Hi all, Ive had my captivate for about a week now and have been playing with it, I've been all over the web trying to figure out why I can't sync it with my pc Ive tried both my laptop with windows 7 and my desktop running XP. Nothing will work ive downloaded the drivers from Samsung's site and kies and kies mini with no luck. No matter what i do it says device not recognized windows has stopped the device and nothing shows up on the phones screen it just shows its charging, I'm guessing its something I'm doing but i just don't know what. Once I had so much trouble I connected a Samsung flight to my PC that's running XP and it worked just fine. Can anyone help me out i want to root the captivate so i can get take off all this att crap!!!
Did you mount the phone after plugging it into your computer? You should pull down the notification bar and it should give you the option to copy files to/from computer.
Also, set you usb settings to mass storage. It's in settings...can't remember where on stock.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
Yes I have put the phone in all the different usb settings debugging,media player, mass storage, ask on connection, kies. When I plug it in the only thing that changes on the phone screen is its showing its charging it doesn't give me any option to mount. The same cable will connect my old Flight phone and that phone transfers files just fine. This really has me stumped.
You downloaded and installed drivers from this site? http://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/SGH-I897ZKAATT
This may sound random and stupid but are you plugging into a USB that is directly connected to the motherboard (back of the computer)? If you're on a laptop there is no way to test this...basically, there was some issues before of people not having their computer recognize their phone and the issue was too low of power from the USB.
Hopefully someone else can chime in as well. I'm pretty new to this too so I can only think of fairly basic things.
Guys-
In a quandry - I should have rooted a couple months ago. I cannot get my Charge to recogize a USB connection with the comptuter. Computer recognizes something is trying to connect but computer gives me a USB Device Not Recognized message. It charges the phone when connected to the computer but doesn't ask me how I want to use the phone (as a mass storage device or media player) any more.
To make a long story short, I have tried everything - different USB cables, different USB ports, different computers, USB debug on and off, Ask on Connection and Mass Storage settings on and off. Have even gone thru several master resets of the phone and still will not recognize a computer connection.
Would love to root and hold on to this thing for at least a little longer, so my last thought is to ask if it's possible to root this device without a computer connection. From what I've read through on some other forum threads it's possible with some phones. I'm hoping this one can manage it.
Thanks, in advance.
While I'm certainly no expert, I am pretty sure its impossible to do what you're asking.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using XDA Premium HD app
Yep, it's no HTC, so you need a computer to flash the custom recovery.
Sent from my Rezound using Tapatalk 4
Your computer is seeing something. Sure seems like a driver problem. What os is your computer running?
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda app-developers app
elvisruns2000 said:
Guys-
In a quandry - I should have rooted a couple months ago. I cannot get my Charge to recogize a USB connection with the comptuter. Computer recognizes something is trying to connect but computer gives me a USB Device Not Recognized message. It charges the phone when connected to the computer but doesn't ask me how I want to use the phone (as a mass storage device or media player) any more.
To make a long story short, I have tried everything - different USB cables, different USB ports, different computers, USB debug on and off, Ask on Connection and Mass Storage settings on and off. Have even gone thru several master resets of the phone and still will not recognize a computer connection.
Would love to root and hold on to this thing for at least a little longer, so my last thought is to ask if it's possible to root this device without a computer connection. From what I've read through on some other forum threads it's possible with some phones. I'm hoping this one can manage it.
Thanks, in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would make sure that you have the appropriate drivers installed first.
jco23 said:
I would make sure that you have the appropriate drivers installed first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Drivers not necessary. I was able to plug into, and connect with, no less than four different computers at work and home on a regular basis for approx. 1 yr 10 months without ever having to install a driver, and I am quite sure that they didn't just download automatically (never saw that happen). Now I need one?
Operating systems on the computers have been Win XP, Win 7 Home and Win 7 Pro.
I suspect that its a physical issue inside the micro USB port in the phone thats the issue since no one has any other solutions.
elvisruns2000 said:
Drivers not necessary. I was able to plug into, and connect with, no less than four different computers at work and home on a regular basis for approx. 1 yr 10 months without ever having to install a driver, and I am quite sure that they didn't just download automatically (never saw that happen). Now I need one?
