I've got an interesting dilema. Two weeks ago, my Space Explorer USB just stopped working. I've tried to uninstall and reinstall a variety of drivers, including the most recent (11-Feb-2011). The only thing that makes my device work, is to remove all of the entries in the Device Manager, and then remove all of the software. Once I reinstall it, per guidelines, I can plug my Space Explorer USB in and it is recognized. All is well until I reboot again, then its back to the same routine. It is no longer recognized and 3dxsrv.exe won't run.
One thing that I have noticed is that when the device works, there is an entry in the HID section of the Device Manager. This apparently gets removed whenever a reboot is performed. Is there any way to prevent this cycle? I'm using a piece of software that is embedded in AutoCAD and without the Space Explorer, life is just not any fun (at all).
I'm using Windows Vista 64-Bit, if that matters. All anti-virus and firewall conflicts have been removed and I'm securly entrenched behind a network-managed firewall.
Space Explorer USB won't stay configured after Reboot
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DocMaverick
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:09 am
Space Explorer USB won't stay configured after Reboot
Working to support outdoor habits....
Device not being discovered by Operating System
Dear DocMaverick,
The first troubleshooting step I would try is this:
Try unplugging your device, then plug directly into the computer holding down both the number 1 and number 2 buttons on your device at the same time. Then release the buttons and access the Jet Demo. See if the device is recognized by the operating system at this time. You may test in the Jet Demo (Start, All Programs, 3Dconnexion, 3Dconnexion 3DxWare, Demos)
This may help your operating system re-discover your device.
Sincerely,
Bryan
The first troubleshooting step I would try is this:
Try unplugging your device, then plug directly into the computer holding down both the number 1 and number 2 buttons on your device at the same time. Then release the buttons and access the Jet Demo. See if the device is recognized by the operating system at this time. You may test in the Jet Demo (Start, All Programs, 3Dconnexion, 3Dconnexion 3DxWare, Demos)
This may help your operating system re-discover your device.
Sincerely,
Bryan
The more things change, the more they remain the same. ; ^ )
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DocMaverick
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:09 am
Bryan,
First, thank you for the response, your advice was fast and spot-one. I was able to reconnect the device, holding buttons 1 and 2. The Device Manager found the device and loaded a human interface driver. I proceeded to run the Jet demo and was successful after it loaded and started the driver. The demo worked as intended.
Of course, I had to reboot, just to make sure all was well. This is where the old behavior came back. After the restart, the system loaded another human interface driver, but the Space Explorer would not work this time around. Am I back to where I was before? I'm sure I could unplug and plug-in again, but must I really do this everytime?
First, thank you for the response, your advice was fast and spot-one. I was able to reconnect the device, holding buttons 1 and 2. The Device Manager found the device and loaded a human interface driver. I proceeded to run the Jet demo and was successful after it loaded and started the driver. The demo worked as intended.
Of course, I had to reboot, just to make sure all was well. This is where the old behavior came back. After the restart, the system loaded another human interface driver, but the Space Explorer would not work this time around. Am I back to where I was before? I'm sure I could unplug and plug-in again, but must I really do this everytime?
Working to support outdoor habits....
pace Explorer USB won't stay configured after Reboot
Hello DocMaverick -
It is possible for a corrupted registry key to cause this type of behavior. The Clean Install steps remove all of the 3Dconnexion registry keys and profiles. That should return your Space Explorer to its original behavior and allow it to be correctly recognized.
_________________
Barbara
It is possible for a corrupted registry key to cause this type of behavior. The Clean Install steps remove all of the 3Dconnexion registry keys and profiles. That should return your Space Explorer to its original behavior and allow it to be correctly recognized.
_________________
Barbara
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DocMaverick
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:09 am
Barbara,
I have performed yet another clean install, removing everything related to 3DConnexion in both the registry and the appropriate user folders. I am still having the same issue. The Space Explorer USB is just not recognized by the operating system. I've even tried again to plug the device in while holding the 1 and 2 buttons. This no longer works.
What do I do next?
I have performed yet another clean install, removing everything related to 3DConnexion in both the registry and the appropriate user folders. I am still having the same issue. The Space Explorer USB is just not recognized by the operating system. I've even tried again to plug the device in while holding the 1 and 2 buttons. This no longer works.
What do I do next?
Working to support outdoor habits....
Space Explorer USB won't stay configured after Reboot
Hello DocMaverick -
Have you been able to check the SpaceExplorer on another PC ? This is not a common issue - that would help determine whether this is hardware or software based.
__________________
Barbara
Have you been able to check the SpaceExplorer on another PC ? This is not a common issue - that would help determine whether this is hardware or software based.
__________________
Barbara
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DocMaverick
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:09 am
Barbara,
Thank you for the suggestion to try the Space Explorer on another PC. I was able to plug it into a co-worker's computer (he removed his hardware to accomodate mine). It worked instantly without issue.
So, I brought it back to my PC and discovered that if I plug it into my monitor (which has a two-port USB hub) it will in fact work. The interesting thing is that the first port, didn't work, but the second one did. I'm not certain, but I believe the second port has never been used to connect the Space Explorer ever before. I was able to automatically install the device driver (HID) and then click on the Jet demo. This started the driver and the control panel in the system tray. I was off to the races, or so I thought. Unfortunately, after a few moments, the blue light turned off, and is no longer functioning (even though the 3DxWare control panel is operating).
