 7 and 2 Windows xp. My machine has the most junk and probably the most "customization" but still usually has the least problems.

The thing with this particular issue is that we know very little about what the OP's using hardware or software wise, only that the system is detecting the kobo when it's plugged in, but nothing else sees it. For all we know, they are using an apple os (unless I missed something reading through the other postings), of which I'll be totally useless to try and help with

taming · 01-17-2011, 11:55 AM

Yeah--that is why I thought about the drivers on Intel based Macs. As I said in the first thread, when it comes down to problems with an individual machine, sussing out the particular issue can be almost impossible.

michael_h · 01-17-2011, 02:37 PM

For the sake of completeness, the OP should ensure that there are not any SD cards or other usb devices plugged into the computer (thumb drives, portable hard drives). I just can't seem to get my Kobo to "connect" when I have a thumb drive or SD card also inserted to the same computer.

MikeLC · 01-17-2011, 06:14 PM

Ok I talked to another Kobo Tech at work today and he suggested uninstalling and reinstalling all drivers for the USB port because if the Kobo is plugged in and still making an error sound while connected then the issue is with the USB driver you're running. On that note he and I found it odd that both computers were having this issue because obviously the Kobo is being detected but it's being stopped either by the USB port or some other part of the computer.

Michael

PeterT · 01-17-2011, 06:35 PM

I believe there actually are some log files created in C:\WINDOWS\INF that contain messages related to the USB device installation. SETUPAPI.APP.LOG and SETUPAPI.DEV.LOG.

Might be interesting to peruse those before and after plugging the Kobo in.

Also; in Control Panel | Device Manager do any devices show up as being Unknown Devices when the Kobo is plugged in (and of course, in Manage Library mode).

tbrod · 01-17-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeLC

There could be some software blocking the Kobo from accessing the computer if it doesn't reconize the device is even connected, does it charge when you plug it in or does it completely not even reconize the device at all?

Like sabredog suggested I'd try a calibre sync and see if the computer allows that or maybe try a different computer to see if it's that computer's issue. Was the desktop application off the kobo or the website www.kobobooks.com/desktop

Hi Mike, the software was downloaded from the Kobo site. My laptop recognizes it enough to charge it but nothing else. My son's laptop doesn't even charge it. This is the same thing for two Kobos now. I'm really puzzled! I don't know what "calibre sync" means... can you provide some info about it?

tbrod · 01-17-2011, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psyke

I'll take a stab at this, but need a couple of things:

- what operating system are you running? (didn't see this in your other posts)
- are you running on a laptop or a desktop?

will start with this... From what I read so far, the problem sounds more like a computer issue rather than a kobo issue, despite the fact that your ipod has been working flawlessly. I bought my 2 year old a media player teddy; Plugged it into my USB hub and there was an issue. plugged it into a port on the front of the pc and it installed no problems. Have a client here at work who uses a laptop and his mouse suddenly died. Turned off power management for the usb port being used and all was good... USB shouldn't have shut off because he was powered via an AC cord, but it did anyway.

In your case, you know it's being detected because you hear the usb connection sound, so it's seeing something, but for some reason it's not proceeding with an install, this could be anything from USB power requirements not being met to the drivers finding a conflict.

Thanks Steph. It's a laptop and the operating system is Windows 2007. In addition, I have Hot Spot (which is currently disabled) and Kaspersky security. Also Norton Online Backup (which I don't think I've even initiated...) I've also tried different USB ports with no change in result. Besides these and iTunes, there nothing much else loaded on the computer.

01-16-2011, 09:39 PM	#1
tbrod Member Posts: 15 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Kobo	JCKobo and SameerH: can you help with my Kobo not being detected by my computer? Hello JCKobo and SameerH, In a response to an earlier posting of mine, one of your Chapters/Indigo/Kobo colleagues suggested that you might be able to help with my Kobo problem. (Look for the tbrod post on "is my Kobo a lemon") Here's the problem: my computer isn't recognizing the Kobo e-Reader when I attach with the USB cord: there is no "sync" option showing on the desktop Kobo application; my ePUB doesn't automatically show Kobo on the bookshelf, etc. The only way I can add new books is wirelessly, and only directly from the Kobo bookstore. I should note that I've already done a factory reset (multiple times), I've uninstalled and reinstalled Kobo and ePUB many times, and eventually, at the Tier 1 helpdesk suggestion, also exchanged the Kobo for a new one but the problem is continuing. We've tested both Kobos on both household laptops with the same results. I should also mention that when I plug in the Kobo and select “Manage Library”, my computer makes an “error” sound. Thanks for your help.

01-17-2011, 09:30 AM	#5
digiSara Groupie Posts: 158 Karma: 153344 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Kobo wifi	Are you using the cable that came with the Kobo? My mom was using a generic cable and she was having the problems you are experiencing. I know you should be able to use any cable, but for some reason the one she used didn't work. Also, try a different USB port? EDIT: Sorry - I just read your other thread and see that you have already tried different cables. Apologies. Last edited by digiSara; 01-17-2011 at 09:33 AM.

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01-16-2011, 10:04 PM	#2
taming Trying for calm & polite Posts: 4,012 Karma: 9455193 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mostly in Canada Device: kobo original, WiFI, Touch, Glo, and Aura	You might PM them. I am not sure that they are reading here as often now that http://getsatisfaction.com/kobo is up and working. That board/forum is staffed by Kobo employees, including both of them, I believe.

