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Program for removing traces of flash drives. What is a utility for cleaning USB connectors. Removing USB controller drivers

Sometimes it becomes necessary to disable USB ports on a computer or laptop in order to limit access by connecting flash drives, hard drives and other USB devices. Disabling USB ports will help prevent the connection of any drives that could be used for theft important information or cause your computer to become infected with a virus and spread harmful software over local network.

Restricting access to USB ports

Let's consider 7 ways, with which you can block USB ports:

  1. Disabling USB through BIOS settings
  2. Changing registry settings for USB devices
  3. Disabling USB ports in Device Manager
  4. Uninstalling USB controller drivers
  5. Usage Microsoft Fix It 50061
  6. Using additional programs
  7. Physical disabling USB ports

1. Disabling USB ports through BIOS settings

  1. Enter BIOS settings.
  2. Disable all items related to the USB controller (for example, USB Controller or Legacy USB Support).
  3. After you have made these changes, you need to save the settings and exit the BIOS. This is usually done using the key F10.
  4. Restart your computer and make sure the USB ports are disabled.

2. Enable and Disable USB Drives Using Registry Editor

If disabling via BIOS does not suit you, you can block access directly in the Windows OS itself using the registry.

The instructions below allow you to block access to various USB drives (for example flash drives), but other devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners will still work.

  1. Open the Start menu -> Run, enter the command " regedit" and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Continue to next section

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

  3. On the right side of the window, find the item “ Start” and double-click on it to edit. Enter value " 4 » to block access to USB storage devices. Accordingly, if you enter the value again “ 3 ", access will be reopened.

Click OK, close Registry Editor, and restart your computer.

The above method only works when the USB controller driver is installed. If for security reasons the driver has not been installed, the "Start" parameter value may be automatically reset to "3" when the user connects USB drive and Windows will install the driver.

3. Disable USB ports in Device Manager

  1. Click right click mouse on the " Computer" and select the "Properties" item in the context menu. A window will open on the left side of which you need to click on the link “ device Manager».
  2. In the device manager tree, find the item " USB controllers" and open it.
  3. Disable controllers by right-clicking and selecting the "Disable" menu item.

This method doesn't always work. In the example shown in the figure above, disabling the controllers (the first 2 points) did not lead to the desired result. Disabling the 3rd option (USB Mass Storage Device) worked, but this only allows you to disable a single instance of the USB storage device.

4. Removing USB controller drivers

Alternatively, to disable ports, you can simply uninstall USB driver controller. But the disadvantage of this method is that when the user connects a USB drive, Windows will check for drivers and, if they are missing, will offer to install the driver. This in turn will allow access to the USB device.

5. Prevent users from connecting USB storage devices using a Microsoft application

Another way to deny access to USB drives is to use Microsoft Fix It 50061(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823732/ru - the link may open near the mituta). The essence of this method is that 2 conditions for solving the problem are considered:

  • The USB drive has not yet been installed on the computer
  • The USB device is already connected to the computer

Within the scope of this article, we will not consider this method in detail, especially since you can study it in detail on the Microsoft website using the link given above.

It should also be taken into account that this method Not suitable for all versions of Windows OS.

6. Using programs to disable/enable access to USB storage devices

There are many programs for setting a ban on access to USB ports. Let's consider one of them - the program USB Drive Disabler.

The program has a simple set of settings that allow you to deny/allow access to certain drives. USB Drive Disabler also allows you to configure alerts and access levels.

7. Disconnecting USB from the motherboard

Although physical shutdown USB ports on motherboard is an almost impossible task, you can disable the ports located on the front or top of the computer case by disconnecting the cable going to the motherboard. This method will not completely block access to USB ports, but will reduce the likelihood of using drives inexperienced users and those who are simply too lazy to connect devices to the back of the system unit.

! Addition

Denying access to removable media through the Group Policy Editor

In modern Windows versions it is possible to restrict access to removable storage devices (including USB drives) using the local editor group policy.

  1. Run gpedit.msc through the Run window (Win + R).
  2. Go to the next branch " Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Access to Removable Storage Devices»
  3. On the right side of the screen, find the item " Removable drives: Deny reading."
  4. Activate this option ("Enable" position).

This section of local group policy allows you to configure read, write, and execute access for different classes removable media.

Almost every user connects a phone, tablet, reader, flash drives and external HDDs. When working with these devices, Windows installs their drivers. Upon completion of use, they are not deleted from the computer (that is, they gradually accumulate) and just like temporary files, unnecessary registry entries clutter up the system.

