Fixing RTL8153-VC-CG: Solving USB Port and Network Driver Conflicts
When dealing with the issue of RTL8153-VC-CG (a USB to Ethernet adapter) causing conflicts between USB ports and network Drivers , the main problem arises from driver or hardware conflicts. Here's a detailed breakdown of the possible causes, steps for troubleshooting, and easy-to-follow solutions.
1. Cause of the Issue:
The conflict is typically caused by:
Driver Issues: The Drivers for the RTL8153-VC-CG and other USB devices may be incompatible or outdated. When the same USB controller handles multiple devices, such as an Ethernet adapter and other USB peripherals, conflicts can arise.
Power Management Conflicts: USB ports sometimes enter power-saving modes that interfere with proper device functioning. This is especially common in laptops or desktops that use aggressive power-saving techniques.
Device Conflicts: When the Ethernet adapter and USB devices share the same USB bus or IRQ (Interrupt Request Line), conflicts may cause instability or the device to not function correctly.
Operating System Conflicts: OS updates, especially with Windows, can sometimes cause conflicts between newly updated drivers and existing hardware components.
2. Steps to Troubleshoot:
Step 1: Check the Device Manager (Windows) Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting it from the menu. Expand the Network Adapters and Universal Serial Bus Controllers sections to locate the RTL8153-VC-CG. Check for any warning symbols (yellow exclamation marks) next to the devices. These indicate driver issues. Step 2: Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers Right-click the RTL8153-VC-CG device under Network Adapters and select Uninstall Device. Also, uninstall any related USB drivers under Universal Serial Bus Controllers . Reboot your system. Windows should automatically attempt to reinstall the necessary drivers. Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website and install them manually. Step 3: Update or Rollback Drivers If uninstalling and reinstalling doesn’t work, try updating the drivers by right-clicking the RTL8153-VC-CG in Device Manager, selecting Update Driver, and following the prompts to search automatically for updated drivers. If the issue started after a recent update, you can also rollback the driver by selecting Properties → Driver tab → Rollback Driver. Step 4: Disable USB Selective Suspend Open Control Panel and go to Power Options. Click Change Plan Settings next to your selected power plan. Then click Change Advanced Power Settings. Scroll down to USB settings → USB selective suspend setting, and set it to Disabled. This prevents the system from selectively suspending USB devices, which may interfere with the adapter. Step 5: Check for Power Conflicts If your computer is running low on power, the USB ports may fail to deliver enough power to the Ethernet adapter. If you're using a laptop, try plugging it into a power source. If using a desktop, check the power settings of the motherboard or use a powered USB hub to ensure the adapter receives stable power. Step 6: Test on Another Computer If possible, test the RTL8153-VC-CG on another computer to rule out issues specific to your system. Step 7: USB Port Test Try plugging the RTL8153-VC-CG into different USB ports on your computer (front vs. back ports, USB 2.0 vs. USB 3.0). Some USB ports may provide more reliable power or data transfer.3. Possible Solutions:
Driver Compatibility: Ensure you are using the latest drivers for the RTL8153-VC-CG adapter, as older or incompatible drivers are a common cause of issues.
Use a Powered USB Hub: If the problem is related to insufficient power from the USB port, using a powered USB hub will ensure a stable power supply.
Operating System Updates: Ensure your operating system is fully updated. Sometimes, an OS update can resolve underlying issues with USB or network driver conflicts.
Hardware Reset: If none of the above solutions work, try a hardware reset by powering down the system completely and disconnecting it from any power source for a few minutes before rebooting.
4. Conclusion:
The conflict between USB ports and network drivers in the RTL8153-VC-CG adapter is often due to driver issues, USB power settings, or system conflicts. By following these systematic troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve these conflicts and restore proper functionality. Make sure to keep your drivers up-to-date and monitor any system updates that may affect hardware behavior.