Operating systems on the computers have been Win XP, Win 7 Home and Win 7 Pro.
I suspect that its a physical issue inside the micro USB port in the phone thats the issue since no one has any other solutions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perhaps you already the drivers and now there has been update. just saying, won't hurt until you try it. computers can be finicky that way sometimes.
For what it is worth, here are my steps:
phone settings: USB debugging enabled; ask on connection (when connected, place phone in "mass storage")
PC settings: download/install all samsung drivers applicable with this phone; reboot computer; use OEM cable only
then, follow steps from the rooting thread.
also, do you have an SDcard? if not, that could be an/the issue (either you need one, or the one you have is corrupted). often times, my computer will ask me to repair my sdcard - I usually hit no. after plugging it in, give it at least 5 minutes to secure a connection.
hope this helps.
I know that I had to, for whatever reason, manually download & install the drivers for my Win7 system before I could fully connect my phone to computer. Had similar issues with Motorola phones and ASUS T300T tablet. Windows always works? Not in my experience and I do this for a living (computers). :banghead:
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda app-developers app
Sorry guys - I've tried all of that. With SD card in, with it out, with battery in, battery out, sim card in/out. Literally every variant.
And the great thing is - show stopper here - I went to the Samsung website to download a driver a few weeks back, and the driver does not install correctly!! It just won't install - poops out somewhere (driver not installed properly message). Tried this on one Win 7 computer and one with XP. With firewalls on and off. It's like Samsung doesn't have their you-know-what together.
i'm trying to connect my shield to my computer to do some basic android development (i have an app, it works on other devices, want to test it on the shield).
my problem is, when i plug it into the computer, nothing happens. to clarify, i don't mean that the drivers don't install correctly and then i can't do anything. what is happening is actually nothing. the computer (windows 8) does not recognize anything is happening, the device manager does not see any new devices even after scanning for hardware changes.
the shield is in development mode, and has usb debugging turned on, but i don't get any response anywhere. the shield does at least appear to charge over the usb cable, but that's it. listing adb devices also provides no output.
do you guys have any idea what might be going on that the device isn't recognized on any level that i can tell?
It sounds like either the USB port or the cable you're using is faulty.
Have you tried switching USB ports, to see if it's recognized then? And have you tried using a different cable?
joshuarivera said:
i'm trying to connect my shield to my computer to do some basic android development (i have an app, it works on other devices, want to test it on the shield).
my problem is, when i plug it into the computer, nothing happens. to clarify, i don't mean that the drivers don't install correctly and then i can't do anything. what is happening is actually nothing. the computer (windows 8) does not recognize anything is happening, the device manager does not see any new devices even after scanning for hardware changes.
the shield is in development mode, and has usb debugging turned on, but i don't get any response anywhere. the shield does at least appear to charge over the usb cable, but that's it. listing adb devices also provides no output.
do you guys have any idea what might be going on that the device isn't recognized on any level that i can tell?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If youre just trying to connect thru adb you need the universal naked driver. If the shield isnt being mounted try a different usb port and make sure youre using the shield cable as well. My samsung cable will charge it but i cant transfer data with it.
Did this get solved?
Did this ever get solved? I have the same issue. I have tried everything everywhere has said to do with no luck.
Hi,
I would like to see if I can get anyones assistance with solving my problem. I have lost the ability to connect my Nexus 5 to my computer via USB. I had previously been able to connect the phone without any problems.
Connecting my phone to PC charges the phone but no drivers are loaded, nothing changes in device manager and I cannot see a change in windows explorer to view the memory card.
So far I have tried the following:
searches on various sites
rebooting phone, starting in safe mode, wiping all data, performing a hard reset
connecting other phones to usb cable to check that it is not a charge only cable, also trying several other USB cables
connecting phone to other computers
connecting other phones (HTC) to load drivers (then uninstalling drivers)
displaying all hidden devices in device manager and removing all drivers that resemble something to do with mobile phones
uninstalling programs I no longer require on the PC
using "wugs nexus root toolkit" to uninstall and re-install drivers
checking & unchecking MTP, PTP, developer options, USB debugging in various combinations to elicit a response from the computer.
