If no USB devices work after a reformat/reload, the USB controller is damaged and the mainboard will need to be replaced.

 

How do I perform a reformat/reload? Do you mean the reinstallation of the operating system?

(On that matter I have a stupid question: will the system recognize that my copy of vista is genuine? If so, i could use it to install Vista on many computers, what is it that stops that from happening?)

 

Is the formatting the only solution? Is there a way to uninstall just the USB controller and reload it?

How can i be 100% sure the USB controller is damaged? I am no expert and that is my guess since no device I plug in the usb ports work.

Is the webcam connected by a sort of usb? I mean, since it doesn't work either, could the cause be the usb controller?

Again, if a complete reload (F8 at startup to do this) doesn't fix the problem, it's hardware in origin.

 

Yes, the Webcam is connected by an internal usb port( Or the usually are).

 

Reformating is only a troubleshooting type of solution. If that(reformating) doesnt work then its most likely hardware . 

 

Like he said, you will have to replace the motherboard( or a technician( recommend using the technician too if you have don't know what your doing))

 

Best  of Wishes

What BIOS version are you using?  Try downloading/reinstalling the chipset drivers?


[edit]  Darn it!  I edited the wrong post :D [/edit]

Thank you for your reply.
I would really like to avoid to reformat the drive.

But, could you tell me how to check the bios version?

And dowload / reinstall the chipset driver?

 

My model is an XPS M1210 with Vista Business on

 

Thank you

You'll find them on the XPS M1210 ' Drivers & Downloads' page ;)


[edit]  Sorry:  You can find out which BIOS version you're currently using, by watching the boot screen (carefully) during the boot process ;) [/edit]

I have been there but which driver should I get? There are many there.

the one for the chipset? what is it called exactly....
And how do I check if my bios is up to date?

Sorry but i am not really godd at this sort of stuff

I recommend you start by the basics, before any reformat!

Run the hardware diagnostics by hitting F12 at boot start (first and foremost, read your manual) 

Thank you for the suggesting the system diagnostic F12.

Infact during that test I get lots of messages like the next ones (with the option to answer yes-no-cancel)

 

incompatible module usb.mdm v1284.0!

 

incompatible module disk.mdm v1284.0!

 

incompatible module usbmass.mdm v1284.0!

 

the list goes on for at least 29 messages

 

answering yes to the question of start initiating the module, the next message is presented and it goes on like that for a very long list of incompatible modules
What has happened?