In addition to this, if devices are disconnected from the USB port incorrectly (they are pulled out without software shutdown function "Extract"), then installed drivers not only remain in the system, but also continue to function. Because of this, they often become the cause of a software conflict when connecting another USB device (the system “does not see” the device, gives errors, freezes).

This article will help you avoid all these troubles: it will tell you how to remove the driver of an unused USB drive or gadget from operating system completely how to automatically uninstall all USB drivers.

Removal using standard means

Surface cleaning

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Right-click in the “Computer” panel that appears. From the list of commands, select “Properties”.

3. In the left column, click “Device Manager”.

4. In the dispatcher window, in horizontal menu, open the View section and click Show hidden devices.

5. Open the “USB Controllers” directory.

6. Remove an old or unused driver: right-click on its name → click “Delete”.

Deep cleaning

1. Hold down the Win key and press the Pause/Break key. Or open: Start → right-click Computer → Properties.

2. In the window that opens, in the left panel, click “ Extra options systems."

3. On the Advanced tab, click the Environment Variables button.

4. In the top block, click “Create”.

5. In the New User Variable window:

  • in the “Variable name” line, enter - devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices;
  • in “Variable value” - 1.

6. Click OK in the Variable panel and in the Environment Variables window.

7. Return to the system properties window (Win+Break) and click “Device Manager”.

8. In the manager, open: View → Show hidden…

9. Click the “Update configuration...” button (the last one in the panel).

10. Icons unused drivers in the dispatcher are colored grey colour(that is, you can remove this driver). Open the following directories one by one and remove unnecessary elements(right click on the name → Delete):

Non-plug and play device drivers

Advice! In this directory you can also remove old drivers, installed by programs that have already been uninstalled from Windows (for example, the Comodo firewall package).

This device section displays installed drivers for flash drives, readers, and hard drives. Transparent icons objects indicate that they are not used (not connected). This means you can safely get rid of them.

11. Once cleaning is complete, restart your PC.

Automatic removal by USBDeview utility

1. Copy to address bar browser this link - http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/usb_devices_view.html#DownloadLinks (official website of the utility). And then press "ENTER".

2. On the page that opens:

  • if you have a 32-bit system, click the first link “Download USBDeview”;
  • if 64-x, the second - “... for x64 systems”.

3. Unpack the downloaded archive: right-click on it → select “Extract all...” → in the “Unpack...” window click “Extract”.

4. Open the unzipped folder. Run with administrator rights executable file USBDeview.

5. The utility window displays a list of all drivers installed in the system. Disabled elements are marked with red “chips”.

To remove a driver from Windows, select it with a mouse click, and then click the “Trash” icon in the USBDeview panel. Or right-click on it and select “Uninstall Selected Devices” from the context menu.

Note. In addition to the removal function, USBDeview allows the user to disable/enable the driver and view its properties.

Removing all USB device drivers

You can perform a global driver cleanup DriveCleanup utility(download link - http://uwe-sieber.de/files/drivecleanup.zip).

1. Unpack the archive downloaded to your computer.

2. If you have 32-bit Windows, open the “Win32” folder; if you have 64-bit, open the “x64” folder.

3. Run the “DriveCleanup” file as administrator.

Once launched, the utility will automatically perform cleaning. When the procedure is complete (when the message “Press any key” appears in the console window), press any key.

Good luck in setting up the system!

Good afternoon If you do not clean all connectors and ports in a timely manner, you can safely forget about the correct and proper operation. Your USB port will begin to lag, constantly lose connection, and if you do not clean the connector in a timely manner, devices connected via USB will no longer be recognized. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to do this correctly - after all, our portal is intended for ignorant beginners.

Do I need to clean the USB ports of my computer and laptop?

Not many people know why cleaning such fragile, but at the same time important components of a computer, laptop or phone is necessary. But think about it: how many times a day do you use the ports? In the morning, scrolling through the VK feed from your phone, you first put it on charge before a hard day at work.

Then, having already returned home, you take a mouse that works with USB and insert a flash drive next to it to finish printing an important work document. And this happens every day. It is not surprising that the connector (like any other hole) very quickly becomes clogged with dust, dirt and the remains of your food.

And all this leads to rather unpleasant consequences. Some ports simply stop working, others periodically lose connection to the device. And, if this problem is not corrected, then with normal mouse response or stable work external hard drive you can say goodbye.

How to clean a USB port (connector)

To ensure that cleaning goes smoothly and without problems, you should not disassemble your PC or phone trying to get to the dirt from the inside. Nothing good will come of this anyway: the inputs are tightly soldered to the motherboard, so you will simply waste your time.

Our advice is to limit yourself to external cleaning.

To do this you will need:

  • Brush.
  • Disinfectant (alcohol or chlorhexidine).