I have also tried to visually check the connections of the USB port on the phone wondering is there is a break but I cannot see very well.
does anyone have any further suggestions to get this phone connected to a PC?
my only last thought is to attempt to open the phone and check the resistance of the plug connections.
Have you tried enabling and disabling usb debugging while plugged in?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I just did it, no change in Device manager or explorer
tropicalchills said:
I just did it, no change in Device manager or explorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you're using a data usb cable and the usb port is good?
Same Issue
same thing happened to me today when i connected the device to PC.
Mine says unknown device on PC under other devices. so i hope my USB port is ok.but im not using the original SUB cable. i wonder that's is the issue. but it didn't bother me until today. my original cable is at my friend's house.
Tried updating drivers manually. But following error message occurs once i select the drivers folder and hit ok.
Windows was unable to install your unknown device
Please help.
so, not really a solution but while at work my phone fell on to a nice rock cracking the screen. I have replaced the phone and the new phone connects to the pc fine, drivers come up without a problem (I will put this down to a fault with the phone)
Thank you for your assistance
Hello all. I have a problem that is not unique, but I cannot for the life of me seem to fix it.
My S6 will not stay connected to my PC so I can transfer files, use Kies, SmartSwitch, or anything. Sometimes I hear the Windows notification that it's plugged in, but even when I do, it goes back and forth between being recognized and not. Most of the time it doesn't even show up in Device Manager.
I'm currently running Windows 10, but it did the same thing on Windows 8.1.
I have downloaded the Samsung USB drivers as well as allowed Kies and SmartSwitch to install them.
Thinking my Windows 10 being upgraded from 8.1 without a full wipe carried over whatever problem was in 8.1, I did a full wipe of my PC and reloaded Windows 10 clean. That also didn't help. Note: when I first installed Windows 10 clean, my PC didn't recognize my phone at all. It just acted like a charger. After I installed the Samsung USB drivers, it started making the 'connecting' and 'disconnecting' sounds. Also, the most I got Windows to recognize my phone was for about 5 seconds, and that was right after turning off USB debugging. But with it on or off, it still won't stay connected.
And yes, I've made sure (when the phone has connected for a second or two) that it was on MTP. But... I've tried the camera mode as well.
This makes it not only impossible to move files easily between my phone and PC, but also to use Odin.
I've read many posts where people have this problem, but everyone just tells them to go download the Samsung USB driver, and after having done so three different ways, I can say it doesn't work for me.
Anyone who could solve this for me... well... I'd be willing to donate a bit of money to the cause of your choosing, including yourself.
No one else has experienced this or is willing to shed some light on this?
When I had that issue with my nexus 7 I switched out the USB cable for a different one. Seems to have improved.
wvcadle said:
Hello all. I have a problem that is not unique, but I cannot for the life of me seem to fix it.
My S6 will not stay connected to my PC so I can transfer files, use Kies, SmartSwitch, or anything. Sometimes I hear the Windows notification that it's plugged in, but even when I do, it goes back and forth between being recognized and not. Most of the time it doesn't even show up in Device Manager.
I'm currently running Windows 10, but it did the same thing on Windows 8.1.
I have downloaded the Samsung USB drivers as well as allowed Kies and SmartSwitch to install them.
Thinking my Windows 10 being upgraded from 8.1 without a full wipe carried over whatever problem was in 8.1, I did a full wipe of my PC and reloaded Windows 10 clean. That also didn't help. Note: when I first installed Windows 10 clean, my PC didn't recognize my phone at all. It just acted like a charger. After I installed the Samsung USB drivers, it started making the 'connecting' and 'disconnecting' sounds. Also, the most I got Windows to recognize my phone was for about 5 seconds, and that was right after turning off USB debugging. But with it on or off, it still won't stay connected.
And yes, I've made sure (when the phone has connected for a second or two) that it was on MTP. But... I've tried the camera mode as well.
This makes it not only impossible to move files easily between my phone and PC, but also to use Odin.
I've read many posts where people have this problem, but everyone just tells them to go download the Samsung USB driver, and after having done so three different ways, I can say it doesn't work for me.
