Valve Index No Longer Being Detected by PC or SteamVR...AGAIN.

[Epoch]

Posted this in the troubleshooting forum, hoping to get more traction here as well.

This is the second time this has happened. The Index, Controllers and Base Stations work perfectly. I wasn't able to use it for about a month because of work/room not being wide enough, so I stored the Index in its box safely. Once I had the free time/room to play, I pull it back out and suddenly SteamVR no longer detects the headset.

The last time I had this problem, Steam Support sent me a new headset after trying several things to get it working. The new headset worked perfectly and I was happy. However, I put the headset away for a little while. Now that I have the time to play it, the exact same problem has happened again. I've tried updating SteamVR, opting in and out and in and out of the beta, using it on another PC, etc. Nothing has worked. I've noticed that if I plug the headset into the front USB port instead of the back, it will make the sound of something being connected, but give me this error: "The last USB device you connected to this computer malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. Try reconnecting the device. If Windows still does not recognize it, your device may not be working properly."

I haven't dropped ANY of the hardware, nor abused it in any way. All pieces have been sitting in the box, closed and safe, for the past few weeks.

I'm at a loss as to what to do anymore.

[ymo1965]

This is widespread. Lots of people on Steam and the Web complaining. Valve are either blind or deaf. My wireless Vive keeps disconnecting too. Was driving me crazy. Tried going back to the dreaded tether cable. Working so far. SteamVR issue I'd wager. Have reinstalled Windows 10 and even blocked updates.. still does it. Is this a bluetooth issue? IDK

[Epoch]

Originally posted by ymo1965:

This is widespread. Lots of people on Steam and the Web complaining. Valve are either blind or deaf. My wireless Vive keeps disconnecting too. Was driving me crazy. Tried going back to the dreaded tether cable. Working so far. SteamVR issue I'd wager. Have reinstalled Windows 10 and even blocked updates.. still does it. Is this a bluetooth issue? IDK

No bluetooth issue as far as I can tell. I haven't seen ANY other discussions talking about my exact problem, but I'll take your word for it that it's wide spread. I hope it is, I'm close to just refunding the whole package.

[GTR_OY]

I've got the same issue, I've not used for about a month while building a new PC, I stored in exactly the same place as it was when it was working (on a headset stand) and has not been touched/dropped or impacted. Since connecting it to my new Rig I get a message from SteamVR saying 'Tether Disconnected at Headset'. Been back and forth with steam support instructing me to try everything I've already told them I've tried. Seems like the only solution is either a new headset and/or new USB/DP link cable.

I don't understand why it would stop working after no use for a month

[ymo1965]

Originally posted by GTR_OY:

I've got the same issue, I've not used for about a month while building a new PC, I stored in exactly the same place as it was when it was working (on a headset stand) and has not been touched/dropped or impacted. Since connecting it to my new Rig I get a message from SteamVR saying 'Tether Disconnected at Headset'. Been back and forth with steam support instructing me to try everything I've already told them I've tried. Seems like the only solution is either a new headset and/or new USB/DP link cable.

I don't understand why it would stop working after no use for a month

I've tried all the different ways to pin point a possible cause. Everything seems to point to SteamVR. I have a backup of Windows10 with an older November 2019 version of SteamVR on it. This issue doesn't happen with it. But your only able to check this while offline, because SteamVR auto-updates the moment the internet is enabled. That's one thing I hate about this software, no older versions to go back to and no way to block updates.

Like you, I had big gaps in between play sessions and had mine on a HMD stand too. Always looked after it. Treated it like someone treats their sports car lol. This is definitely a software issue. That much I know. So sending it off for a replacement won't really change anything. That's my opinion. Pointless exercise.

We gotta just wait for Valve to wake up, smell the coffee and get a fix out. When enough people complain, they gotta do something. People really need to send a message to 'Support' on this SteamVR page. Seems a serious bug to me. Effecting so many people. The only real thing I'm bitter about is the lack of any staff presence here in discussion. Like a ghost town...

[Epoch]

Originally posted by ymo1965:

Originally posted by GTR_OY:

I've got the same issue, I've not used for about a month while building a new PC, I stored in exactly the same place as it was when it was working (on a headset stand) and has not been touched/dropped or impacted. Since connecting it to my new Rig I get a message from SteamVR saying 'Tether Disconnected at Headset'. Been back and forth with steam support instructing me to try everything I've already told them I've tried. Seems like the only solution is either a new headset and/or new USB/DP link cable.

