[Squirrelgun]

Hi everyone, I'd like to know if it's possible to keep a USB port 'on' or constantly powered. I'd like to use this to charge my mobile phone through a usb cable while the computer is off.
If it helps, my OS is Windows XP and.. I have a Motorola Razr(spell?)
Thanks for your time!

PS It's my first post.

 

[etaf]

you can buy USB to plug adapters - to keep USB device charged any where - I have one which has a series of plugs allowing me to charge my IPOD anywhere - UK, States, Europe - found it on the internet really cheap - the site was for UK Sales only.
I found these cheaper than a powered USB
also purchased a USB car cigar lighter at the same time.
but i'm sure you will find them in your country

 

[bigbear]

Bit puzzled why you need to use pc to charge your moble phone.
Did it not come with a charger to plug in the main house power?
You will need to keep the pc "on" to power the usb ports

 

[Frank4d]

Some motherboards have jumpers to select whether USB ports are powered by 5VDC (on when PC is on) or by 5VSB (standby power, always on).

 

[Squirrelgun]

Thanx for the replys!
It's a bummer that I can't keep it on..The reason I need to charge by USB is because I left my power supply at a hotel, in another state. I havn't been able to find it at any stores, and Ebay isn't an option because I don't have a credit card; and my mum is sceptic about buying stuff online.

 

[JohnWill]

Many machines keep the USB ports powered whenever the machine is plugged in. If your machine has USB keyboard support in the BIOS, and options to startup the machine by keystroke, my guess is that the USB ports will already be powered with those options on.

 

[walter3ca]

My new m/b may have this feature. Can you explain what VCC5V and SB5V mean? I'm trying to decide which one to turn on. Thanks.

 

[kiwiguy]

VCC5V is the power that is only "on" when the PC is on.
SB5V is the "standby" 5v that should be on whenever the PC is plugged it, even if it is shut down
This was explained above in Post #4

 

[JohnWill]

Let me point out that when you connect a USB cable to a Motorola RAZR, it won't charge unless the RAZR drivers are installed! Stupidest thing I ever say, and I have no idea why it works that way.

I went on a trip with my laptop, and for some reason the drivers got corrupted, and I couldn't charge the phone. I finally found working ones on the web and got the charge function working again, but it was a lesson learned.