Anyone who could solve this for me... well... I'd be willing to donate a bit of money to the cause of your choosing, including yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try downgrading to windows 7. Before you connect your phone to the computer install necessary drivers, samsung driver and kies. Use USB 3.0.
SBColasito said:
Try downgrading to windows 7. Before you connect your phone to the computer install necessary drivers, samsung driver and kies. Use USB 3.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm definitely not going to downgrade to Win7. That would be 2 Windows versions ago for me. I've installed every driver available, from Samsung's (with and without Kies) to Google's universal Android USB drivers, and none have worked. I've also tried USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports (I have both on my laptop).
wvcadle said:
Yeah, I'm definitely not going to downgrade to Win7. That would be 2 Windows versions ago for me. I've installed every driver available, from Samsung's (with and without Kies) to Google's universal Android USB drivers, and none have worked. I've also tried USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports (I have both on my laptop).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install kies. My computer didnt recognize my phone until I installed kies including every feature on kies.
SBColasito said:
Install kies. My computer didnt recognize my phone until I installed kies including every feature on kies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you reading my posts? I stated in both that I've installed Kies and still couldn't get it to stay connected.
wvcadle said:
Hello all. I have a problem that is not unique, but I cannot for the life of me seem to fix it.
My S6 will not stay connected to my PC so I can transfer files, use Kies, SmartSwitch, or anything. Sometimes I hear the Windows notification that it's plugged in, but even when I do, it goes back and forth between being recognized and not. Most of the time it doesn't even show up in Device Manager.
I'm currently running Windows 10, but it did the same thing on Windows 8.1.
I have downloaded the Samsung USB drivers as well as allowed Kies and SmartSwitch to install them.
Thinking my Windows 10 being upgraded from 8.1 without a full wipe carried over whatever problem was in 8.1, I did a full wipe of my PC and reloaded Windows 10 clean. That also didn't help. Note: when I first installed Windows 10 clean, my PC didn't recognize my phone at all. It just acted like a charger. After I installed the Samsung USB drivers, it started making the 'connecting' and 'disconnecting' sounds. Also, the most I got Windows to recognize my phone was for about 5 seconds, and that was right after turning off USB debugging. But with it on or off, it still won't stay connected.
And yes, I've made sure (when the phone has connected for a second or two) that it was on MTP. But... I've tried the camera mode as well.
This makes it not only impossible to move files easily between my phone and PC, but also to use Odin.
I've read many posts where people have this problem, but everyone just tells them to go download the Samsung USB driver, and after having done so three different ways, I can say it doesn't work for me.
Anyone who could solve this for me... well... I'd be willing to donate a bit of money to the cause of your choosing, including yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, did you try connecting other usb devices to your pc to see if they connect? furthermore, you should also try to connect your phone to another pc to check if there is a USB port problem with your PC/Phone
For me the standard USB cable gives this problem, with another cable it works perfectly. So try another cable
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Free mobile app
Hi, everybody.
May you help me, please? My S6 SM-G920F, also is not recognised by windows 7. Smart Switch say S6 dont connect in emergency mode. I supose they means "emergency calls only", is that? I had bought the phone locked to O2 but I live in Portugal and I have no valid O2 SIM card. I bought an unlock SRS by TomMobile because I dont knew that needs a USB cable connection. What can I do, please?
Thanks in advance. AS
SBColasito said:
Install kies. My computer didnt recognize my phone until I installed kies including every feature on kies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wvcadle said:
Hello all. I have a problem that is not unique, but I cannot for the life of me seem to fix it.
My S6 will not stay connected to my PC so I can transfer files, use Kies, SmartSwitch, or anything. Sometimes I hear the Windows notification that it's plugged in, but even when I do, it goes back and forth between being recognized and not. Most of the time it doesn't even show up in Device Manager.
I'm currently running Windows 10, but it did the same thing on Windows 8.1.
I have downloaded the Samsung USB drivers as well as allowed Kies and SmartSwitch to install them.
