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: Use the TI-Nspire family software for the TI-Nspire family handheld units. Use the TI Connect CE software with TI-84 Plus Family Calculators. Use TI-Connect with all other graphing calculators, including the TI-Nspire in TI-84 Plus mode.
Additional Note: TI-Nspire CX II and TI-Nspire CX II CAS calculators can only connect to a computer using TI-Nspire CX Student Software, TI-Nspire CX CAS Student Software and TI-Nspire CX Premium Teacher Software versions 5.0 and above. TI-Nspire CX II and TI-Nspire CX II CAS calculators will not be detected using TI-Nspire Computer Link.
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:
32Bit:
C:\Program Files\TI Education\Driver Files
64Bit:
C:\Program Files (x86)\TI Education\Driver Files
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\
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:
Please Note: In the path below [TI-Nspire Family Software Name] corresponds to the name of the software you installed and [OS Version] will be version of Windows you have installed Windows 7 and Above=Win7, Windows Vista=Vista, and Windows XP=XP.
32Bit:
C:\Program Files\TI Education\[TI-Nspire Family Software Name]\drivers\Nspire\[OS Version]\x86
64Bit:
C:\Program Files (x86)\TI Education\[TI-Nspire Family Software Name]\drivers\Nspire\[OS Version]\x64
7) Select the file "tinspusb.inf" 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.
If you require additional assistance please contact TI-Cares.