I don't understand why it would stop working after no use for a month

I've tried all the different ways to pin point a possible cause. Everything seems to point to SteamVR. I have a backup of Windows10 with an older November 2019 version of SteamVR on it. This issue doesn't happen with it. But your only able to check this while offline, because SteamVR auto-updates the moment the internet is enabled. That's one thing I hate about this software, no older versions to go back to and no way to block updates.

Like you, I had big gaps in between play sessions and had mine on a HMD stand too. Always looked after it. Treated it like someone treats their sports car lol. This is definitely a software issue. That much I know. So sending it off for a replacement won't really change anything. That's my opinion. Pointless exercise.

We gotta just wait for Valve to wake up, smell the coffee and get a fix out. When enough people complain, they gotta do something. People really need to send a message to 'Support' on this SteamVR page. Seems a serious bug to me. Effecting so many people. The only real thing I'm bitter about is the lack of any staff presence here in discussion. Like a ghost town...

After a week or two of back and forth trying out issues last time they sent me a new headset and it worked, but after a while of not using it the headset refused to connect. So yeah your theory is probably right, like it needs to be always connected to get some weird firmware.

[Epoch]

Originally posted by GTR_OY:

I've got the same issue, I've not used for about a month while building a new PC, I stored in exactly the same place as it was when it was working (on a headset stand) and has not been touched/dropped or impacted. Since connecting it to my new Rig I get a message from SteamVR saying 'Tether Disconnected at Headset'. Been back and forth with steam support instructing me to try everything I've already told them I've tried. Seems like the only solution is either a new headset and/or new USB/DP link cable.

I don't understand why it would stop working after no use for a month

Glad to see I'm not the only one with this problem. Sorry to hear you're having it though.

[ymo1965]

SteamVR support is a joke. I really don't know what the fk they expect to happen for us to get help. Tons of people with screens going black, powering down etc. Look at this reply from SteamVR support I just received. Last time I write to them useless monkey's...


"If you encounter any issues when connected to your computer, please let us know and we'll be happy to investigate.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer further assistance for a wireless setup.

Powered by coffee,
Max"

I stated in my message it's also happening to non-wireless users. So anyone with a tethered lead, contact them. See where it gets you. I'm done with support.

[Epoch]

Originally posted by ymo1965:

SteamVR support is a joke. I really don't know what the fk they expect to happen for us to get help. Tons of people with screens going black, powering down etc. Look at this reply from SteamVR support I just received. Last time I write to them useless monkey's...


"If you encounter any issues when connected to your computer, please let us know and we'll be happy to investigate.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer further assistance for a wireless setup.

Powered by coffee,
Max"

I stated in my message it's also happening to non-wireless users. So anyone with a tethered lead, contact them. See where it gets you. I'm done with support.

Close to just refunding the Index and waiting for the next release.

[TiredEyesThomas]

I still have to try some possible solutions and might be a totally different problem, but I am using the HTC Vive on Windows 7 and whenever I change any audio settings in SteamVR non of the devices show up, but using the default audio settings it works.

[ymo1965]

Originally posted by EmoVanKid:

I still have to try some possible solutions and might be a totally different problem, but I am using the HTC Vive on Windows 7 and whenever I change any audio settings in SteamVR non of the devices show up, but using the default audio settings it works.

Just for the record. Are you using a Tethered Vive or Wireless?? Do you get the screen shut off randomly? Just trying to see how widespread this is. People are saying it's a Valve patch. Possibly. Wish someone would contact support and report it. I couldn't get anywhere. They only help cabled Vives.

[Solarstrike]

Same thing. Really tired of this. Spent over $1000 on this thing and if you stop playing for awhile, it'll be nothing but problems trying to set up and play again.

[ymo1965]

Agree. What annoys me is the lack of anyone here from Valve to help and the almost denial that anything is actually wrong here. I spent £300 on my wireless adaptor and love the thing. Going back to the cable wasn't easy, but it was either that or I get nothing. I tried everything. Reinstalling Windows10, even my old backup from last year. I think it's a bluetooth issue. But that's just a guess. Valve staff normally make announcements, answer the odd question. But when you really need them, no where to be found.