Thinking my Windows 10 being upgraded from 8.1 without a full wipe carried over whatever problem was in 8.1, I did a full wipe of my PC and reloaded Windows 10 clean. That also didn't help. Note: when I first installed Windows 10 clean, my PC didn't recognize my phone at all. It just acted like a charger. After I installed the Samsung USB drivers, it started making the 'connecting' and 'disconnecting' sounds. Also, the most I got Windows to recognize my phone was for about 5 seconds, and that was right after turning off USB debugging. But with it on or off, it still won't stay connected.
And yes, I've made sure (when the phone has connected for a second or two) that it was on MTP. But... I've tried the camera mode as well.
This makes it not only impossible to move files easily between my phone and PC, but also to use Odin.
I've read many posts where people have this problem, but everyone just tells them to go download the Samsung USB driver, and after having done so three different ways, I can say it doesn't work for me.
Anyone who could solve this for me... well... I'd be willing to donate a bit of money to the cause of your choosing, including yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi dear .you still facing this problem or you been able to resolve this issue... i am facing exactly same problem on s6 edge..... try many thinks but no success...
very slow charging
not connected to computer
not connect with odin in download mode
not connecting on ADB mode
reactivation lock also not removed from phone...
not accepting any code from dial pad
.....................
plz help me if someone have soloution of this.......
iphone and Samsung S6 same issues
Hello wvcadle,
I have the same issue and it is quite frustrating. Did you find a solution? As some additional info for you. My i-phone was doing the same thing on my computer. I thought it was the phone and I upgraded to a Samsung S6. It does the same thing as the I-phone, what you described and it works fine with other PCs. SO must be computer related. My bet is windows and my IT recommend a full wipe and reinstall of windows. We run Windows 7 Professional.
wvcadle said:
Hello all. I have a problem that is not unique, but I cannot for the life of me seem to fix it.
My S6 will not stay connected to my PC so I can transfer files, use Kies, SmartSwitch, or anything. Sometimes I hear the Windows notification that it's plugged in, but even when I do, it goes back and forth between being recognized and not. Most of the time it doesn't even show up in Device Manager.
I'm currently running Windows 10, but it did the same thing on Windows 8.1.
I have downloaded the Samsung USB drivers as well as allowed Kies and SmartSwitch to install them.
Thinking my Windows 10 being upgraded from 8.1 without a full wipe carried over whatever problem was in 8.1, I did a full wipe of my PC and reloaded Windows 10 clean. That also didn't help. Note: when I first installed Windows 10 clean, my PC didn't recognize my phone at all. It just acted like a charger. After I installed the Samsung USB drivers, it started making the 'connecting' and 'disconnecting' sounds. Also, the most I got Windows to recognize my phone was for about 5 seconds, and that was right after turning off USB debugging. But with it on or off, it still won't stay connected.
And yes, I've made sure (when the phone has connected for a second or two) that it was on MTP. But... I've tried the camera mode as well.
This makes it not only impossible to move files easily between my phone and PC, but also to use Odin.
I've read many posts where people have this problem, but everyone just tells them to go download the Samsung USB driver, and after having done so three different ways, I can say it doesn't work for me.
Anyone who could solve this for me... well... I'd be willing to donate a bit of money to the cause of your choosing, including yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the basics have been covered. Did you ever try different cables? Or on another computer? Do you have any issue charging the device by cable?
---------- Post added at 07:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 PM ----------
fadi81 said:
hi dear .you still facing this problem or you been able to resolve this issue... i am facing exactly same problem on s6 edge..... try many thinks but no success...
very slow charging
not connected to computer
not connect with odin in download mode
not connecting on ADB mode
reactivation lock also not removed from phone...
not accepting any code from dial pad
.....................
plz help me if someone have soloution of this.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most USB ports only put out about .4 - .5 amps. They will generally charge more slowly
ULTERIOR-kurt said:
Hello wvcadle,
I have the same issue and it is quite frustrating. Did you find a solution? As some additional info for you. My i-phone was doing the same thing on my computer. I thought it was the phone and I upgraded to a Samsung S6. It does the same thing as the I-phone, what you described and it works fine with other PCs. SO must be computer related. My bet is windows and my IT recommend a full wipe and reinstall of windows. We run Windows 7 Professional.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no solution currently available i sold my cellphone as is. or you can send your phone to samsung service center if its under warrenty because only they can repair or replace phone for you
---------- Post added at 03:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:17 PM ----------
Theodric58 said:
Most of the basics have been covered. Did you ever try different cables? Or on another computer? Do you have any issue charging the device by cable?
