Reader not Appearing in Devices or App

[AniPendragon]

Hi all,

So I was just given a Kobo Reader as a gift (it's used, no box, no manual), and I plugged it in to charge on my computer. However, it didn't show up on my computer as a device. I figured it was because it is charging.

However, now my Kobo is fully charged and is still not showing up. I've tried unplugging and replugging in the kobo; resetting the kobo; restarting my computer; restarting my kobo, etc. But no matter what I do, the kobo will not appear in devices.

Nor will it appear in my Kobo Desktop application. I hit "ereader setup" and it tells me to plug-in my kobo, despite it already being plugged in. I've tried unplugging and replugging it again, to no avail.

I'm at my wits end!

[PeterT]

What model of Kobo?

Have you tried different cables or ports?

If using Windows any sign of unknown Devices in Device manager?

What O/S on your PC?

[AniPendragon]

I only have one cable, I don't have another cable that looks like mine. I've also tried all three of my USB ports.

I'm not sure how to tell what kind of kobo it is without the box. I can only find the serial number.

Edit: With the cable - the Kobo charges when it is plugged in, and the kobo itself registers as being plugged in, with the Keep Reading and Manage Library buttons popping up, but the computer isn't reading on its end.

Edit #2: Windows 7. And no, the computer isn't showing any signs of reading the kobo. No unknown devices, no "cannot read device". Nothing. It's like it's not even plugged in.

[AnemicOak]

You're selecting "Manage Library"?

[AniPendragon]

Yes, I am. I think I figured out the problem though - the dang cord says "For charging only, not recommended for sychronizing with computer." So I'm relatively sure that's what's going on. I had to get my dad to read it, writing was too small for me!

I'm going to pick up another cord on Friday. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should get? Will Walmart carry them?

My Kobo is old enough that it's not a touch screen. So I'm not sure.

[PeterT]

Walmart will carry them.

There were two non Touch screen models; Kobo_eReader and Kobo_Wireless_eReader

[SusiQ]

Not sure if I should post here or start a new thread. Saw this issue involving a kindle but not Kobo. I have a Kobo Aura HD. Laptop upgraded to Windows 10. Windows is not recognizing the Kobe when connected thru usb, so I can't manage my library using Calibre. I have tried multiple cables and ports. No luck. Using the same cables & ports, my kindle is recognized no problem. I have tried troubleshooting, supposedly all drivers are up to date, restarted device and laptop, all without luck. I really prefer my Kobo to Kindle so I'm about to pull my hair out! �� I was able to connect it up to about 2 weeks ago. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Please and thank you!
PS-I am computer literate but not a genius, so please be gentle with me!!

Susie

[Ken Maltby]

You can do almost everything wirelessly, with Kobo Start Menu 8 and Koreader, but you would need a way to install them. If your Kobo device has an internal uSD card (the Aura HD does of course) you could remove that and mount it on your PC, to add the install files. (I can describe the process to mount the sd card in Windows.)

If there is an easy way to get Windows to recognize something it has stopped recognizing, I haven't found it. All the steps I have found on the net, and tried, didn't work for one of mine.

Luck;
Ken

[PeterT]

This seems to be an ongoing issue with the Windows 10 upgrade.

The unfortunate thing is that no technical person has yet had this happen so they can diagnose the issue.

You will find some threads in the calibre Devices subforum discussing this; see https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=264201 https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=263599 https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=263743

[robko]

Originally Posted by AniPendragon

I'm going to pick up another cord on Friday. Anyone have any suggestions on what I should get? Will Walmart carry them?

Generally any cord with the correct ends will work BUT as you have discovered, you don't want to get a CHARGE ONLY cord. They will be marked as such and generally are 1/2 the price of a normal cord (which could be why that's what you got with your used device ). Probably worth taking the old cord with you to make sure you get the right end, but from what you're describing (older non-touch Kobo) it sounds like a mini-usb you'll need IIRC.

[SusiQ]

Originally Posted by Ken Maltby

You can do almost everything wirelessly, with Kobo Start Menu 8 and Koreader, but you would need a way to install them. If your Kobo device has an internal uSD card (the Aura HD does of course) you could remove that and mount it on your PC, to add the install files. (I can describe the process to mount the sd card in Windows.)

If the process is to long to go thru here, Ken, I can give you my email?!
Susie

[AniPendragon]

Thanks y'all. I appear to have the Kobo Wireless eReader, as mine has a "Wifi" menu on my settings. I'll take the cord with me on Friday and get a proper word.

Cheers!

[Ken Maltby]

Originally Posted by SusiQ

If the process is to long to go thru here, Ken, I can give you my email?!
Susie

"Mounting" the Kobo internal uSD card in Windows 7 x64

You should consider this.

If you can remove the internal uSD card (see above) you can mount it in windows, using "Bootice". Windows will not recognize the uSD card, as it is used in your device, because the partition table has a Linux type partition as the first partition. BootICE can be used to change the partition table so the FAT32 (KOBOeReader) partition is first in the partition table, and Windows will then see it and give it a drive letter. If you save the partition table both before and after changing the partition table, (Bootice lets you save and restore the partition table) you can "restore" the partition table to how you need it for your Kobo or to how you need it so Windows can use it.

First you will need BOOTICE, (there are different versions for 32 and 64 bit OS)

Then you can remove your Kobo devices internal uSD card, from your device and plug it into the reader on your PC.

Open Bootice and check that the "Destination Disk" is your uSD card.

Select the "Parts Manage" button and "Backup Partition Table", to save the existing partition arrangement so it can be restored easily after you are done. [I save mine in the same folder I keep my backup image files.] Give it a name like "Original_ Kobo.dpt"

Then select the "KOBOeReader" partition and click on the "Set Accessible" button. It should move to the top of the list. Now backup the partition table again and give it a name like; "AuraHD_FAT1st.dpt"

Close and exit Bootice. Open Windows Explorer and you should now have the FAT32 partition mounted and you can modify its contents.

When you are done, you open Bootice and restore the original partition table, that you saved earlier. Your uSD card should now work in your Kobo device again, with the changes you made in effect.

Now all you need to do to "Mount" the uSD card with the FAT32 accessible (for updates, ect.), is to "Restore" the FAT1st version of the partition table. Then make your changes and then restore using the backup of the original partition table.

Luck;
Ken

[Akk]

One more thing to be aware of: I've found my Kobo Touch doesn't work through all USB hubs. I have to plug mine in directly to my computer, not to the USB2 powered hub where I plug in nearly everything else. The only other devices that have had problems working through the hub are a Nook Touch and a Samsung Galaxy Player 5. I'm not sure what's different about these devices. The Kobo also seems a bit sensitive to cables (I've seen cables not work with it that still worked with another device).

Anyway, if the new cable doesn't solve the problem, try plugging directly into your computer's USB port with no hub in between.