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Help USB drivers?

wayrad

Android Expert
May 12, 2010
1,177
149
Long Island
I recently picked up an (unrooted) Galaxy Nexus (Verizon) on Ebay. It updated to JellyBean right after I got it. I love it to pieces, especially after an HTC Rezound that I never could quite get along with (it overheated every time I tried to play a game). Anyway, I have a couple of questions that my occasional searches haven't turned up answers to, especially regarding this "Windows Media Device" annoyance.

1. I can copy files via USB using my work computer but not on my laptop, and would like to be able to do it both places.

On my work computer (Win XP SP3) I get three options when I connect the phone via USB - "Sync media files...", "Open device to view files...", and "Take no action". Using the second option I can copy files back and forth although some don't seem to copy properly. Most work, though. In Device Manager, it shows up under "Portable Devices" with "Galaxy Nexus" under that. It is using a Microsoft driver 5.2.5326.4762 dated 2/22/2006. Driver Details shows two files:
wpdusb.sys, Microsoft, 5.2.5721.5145 (WMP_11.061018-2008)
uudfrd.sys (oops, correction, wudfrd.sys), Microsoft, 6.0.5716.32, (winmain(wmbla).060928.1756)

I haven't been able to find this driver anywhere- the one place that purported to have a download actually downloaded some kind of .exe file that I didn't want to risk running.

On my laptop (also Win XP SP3) the only options I get when I connect the phone are "Sync media files..." and "Take no action". In Device Manager, "Galaxy Nexus" appears under "Windows Portable Devices" instead of "Portable Devices". It is using a different driver, also from Microsoft - 5.2.0.0 dated 8/21/2004. Driver details just shows one file, wpdusb.sys 5.2.3790.3646 "built by DNSRV(bld4act)"

So, can anyone suggest a way to get USB file transfer going on this computer?

2. ...and if I can, should I? When I run Quadrant I am seeing a much lower I/O score (1176) than they show for a typical GNex, assuming I'm reading the display right. That's read/write speed, correct? What I'm wondering is whether I messed up the memory somehow when copying files on the work computer. If it's not that, what could be causing the problem? Edited to add: I think it must actually be the same problem referenced here; my Androbench results look very similar:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1909408

Anyway, all suggestions gratefully received. I've gotten Calibre Companion, Nexus Media Importer, and Airdroid going so the situation isn't desperate, but I'd sure like to get things sorted. For one thing the wireless card on my laptop isn't working right, and plugging into a router every time is a bit of a pain.

Thanks (and sorry for the long post)!

PS. Oh, and isn't there any way to deny permissions on this thing without rooting? I know I could on the Rezound with ICS, even before rooting it.
 
If you want USB drivers that just downright seem to work for everyone you need to download and install pdanet on your computer. The Samsung driver for this is the go to driver for anyone having USB issues. You have to install the pdanet software to install drivers but once you've got it connecting to your nexus you can uninstall the software and the drivers will remain intact.

PdaNet -- USB Tether/Bluetooth DUN for Android
 
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If you want USB drivers that just downright seem to work for everyone you need to download and install pdanet on your computer. The Samsung driver for this is the go to driver for anyone having USB issues. You have to install the pdanet software to install drivers but once you've got it connecting to your nexus you can uninstall the software and the drivers will remain intact.

PdaNet -- USB Tether/Bluetooth DUN for Android
Thanks for the reply! Sorry, I forgot to say I had already tried PDAnet without success. Still no view file option when I connect via USB.
 
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Are you using the cable that came with the phone? I've seen other cables have issues.
Yes, I've tried three different cables including the stock one - all work for the work computer but not the laptop.

I've also read a number of people updating their version of windows media player solving their connection issues.
OK, will try.
 
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