Education Technology

Solution 27430: Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues Between TI Graphing Calculators and Computers. 

How can I troubleshoot connectivity issues between my TI graphing calculator and my computer?

If a graphing calculator fails to connect to a computer, follow the instructions below to troubleshoot the connection problem:

Please Note: Before troubleshooting please refer to the chart below to determine if you are using compatible connectivity software:

Calculator Compatible Software
TI-Nspire CX II
TI-Nspire CX II CAS
TI-Nspire CX Student Software (Version 5.0 and above)
TI-Nspire CX CAS Student Software (Version 5.0 and above)
TI-Nspire CX Premium Teacher Software (Version 5.0 and above)
TI-Nspire CX II Connect
TI-Nspire CX
TI-Nspire CX CAS
TI-Nspire CX Student Software
TI-Nspire CX CAS Student Software
TI-Nspire CX Premium Teacher Software
TI-Nspire Computer Link Software
TI-Nspire ClickPad/TouchPad
TI-Nspire CAS ClickPad/TouchPad
TI-Nspire Computer Link Software
TI-84 Plus
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition
TI-84 Plus CE
TI-84 Plus CE Python
TI-Connect CE
TI-73 Explorer
TI-83 Plus
TI-86
TI-89
TI-89 Titanium
TI-92
TI-92 Plus
Voyage 200
TI-Connect

1) Verify your computer's operating system meets the System Requirements of the Texas Instruments software you use to connect your calculator to the computer.
2) Verify you are logged into an Administrator account on the computer.
3) Make sure the calculator is on the Home screen.
4) If the calculator takes batteries try a brand new set of batteries in the calculator.
5) If the calculator has a rechargeable battery ensure the calculator is fully charged by connecting to a computer or wall adapter until full charge is achieved.
6) For optimal charging and data transfer, make sure you are using the Texas Instruments unit-to-computer, standard A to mini B USB cable, that came included with your calculator. If you have misplaced the cable, you may try another cable; however, it must be capable of data transfer and not just a charging cable. If you would like to purchase a TI cable, you may do so at the TI Online Store
7) Disconnect the USB cable from the handheld and reinsert it into the handheld.
8) Verify the USB cable is completely pushed into the Texas Instruments calculator before troubleshooting as it is a tight fit. If it is not completely pushed in the computer will not detect it.
9) Disconnect the USB cable from the computer and then reinsert it into the computer to see if that reinitializes communication.
10) Switch the USB cable to a different USB port on the computer. If using a Desktop computer and USB ports in the front of the computer, try switching to a USB port located on the back of the computer.

Please Note: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports are compatible and appear very similar. However, there are differences. Texas Instruments recommends using a USB 2.0 port for connectivity between handheld and computer.

11) Try removing the batteries from the calculator for about 5 seconds then reinsert them and then try to reinitialize communication.
12) Close all open software on the computer including Texas Instruments software then launch only the Texas Instruments software you use to connect your calculator to the computer and attempt to connect.
13) Close all open software on the computer then reboot the computer and attempt to connect.
14) Verify your firewall or anti-virus software is not blocking the Texas Instruments software you use to connect your calculator to the computer.

Please Note: If you are unsure how to do this please contact your anti-virus/security software support.

15) Uninstall the Texas Instruments software you use to connect your calculator to the computer then download and install the latest version of the software from our website using the URL's below, when reinstalling make sure the calculator is disconnected from the computer:

TI-Nspire Family Software
TI-Nspire Computer Link
TI-Connect CE
TI-Connect 

(Windows Only): If you continue having issues try reinstalling the drivers using the steps below:

TI Connect:

1) Press [Windows key]+[R] to open the run dialog then type the text below in the dialog:

devmgmt.msc

2) Click [OK] to launch the device manager.
3) Locate your device either under [Other Devices] or [Universal Serial Bus Controllers]
4) If the device is not listed as "TI Educational Device" [Right Click] the device and choose the option [Update Driver]
5) Choose the option [Browse my computer for driver software] then [Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer]
6) Next choose the option [Have Disk...] then click [Browse...] then navigate to the location below:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\TI Shared\TIC_Drivers\x64

7) Select the file "tiehdusb.inf" if using the Mini A to Standard USB cable or "silvrlnk.inf" if you are using the SilverLink USB Connectivity cable in the location that corresponds to your OS then click [Open] [OK] then [Next]
8) You will receive a dialog asking if you would like to install the driver, click [Install] to install the driver.

TI Connect CE:

1) Press [Windows key]+[R] to open the run dialog then type the text below in the dialog:

devmgmt.msc

2) Click [OK] to launch the device manager.
3) Locate your device either under [Other Devices] or [Universal Serial Bus Controllers]
4) If the device is not listed as "TI-Graphing Calculator" [Right Click] the device and choose the option [Update Driver]
5) Choose the option [Browse my computer for drivers].
6) In the white box below "Search for drivers in this location" copy and paste the path below or click [Browse] and navigate to the below path: 

C:\Program Files\TI Education\TI Connect CE\drivers\Win7

7) Then click [Next] and wait for the driver to install. 

TI-Nspire Family Software:

1) Press [Windows key]+[R] to open the run dialog then type the text below in the dialog:

devmgmt.msc

2) Click [OK] to launch the device manager.
3) Locate your device either under [Other Devices] or [Universal Serial Bus Controllers]
4) If the device is not listed as "TI-Nspire Handheld Device" [Right Click] the device and choose the option [Update Driver]
5) Choose the option [Browse my computer for driver software] then [Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer]
6) Next choose the option [Have Disk...] then click [Browse...] then navigate to the location below that matches your software and calculator:

For TI-Nspire CX II and TI-Nspire CX II CAS calculators:

TI-Nspire CX Student Software:
C:\Program Files\TI Education\TI-Nspire CX Student Software\drivers\NspireCXII

TI-Nspire CX CAS Student Software:
C:\Program Files\TI Education\TI-Nspire CX CAS Student Software\drivers\NspireCXII

TI-Nspire CX Premium Teacher Software:
C:\Program Files\TI Education\TI-Nspire CX Student Software\drivers\NspireCXII

For TI-Nspire CX and TI-Nspire CX CAS calculators:

TI-Nspire CX Student Software:
C:\Program Files\TI Education\TI-Nspire CX Student Software\drivers\Nspire\Win7

TI-Nspire CX CAS Student Software:
C:\Program Files\TI Education\TI-Nspire CX CAS Student Software\drivers\Nspire\Win7

TI-Nspire CX Premium Teacher Software:
C:\Program Files\TI Education\TI-Nspire CX Premium Teacher Software\drivers\Nspire\Win7

TI-Nspire Computer Link Software:
C:\Program Files (x86)\TI Education\TI-Nspire Computer Link\drivers\Nspire\Win7

7) Select the folder that matches your Windows OS x86=32-Bit or x64=64-Bit
8) Next select the "INF" file in the folder followed by [Open] [OK] then [Next].
9) You will receive a dialog asking if you would like to install the driver, click [Install] to install the driver.

If you require additional assistance please contact TI-Cares.