It seems like it has something to do with the USB port I try to use to connect it to the PC. This scares me a bit, because I'm running out of USB ports that have never been used for the Space Explorer. Is it possible to purge all the USB drivers associated with specific ports and try again, or is this just vain effort?
Is there soemthing I'm missing? This is rather frustrating.
Thank you for the suggestion to try the Space Explorer on another PC. I was able to plug it into a co-worker's computer (he removed his hardware to accomodate mine). It worked instantly without issue.
So, I brought it back to my PC and discovered that if I plug it into my monitor (which has a two-port USB hub) it will in fact work. The interesting thing is that the first port, didn't work, but the second one did. I'm not certain, but I believe the second port has never been used to connect the Space Explorer ever before. I was able to automatically install the device driver (HID) and then click on the Jet demo. This started the driver and the control panel in the system tray. I was off to the races, or so I thought. Unfortunately, after a few moments, the blue light turned off, and is no longer functioning (even though the 3DxWare control panel is operating).
It seems like it has something to do with the USB port I try to use to connect it to the PC. This scares me a bit, because I'm running out of USB ports that have never been used for the Space Explorer. Is it possible to purge all the USB drivers associated with specific ports and try again, or is this just vain effort?
Is there soemthing I'm missing? This is rather frustrating.
Working to support outdoor habits....
Plug Directly into Computer
Dear DocMaverick,
It is best to plug our device directly into your computer. Try the two button replug with a direct computer port.
Sincerely,
Bryan
It is best to plug our device directly into your computer. Try the two button replug with a direct computer port.
Sincerely,
Bryan
The more things change, the more they remain the same. ; ^ )
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DocMaverick
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:09 am
Hello DocMaverick -
To stop and re-start the driver we use the Start| Stop Driver shortcuts [Start,Programs,3Dconnexion, Driver,Start Driver ] Is there an entry for 'Start 3dxWare' in the Startup folder on your Start menu ?
The shortcut is placed there during the installation when the box for 'Start 3dxWare at windows startup' remains checked - it is checked by default. If not, the shortcut can be copied to the Startup folder.
The software doesn't specify a USB port or remain linked with one after the device is unplugged. If the Startup folder shortcut is in place but not working, it is possible that there is something in the USB controllers not behaving correctly.Microsoft lists steps to remove and reinstall the USB controllers. Steps are the same for Vista with the exception of the command listed for opening Control Panel - the Device Manager behaves as it does in XP.
When the computer re-starts, Windows will automatically scan for hardware changes and reinstall the USB controllers.
_____________________________
Barbara
To stop and re-start the driver we use the Start| Stop Driver shortcuts [Start,Programs,3Dconnexion, Driver,Start Driver ] Is there an entry for 'Start 3dxWare' in the Startup folder on your Start menu ?
The shortcut is placed there during the installation when the box for 'Start 3dxWare at windows startup' remains checked - it is checked by default. If not, the shortcut can be copied to the Startup folder.
The software doesn't specify a USB port or remain linked with one after the device is unplugged. If the Startup folder shortcut is in place but not working, it is possible that there is something in the USB controllers not behaving correctly.Microsoft lists steps to remove and reinstall the USB controllers. Steps are the same for Vista with the exception of the command listed for opening Control Panel - the Device Manager behaves as it does in XP.
When the computer re-starts, Windows will automatically scan for hardware changes and reinstall the USB controllers.
_____________________________
Barbara
Doc Maverick -
What you've been seeing with the SpaceExplorer is not normal behavior. The device has a 3 year warranty. Unless recent steps have resolved the problem, if you purchased the SpaceExplorer less than 3 years ago, you can contact our
Technical Support for warranty replacement.
You've covered the troubleshooting steps here. Include your SpaceExplorer serial number found on the tag attached to the cord [PID#] and Technical Support can verify whether your SpaceExplorer is still within the warranty period.
__________________
Barbara
What you've been seeing with the SpaceExplorer is not normal behavior. The device has a 3 year warranty. Unless recent steps have resolved the problem, if you purchased the SpaceExplorer less than 3 years ago, you can contact our
Technical Support for warranty replacement.
You've covered the troubleshooting steps here. Include your SpaceExplorer serial number found on the tag attached to the cord [PID#] and Technical Support can verify whether your SpaceExplorer is still within the warranty period.
__________________
Barbara
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DocMaverick
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:09 am
While I reserve the right to change my mind in the near future, I must admit that the problem appears to be resolved. As near as I can tell, it was one of three things that I did.
1. I uninstalled all of the USB controllers in the Device Manager (after unplugging everything besides the mouse and keyboard).
2. I unplugged my computer over night completely to let the USB port hardware dissipate completely.
3. I plugged the Space Explorer USB into one of my two 'Enhanced' USB controller ports.
Like I said, I am not sure which of these three steps was the winner, but the combination of all of these worked. The SE and its driver now start up automatically each time I log in and everything operates very well. There was just something residual about the driver and our USB port configuration. Wiping everything clean did the trick. I work at a fairly remote site and power is not typically reliable. We deal with spikes and outages frequently and these seem to wreak havoc on this type of device.