---------- Post added at 07:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 PM ----------
Most USB ports only put out about .4 - .5 amps. They will generally charge more slowly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not usb port or cable problem... this problem starts when someone trying to root ... & damage efs partition..
Its just Cable problem my friend.
Find and buy a reliable usb cable. You stated all options and fixes but you never been able to speak of your cable
For those whose saying that root and damaged efs will affect your phone connection to your pc, he's wrong . Rooting and corrupted efs partition doesnt have to do with windows driver etc.
Just think out of the box.
If it did not work with your pc. Then switch to other pc with smart switch & samsung usb driver installed.
I prefer installing samsung usb driver and then smart switch.
If it didnt work, try using different cables.
If it didnt work again, use other samsung phone and see if it connects.
And so on ...
Having exactly the same issue...
Started just today (yesterday and previously no problems experienced, phone would just connect & be visible and available for data tfr, no problems). Today, no go. To be clear, it's Galaxy S6 128 gb running Lollipop, which no longer connects for data tfr via USB to laptop running win7 ultimate. It only connects and charges. I have checked for updates for both windows and Android. There are none outstanding. I have downloaded & reinstalled samsung USB drivers on laptop. No change. I have tried 4 different USB cables, 2 new, and the cable supplied with phone. No go. I have tried these cables in all USB ports on laptop. I have tested other devices in all USB ports and connectivity to laptop with other devices is fine. I have tried connecting phone to another PC, same issue (only charging). I have done the developer thing and switched USB debugging on, no change, and off again, rebooted both devices multiple times, all with no change. Yesterday all was good, today - nada. Anyone got any other suggestions?? Wit's end, reached.
It's been said many times already, but I had this problem and it was the original white cord that came with the phone. It would not stay connected to my laptop nor would it stay connected to the charger. It sat there blinking and making the charge cord inserted sound when plugged into the charger/computer. I changed cables and it went away.
I remember picking the phone up one night in bed and forgot the charging cord was attached. I reached the end of the line and it yanked out of my hand and fell to the ground. This is the only thing I can think of that damaged the cord. I was lucky it didn't damage the charge port on the phone. So you could have a screwed up charge port on the phone if you've tried new cords with no avail. I wouldn't encourage it but sometimes the charging fin can be bent back into place to make a better connection....had to do this on a dell tablet.
Also, if you're using lock screen or fingerprint, I believe you have to unlock the phone after connecting to PC to access and transfer stuffs - just a thought.
talroot said:
...So you could have a screwed up charge port on the phone if you've tried new cords with no avail. I wouldn't encourage it but sometimes the charging fin can be bent back into place to make a better connection....had to do this on a dell tablet.
Also, if you're using lock screen or fingerprint, I believe you have to unlock the phone after connecting to PC to access and transfer stuffs - just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input - it's not a lock screen issue - I've tried connecting with screen locked (then unlocking when connected) - and connecting with screen unlocked, and I don't use the fingerprint security option. No changes observed. I have had concerns about the charging fin, but I am always careful connecting and careful with the phone generally - it looks OK and I'm rather loath to start bending it about in case I just f**k it up entirely. At least it still charges OK. Looks like I might have to bite the bullet, wipe it and take it to a Samsung repair centre. At least it's still under first year warranty. Thanks for your time talroot.
Original white cable did not work from day 1. Fast Charging is working fine but USB connection and tethering is a hell. You need a new cable and a good quality, not some cheep stuff.
Samsung really disappointed me because I owned many of their devices and most of them had some small issues, but after this in s6 edge and overheating issue (especially when using Gear VR) I will not by from Samsung anymore.
just for the record....
...my phone started connecting to laptop again. After about 3 weeks of non-connectivity, I connected again to charge and *ding* it was an external USB device once more. Same cable as before. Doesn't make any sense, but there it is. Thank you everyone for your input.