01-16-2011, 10:14 PM	#3
sabredog Geographically Restricted Posts: 2,629 Karma: 14933353 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Device: Sony PRS-T3, Kindle Voyage, iPad Air2, Nexus7v2	Perhaps a silly question. Have you tried Calibre to see if the Kobo, when connected, is recognised? It may be the Kobo desktop causing the issue.

01-17-2011, 12:49 AM	#4
MikeLC Chapter/Indigo Employee Posts: 47 Karma: 12 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada Device: Kobo iPhone, Kobo Wifi, Kobo Touch Ereader	There could be some software blocking the Kobo from accessing the computer if it doesn't reconize the device is even connected, does it charge when you plug it in or does it completely not even reconize the device at all? Like sabredog suggested I'd try a calibre sync and see if the computer allows that or maybe try a different computer to see if it's that computer's issue. Was the desktop application off the kobo or the website www.kobobooks.com/desktop

01-17-2011, 09:54 AM	#6
Psyke Evangelist Posts: 482 Karma: 534340 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ottawa/Canada Device: Kobo Wi-Fi - Kobo Touch - GNex - N7	I'll take a stab at this, but need a couple of things: - what operating system are you running? (didn't see this in your other posts) - are you running on a laptop or a desktop? will start with this... From what I read so far, the problem sounds more like a computer issue rather than a kobo issue, despite the fact that your ipod has been working flawlessly. I bought my 2 year old a media player teddy; Plugged it into my USB hub and there was an issue. plugged it into a port on the front of the pc and it installed no problems. Have a client here at work who uses a laptop and his mouse suddenly died. Turned off power management for the usb port being used and all was good... USB shouldn't have shut off because he was powered via an AC cord, but it did anyway. In your case, you know it's being detected because you hear the usb connection sound, so it's seeing something, but for some reason it's not proceeding with an install, this could be anything from USB power requirements not being met to the drivers finding a conflict.

01-17-2011, 11:05 AM	#7
ltr Addict Posts: 399 Karma: 104628 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Canada Device: Kindle PW-2	The trouble is that the OP has tried both his/her computers and the fault is the same. I suppose they could have manipulated something on both computers that was causing the problem though. I would definitely try using different USB ports as a test. ltr

01-17-2011, 11:16 AM	#8
taming Trying for calm & polite Posts: 4,012 Karma: 9455193 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mostly in Canada Device: kobo original, WiFI, Touch, Glo, and Aura	I don't know about the OP, but in my house we tend to use the same security programs and various other things that are known to create problems. Our computers are not all that different one to the other. The only other thing I haven't seen mentioned is checking to see if there are updated USB drivers available. Many new/updated drivers were issued when SP3 was released for Windows and after Windows 7 was released. And as drivers can become corrupted, uninstalling them and reinstalling can also help. Intel based Macs can probably have similar driver issues.

01-17-2011, 11:42 AM	#9
Psyke Evangelist Posts: 482 Karma: 534340 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ottawa/Canada Device: Kobo Wi-Fi - Kobo Touch - GNex - N7	I've got 5 machines at home, 2 being laptops and 3 being desktops; 3 of them run windows 7 and 2 Windows xp. My machine has the most junk and probably the most "customization" but still usually has the least problems. The thing with this particular issue is that we know very little about what the OP's using hardware or software wise, only that the system is detecting the kobo when it's plugged in, but nothing else sees it. For all we know, they are using an apple os (unless I missed something reading through the other postings), of which I'll be totally useless to try and help with

01-17-2011, 11:55 AM	#10
taming Trying for calm & polite Posts: 4,012 Karma: 9455193 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mostly in Canada Device: kobo original, WiFI, Touch, Glo, and Aura	Yeah--that is why I thought about the drivers on Intel based Macs. As I said in the first thread, when it comes down to problems with an individual machine, sussing out the particular issue can be almost impossible.

01-17-2011, 02:37 PM	#11
michael_h Member Posts: 20 Karma: 26 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada Device: Kobo ebook reader	For the sake of completeness, the OP should ensure that there are not any SD cards or other usb devices plugged into the computer (thumb drives, portable hard drives). I just can't seem to get my Kobo to "connect" when I have a thumb drive or SD card also inserted to the same computer.

01-17-2011, 06:14 PM	#12
MikeLC Chapter/Indigo Employee Posts: 47 Karma: 12 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada Device: Kobo iPhone, Kobo Wifi, Kobo Touch Ereader	Ok I talked to another Kobo Tech at work today and he suggested uninstalling and reinstalling all drivers for the USB port because if the Kobo is plugged in and still making an error sound while connected then the issue is with the USB driver you're running. On that note he and I found it odd that both computers were having this issue because obviously the Kobo is being detected but it's being stopped either by the USB port or some other part of the computer. Michael

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01-17-2011, 06:35 PM	#13
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,172 Karma: 73448616 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Nexus 7, Clara, Touch, Tolino EPOS	I believe there actually are some log files created in C:\WINDOWS\INF that contain messages related to the USB device installation. SETUPAPI.APP.LOG and SETUPAPI.DEV.LOG. Might be interesting to peruse those before and after plugging the Kobo in. Also; in Control Panel \| Device Manager do any devices show up as being Unknown Devices when the Kobo is plugged in (and of course, in Manage Library mode).