It is not necessary to buy a special brush in a specialized store. Even a hairdresser's shop is suitable for applying paint (if you have an old one lying around the house) or any other one with long bristles. Gently apply alcohol to it, let it dry a little so that nothing falls, and begin. Try to get the bristles right in, but don't press too hard to avoid breaking anything.

After this, using a vacuum cleaner or a spray can compressed air Gently blow out the port to remove any remaining dirt.

How to clean micro usb connector

If the connectors stop working on your phone or laptop, then from that moment on you will experience real problems. Since many modern devices equipped with a port type " micro usb", cleaning them will not be easy at all. As a rule, a regular tool simply won’t fit there.

Take the following:

  • Plastic unnecessary card.
  • "Velcro."

To avoid a useless discount, cut a small strip not wider than the port itself. At the bottom, cover it with some kind of Velcro - these often come complete with charger. Wait until the improvised brush dries.

You can search online for special cleaning accessories - nowadays everything has been invented and sold.

After this, moisten the Velcro a little with alcohol and start cleaning. Carefully insert the plastic into the connector and try to clean the walls of the port with it, where dirt most often accumulates.

Is it possible to clean USB ports?

Of course both the above described method quite complex, requiring certain manual dexterity and initial skills computer literacy. Therefore, many people believe that it is much easier to arrange a permanent wash. Some even throw their phone in soapy water!

Of course, you can do this... If you don’t need your device at all and want to change it. Otherwise, avoid water. It damages the contacts on the microcircuits, which in turn can even lead to a short circuit.

Therefore, our advice is to avoid getting water into your computer or phone in every possible way.

What is a utility for cleaning USB connectors?

Also, people who don’t want to bother with such cleaning try to do it programmatically. Indeed, you can actually find similar software on the Internet. Moreover, this is not a deception at all. The code is quite working and copes with all the tasks. Another thing is that it carries a completely different goal.

Utilities allow you to clear all data about previously connected USB devices x to the computer, rather than physically removing dirt from them. And how would this be possible, think for yourself?

Why did the USB ports stop working after cleaning?

Of course, not everything and does not always go as smoothly as we would like. Sometimes, while pursuing a good goal, we only break everything. And, trying to achieve speed of response, we get zero response.

Most likely, during cleaning you accidentally damaged some wire or shorted the contacts. It is possible that you somehow caused the contacts to short out. In this case, there is only one option left - contact the service. It's best not to try to solve the problem yourself.

conclusions

In fact, there is nothing complicated in the process of cleaning ports. You don’t need expensive equipment or the skills to disassemble and assemble all the components together, because cleaning can be done not only internally, but also externally. If you want to do this regularly, just buy a brush in the store.

Video review

Free USBDeview programintended for output detailed information about all USB devices ( flash card, mobile phone, smartphone, camera, mouse, printer, etc., etc.), ever connected to your computer or laptop, netbook. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s connected to this moment or not.

Good afternoon, or a pleasant evening, everyone. As you might have already guessed, today we will talk about such a wonderful, I repeat, free program USBDeview. During the life of a computer or laptop, we constantly connect and disconnect to it. various USB devices (smart, mouse, printer, etc ).

As is known (not to everyone), every device connected to a computer via a USB port will definitely remain in the system ( all information about connected devices is entered into) your mark in the form of .

USBDeview Features:

  • device name/description;
  • prohibit and allow the operation of devices;
  • date and time when the device was added and time last connection;
  • disable and change the device letter;
  • serial number;
  • open device settings in the editor system registry;
  • identification numbers product and manufacturer;
  • assign device autostart;
  • can uninstall USB devices that you used previously;
  • copy its properties to the clipboard and display information about it in the form of an HTML report;
  • disconnect those that are currently connected to your computer;
  • assign commands to be executed when connecting and disconnecting a USB device to a computer port;

You can download the program from this link. The archive contains a 32 and 64 bit version of the program in Russian. You need to select the one you need and tap on exe file. USBDeview does not require installation (-version). The main program window looks something like this.

pay attention to top panel where are red, green and blue mugs, namely green, this means that the device is currently active.

When you right-click on any device, you can select: disconnect the USB device, delete it, properties, view content, etc. Also pay attention to the controllability.

Double tap for the selected device will show us the properties of this device.

The program also has this useful feature like "Open in Registry Editor" to open this function choose required device, right-click on it, then select the appropriate item.

After which a direct transition is made to the registry editor with this driver.

That's basically all there is to it, I think that the program will be useful to any PC user. Using this program, you can ban, allow, or delete selected devices, as well as solve many various problems with drivers.

Sincerely,