Having trouble installing a RTL-SDR Generic Device

[ChuckK3rd]

Hello

I just got a generic RTL-SDR the other day. I can't get it to install. When I plug it in to a USB port, it either doesn't see it, or I get the response "Windows doesn't recognize device due to malfunction". When I look in device manager, it read "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed) (error code 43)". My guess is it's a driver issue, and because of that, Zadig proves to be useless, since it also indicates "Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)", and therefore offers no driver to install. Is this device in fact defective, or is this just a driver/configuration issue? HELP!

 

[dave3825]

Was there a disc that came with it? There might be another driver on that. Mine came with drivers and after I used them, I ran Zadig.

 

[ChuckK3rd]

No, no disc came with it. It doesn't even come with instructions. Zadig is useless because it also shows the device is unknown and therefore offers no driver. What is the driver that is used for the generic RTL-SDR? This thing could be looking for a driver before it's acknowledged. I'm running this on Windows 10. I tried to run this on Windows 8.1 and got the same result. When I run this on either Windows XP or Vista, somehow it can't be seen.

Also why would you use Zadig if you already had drivers?

 

[darunimal]

zadig Archives - rtl-sdr.com

 

[jwt873]

This web site got me going with my NooElec dongle.. Quick Start Guide - rtl-sdr.com It deals with generic devices and has instructions on how to download all the necessary software/drivers etc..

 

[ChuckK3rd]

I've been to the site already

I've been to the site rtl-sdr.com already. I wonder if this is a driver issue in the first place. if so, perhaps what needs to happen is the the device needs to point to a driver in a folder (via device manager)? Do you know exactly what the driver is for this device?

From here on, please don't ask me to use Zadig, as that software does no good, as I've indicated in the original message.


I've enclosed a photo of the device so you know what I'm talking about. Thanks.

 

[Spitfire8520]

I would lean towards it being defective. My very first (and defective) RTL-SDR device that I received gave a "USB Device Not Recognized." The subsequent devices I have gotten automatically installed drivers, which needed to be overwritten with Zadig.

 

[ChuckK3rd]

I'm inclined to think you're right.

I'm inclined to think you're right, that my particular unit might be defective. The seller is saying they're willing to work with me on this. Thanks

 

[ChuckK3rd]

As a follow up, I tried to install this on a Windows XP laptop, and get the same response. However when I look into Device Manager, it seems to indicate it has no driver, bringing me back to the initial question of is this a driver issue.

 

[ChuckK3rd]

By some strange miracle, I finally managed to get this thing working. Thank you to all to gave me feedback. I definitely do a backup of this so I don't go through all this hassle again.

 

[frrojas]

How to..

I have the same issue (Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed), how did you get it working?

 

[N1KK]

how do you like it

I see those units on ebay. I have the cheap $20 dollar unit and wondered
how you like the performace on yours.

Can you use Sharp along with DSDplus ?

thanks,
Ken

By some strange miracle, I finally managed to get this thing working. Thank you to all to gave me feedback. I definitely do a backup of this so I don't go through all this hassle again.