K2US and Windows7

[talleylynn]

I have a K2US and a fairly new Windows 7 laptop. Ever since I got the new laptop I can't connect my kindle to it. The PC will recognize that something is plugged into the USB port, but will not recognize it as a kindle nor will it let me see the files on the kindle. Clicking on it (through the Computer menu) will send it into a loading bar that never ends. When I go to eject the kindle it does recognize that a kindle is attached, but says that Windows is still using the files and cannot disconnect it.

At first this problem didn't bother me because I don't actually need to connect to the PC for books. However, now I see there is a software update available for the K2 and, since I never get updates through Whispernet, I need to be able to connect to the PC to install the update.

Has anyone had trouble connecting their K2 to a Windows 7 machine and how did you solve it? My husband's K3 connects just fine.

[mrscottishman]

If I am not mistaken there is a thread that touches on this somewhere around here.

If no one answers try some digging.

Best,
Scott

[nogdog~6op6ou]

I've never had a problem, but I'm running 32-bit Win7, whereas I think most of the similar problems I've heard about this have been with the 64-bit Windows. There definitely should be some other threads here to check out. If you have not yet done so, try using different USB ports on the computer. I have also read that sometimes such USB port issues (not specifically Kindle-related) can be rectified by turning off the notebook, removing the notebook's battery for a few seconds so that it does a complete power shut-down, then putting it back in and restarting. (Apparently certain port settings may be retained in the system RAM unless/until the power is completely removed.)

[talleylynn]

Thanks NogDog. I tried yanking the battery and using a different USB port. Now it tells me I need to format the device in drive E. When I tried to eject it told me it was in use and Windows Media movie player was trying to use it. Strange stuff going on. I don't know what-bit Windows I'm running.

[SusanCassidy]

If you are "in" the drive in "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer", the OS will think that the drive is in use.  Make sure you click on the C drive or something else, before trying to remove the Kindle.

[talleylynn]

Just an update...

I found an odd fix in another thread - it suggested that I plug in another USB device that I know works and then plug in the kindle in a separate port. I plugged in my ipod and then the kindle and it did finally recognize my kindle.

So, I went to Amazon and tried to download the new update and it hung up - no progress in the download bar for probably 15 minutes. At that point, I gave up on Windows 7 and the K2. I borrowed my husband's XP machine and it had no trouble recognizing my kindle, but also hung up on the download from Amazon. This makes me wonder...is anyone else having a problem downloading the K2 update?

[nogdog~6op6ou]

Maybe download the update file onto the PC first, then just copy/move it to the Kindle after the download is complete? At least that way, if the download dies, you can figure it's probably an issue with Amazon's server and not with your Kindle.

[talleylynn]

NogDog - that's what I was trying to do - download the update onto my computer so I could transfer it to the kindle. In fact I tried two different computers with two different versions of Windows (7 and XP) on two different days. It hung up with no movement on the progress bar both times. I think you are right - the problem has to be with Amazon.