Avoiding USB-6008 Installation Corruption When Device is Un-Plugged

[gwjtstengr]

Hello,

I would be interested in best practices or other advice for avoiding installation corruption when un-plugging a USB-6008

device.  I can avoid the problem by leaving the DAQ connected to my computer all the time, but that is not really convenient.

I have tried powering down my computer before removing the USB-6008, and then powering it back up before plugging

the DAQ back in, but the drivers do not always install correctly.  In such cases, I have seen varying degrees of loss

of functionality as viewed in NI-MAX (sometimes the device is not recognized and sometimes it is, but does not function).

Through solutions posted earlier, I have found that I can recover from driver installation problems by repairing the

DAQmx software.  However, this is a fairly time-consuming process that sometimes needs to be repeated.

I'm currently using DAQmx version 9.4 on a Windows Vista system.  I would like to be able to safely disconnect the

DAQ when not in use without losing the device installation.  I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thank You,

gwjtstengr

[gaving]

btw...this shouldn't happen...

ok, with that said...what do you experience when the device does not work? Are you always plugging into the same USB port on your computer?  Does the device identify correctly in the Windows Device Manager? When the device is present but "does not function" what errors does it give?

-gaving

[gwjtstengr]

Hi Gaving:

Thank you for your reply.  I will have to take better notes next time I encounter the problem, so I can provide an error code.

However, I can confirm that I am consistently using the same USB port.  I will also have to review status in Windows Device

Manager.  The NI error message indicates that the device is not installed or has been un-plugged.

When viewed in NI-MAX, the USB-6008 may still be present as Device 1, but may not pass self-test and test panels will

not run properly (once the installation has become corrupted).  Other times, Dev 1 has shown up as X'd out in NI-MAX,

clearly indicating a problem, and will not pass self-test.

I appreciate your reply.  I will provide further details when I am able to re-create the problem.

Thank You,

gwjtstengr

[Brandon-L · Accepted solution]

Hi gwjtstengr,

Unplugging the device should not corrupt MAX. To help figure out what could be causing this I have a couple of questions. It would also help if you can post a screenshot of any errors that you may be getting.

 Is the device running or taking data when you are unplugging it?

Does this happen on any other computers?

Does is happen with any other devices?

When you say you are “repairing the DAQmx software” are you referring to the removing the MAX database corruption?

1. Possible solutions would be to update your firmware on the USB-6008. Here is a link on how to do that.

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/1448A8AC665EE0EA8625703F004A4410

1. Install the latest DAQmx drivers which can be found here.

http://www.ni.com/nisearch/app/main/p/bot/no/ap/tech/lang/en/pg/1/sn/catnav:du,n8:3478.41.181.5495,s...

1. Make sure the NI Device Loader and NI Configuration Manager are running. See the link below.

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/0819391CA91B3EB38625731D00024649?OpenDocument

[gwjtstengr]

Hi Brandon,

Thank you for your reply; you've provided some very helpful suggestions and insights.  I feel better prepared to

address the problem.  To answer your questions:

-- The device was not in use when un-plugged, both LV and NI-MAX were closed.

-- Sorry, I have not tried to reproduce the problem on other computers or using other devices.

-- By "repairing the DAQmx software", I meant to say I was using the Windows Control Panel to repair DAQmx.

   (This appears to re-load all DAQmx software from the original installation source - I have updated to version 9.4).

Repairing or re-installing a newer version of DAQmx was something suggested as a solution to a similar problem

posted earlier by another user.  It probably works because it forces you to make a fresh start, and install the

USB-6800 drivers like when plugged-in the first time.  It seems like a big hammer for a possibly smaller problem.

I appreciate your suggestions, and feel they will lead to a better/simpler solution.  I will review the links that you

provided for more information.  When I re-produce the problem, I will provide a screenshot with error code.

Some additional details and questions for your consideration:

-- I have observed that the device's LED is flashing green, as it should, indicating that it is functioning properly.

-- I purchased the USB-6008 in January and it shipped with DAQmx 9.3.5.  I have upgraded to version 9.4.  (Do

   I really need to update the firmware and software?)

Thank You,

gwjtstengr

[Brandon-L]

How did the troubleshooting steps workout? Are still seeing these issues? If so, here are some other things to consider.

---

@gwjtstengr wrote:

-- By "repairing the DAQmx software", I meant to say I was using the Windows Control Panel to repair DAQmx.

   (This appears to re-load all DAQmx software from the original installation source - I have updated to version 9.4).

---

You mentioned doing a repair, however, this may not be necessary. I would try to Reset the Configuration Data in MAX first since this will usually work without having to do a full repair via Windows Control Panel.

I would also make sure that the USB DAQ is not plugged in when installing the drivers. You need to install the drivers, restart the computer, then plug in the DAQ.

Do you have any anti-virus software running? This can sometimes cause uses. 

[gwjtstengr]

Hi Brandon,

Thank you for your help.  I have not been able to re-produce the problem, but have found I can avoid it by following your advice.  Checking to see if NI Device Loader and NI Configuration Manager Services are running before plugging in, and

re-starting them if they are not, appears to be the answer.

Following the instructions given by the link you provided, I was also able to change the NI Device Loader properties for Recovery to restart the service on failure.  That should re-start both NI services in the event that they fail to start properly

(when I re-start the computer).

It appears I was having a start-up problem rather than difficulties caused by improper shut-down.  I thought I was being careful with the shutdown, so that makes more sense.  The information you provided has given me better insight into

trouble-shooting USB DAQ problems, and much better recovery options -- much appreciated.

Thank You!

gwjtstengr