Several weeks ago GetUSB heard that external USB 2.0 devices may cause certain 
notebook computers to consume power excessively. In the interest of tracking down the source of the problem, Tom’s Hardware Guide worked with engineers from both Intel and Microsoft. Through their extensive collaborative research, they reported that an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) driver in Windows XP Service Pack 2 is the sole cause of the unusually high power drainage observed by all three teams. Today, Microsoft confirmed that it is developing a new patch to fix this particular driver bug, whose nature is somewhat different of those addressed by earlier Microsoft Knowledgebase postings. Source of full story by TGDaily.
Microsoft posts fix for USB power drain plug.
Microsoft has posted a fix for a driver flaw that prevented owners of Windows XP Service Pack 2-based notebooks from taking advantage of power-saving sleep states.
Download is here.