I appreciate the service reminder and will keep that in mind. It is still less than 3 years old, so I will keep that in my back pocket. As stated earlier in this post, however, the device was shown to work properly on another computer. Sending it to technical support would have been unjustifiable, at this point. Perhaps this thread can provide assistance to someone else in a similar situation.
Thanks to all who helped troubleshoot this issue (Bryan and Barbara), your support is appreciated! Kudos on the response.
DocMaverick
1. I uninstalled all of the USB controllers in the Device Manager (after unplugging everything besides the mouse and keyboard).
2. I unplugged my computer over night completely to let the USB port hardware dissipate completely.
3. I plugged the Space Explorer USB into one of my two 'Enhanced' USB controller ports.
Like I said, I am not sure which of these three steps was the winner, but the combination of all of these worked. The SE and its driver now start up automatically each time I log in and everything operates very well. There was just something residual about the driver and our USB port configuration. Wiping everything clean did the trick. I work at a fairly remote site and power is not typically reliable. We deal with spikes and outages frequently and these seem to wreak havoc on this type of device.
I appreciate the service reminder and will keep that in mind. It is still less than 3 years old, so I will keep that in my back pocket. As stated earlier in this post, however, the device was shown to work properly on another computer. Sending it to technical support would have been unjustifiable, at this point. Perhaps this thread can provide assistance to someone else in a similar situation.
Thanks to all who helped troubleshoot this issue (Bryan and Barbara), your support is appreciated! Kudos on the response.
DocMaverick
Working to support outdoor habits....
Very good post.
I too am having similar issues regarding the 3DConnexion Space Navigator.
I followed the full clean-up and re-install for windows procedure and am having no luck on keeping this connected in a USB port on the back of the computer. The only USB port that will keep this active is the port on the back of my keyboard, which it sounds like I should not do.
One work around:
A couple things of note that I could also do when trying to use the back of the computer USB ports:
When the computer starts, the mouse is on as the blue lights are on but the driver does not load. I unplug the mouse from the back and plug it back in. I then click on the "Start Driver" and seems to work fine until next reboot.
Another work around:
Keep it plugged into the back of the keyboard.
This is the second mouse behaving the same fashion here on multiple computers. We had one issued from a return and the new one is doing the same thing. I will try this at a home computer.
I will keep this plugged in the back of the keyboard and pray that the keyboard does not die.
I too am having similar issues regarding the 3DConnexion Space Navigator.
I followed the full clean-up and re-install for windows procedure and am having no luck on keeping this connected in a USB port on the back of the computer. The only USB port that will keep this active is the port on the back of my keyboard, which it sounds like I should not do.
One work around:
A couple things of note that I could also do when trying to use the back of the computer USB ports:
When the computer starts, the mouse is on as the blue lights are on but the driver does not load. I unplug the mouse from the back and plug it back in. I then click on the "Start Driver" and seems to work fine until next reboot.
Another work around:
Keep it plugged into the back of the keyboard.
This is the second mouse behaving the same fashion here on multiple computers. We had one issued from a return and the new one is doing the same thing. I will try this at a home computer.
I will keep this plugged in the back of the keyboard and pray that the keyboard does not die.
Hello mpranger -
How are you determining that the driver does not load when the blue LEDs are on ?
If the device is not recognized :
The 3DxWare icon will not show up in the system tray.
The blue LEDs do not turn on.
The driver does not start.
The 3DMouse Home window opens but the link to 3Dconnexion Properties is not active.
In order for the blue LEDs to be on, the driver software [3dxsrv.exe] must have been started.
With all of the 3Dconnexion devices, the device must be recognized in order for the software to start and the 3Dconnexion Properties panel to be available.
The driver may have started even if the blue LEDs are off. That is one reason we use the demos to determine if the device is working outside of the applications.
We recommend the ports directly on the PC because they are most likely to have consistent power. If your SpaceNavigator works correctly plugged into your keyboard, it must have sufficient power as well.
Which OS are you using ? With Vista and Windows 7 the UAC and/or firewall can also block the software.
___________________
Barbara
How are you determining that the driver does not load when the blue LEDs are on ?
If the device is not recognized :
The 3DxWare icon will not show up in the system tray.
The blue LEDs do not turn on.
The driver does not start.
The 3DMouse Home window opens but the link to 3Dconnexion Properties is not active.
In order for the blue LEDs to be on, the driver software [3dxsrv.exe] must have been started.
With all of the 3Dconnexion devices, the device must be recognized in order for the software to start and the 3Dconnexion Properties panel to be available.
The driver may have started even if the blue LEDs are off. That is one reason we use the demos to determine if the device is working outside of the applications.
We recommend the ports directly on the PC because they are most likely to have consistent power. If your SpaceNavigator works correctly plugged into your keyboard, it must have sufficient power as well.
Which OS are you using ? With Vista and Windows 7 the UAC and/or firewall can also block the software.
___________________
Barbara