[Solarstrike]

Finally got it working. This is what i did.

Shut down Steam completely. Unplug everything related the the Valve Index from the PC and power plugs (There's 3 cables. 1 that plugs into your GPU on the back of your PC, one thin cord that plugs together and then the main power plug)

Restart PC and log into Steam. Right click the Steam icon at lower right of your screen. Click "SteamVR". It should bring up a small menu that gives an option to "Reset SteamVR". Click that. Wait for it to finish. Then, shut down PC.

Next:

While the PC is shut down, Re-plug in all the Index cables. Make sure you are plugging it's Display Port cable into your GPU and not anywhere else. If you are using 2 video cards with two displays like me, plug the Index Display Port into the GPU your monitors are plugged into. For example the RTX 2080Ti has 3 Display Ports. I have both my monitors and Index plugged into the top most GPU (when looking at the tower from the back).

-Make sure the power adapter from the Index is plugged in securely to the electrical outlet!


Next:
Start PC. Start Steam but don't go into it yet.

Next:
Go to your Desktop screen. At the lower left of your desktop, type in "privacy". Click "Camera Privacy Settings"

At the top of the screen you'll see: "Allow Access to Camera on this Device" along with a box to tic to "Change". Make sure this is ON for now

Next, on the same page:
"Choose which Microsoft Store Apps can access your camera". You'll see a list. I have everything EXCEPT Cortana, Microsoft Store, and Onenote tic'd

Next, on the same page:
"Allow Desktop apps to connect to camera"
Set this to: On
-You should see something called "VR Server" (don't mess with this)

Go into Steam. Power on your Index. Push the power buttons on each controller and then the main power button on the headset. It should all power up now. Wait for the sensors/camera to calibrate

Next:
Go to your Desktop again. Right-click the Audio icon at lower right of your screen. Click "Open Sound Settings". This is what mine is set to, not sure if it makes a difference or is required but let's just go along with it for now for posterity:

When the Valve Index in Powered On, you should see:
Output: "Index HMD"
Input: "Digital Audio Interface Valve VR Radio and HMD Mic"

When the Valve Index is Off/shut off your sound settings should automatically change back to however you had them/default


Apologies for the long "list". But i'm trying to be descriptive in what i did and what i see now that it's working. Perhaps some can pick this post apart and get theirs working too. I think the issue was already stated in threads past here. Somehow the Index stays in a certain state if not being used and this affects it from activating again. So basically we are factory resetting it. We can try to mitigate this by going into the Developer Setting of the Index and Setting the Index to GO To Sleep/Shut off after a certain period of time. By default I do not believe the Index shut offs or goes to sleep. The end user has to set it themselves. I set mine to Go To Sleep/Shut off after 10 minutes of not being used.

[Epoch]

Originally posted by Solarstrike:

Finally got it working. This is what i did.

Shut down Steam completely. Unplug everything related the the Valve Index from the PC and power plugs (There's 3 cables. 1 that plugs into your GPU on the back of your PC, one thin cord that plugs together and then the main power plug)

Restart PC and log into Steam. Right click the Steam icon at lower right of your screen. Click "SteamVR". It should bring up a small menu that gives an option to "Reset SteamVR". Click that. Wait for it to finish. Then, shut down PC.

Next:

While the PC is shut down, Re-plug in all the Index cables. Make sure you are plugging it's Display Port cable into your GPU and not anywhere else. If you are using 2 video cards with two displays like me, plug the Index Display Port into the GPU your monitors are plugged into. For example the RTX 2080Ti has 3 Display Ports. I have both my monitors and Index plugged into the top most GPU (when looking at the tower from the back).

-Make sure the power adapter from the Index is plugged in securely to the electrical outlet!


Next:
Start PC. Start Steam but don't go into it yet.

Next:
Go to your Desktop screen. At the lower left of your desktop, type in "privacy". Click "Camera Privacy Settings"

At the top of the screen you'll see: "Allow Access to Camera on this Device" along with a box to tic to "Change". Make sure this is ON for now

Next, on the same page:
"Choose which Microsoft Store Apps can access your camera". You'll see a list. I have everything EXCEPT Cortana, Microsoft Store, and Onenote tic'd

Next, on the same page:
"Allow Desktop apps to connect to camera"
Set this to: On
-You should see something called "VR Server" (don't mess with this)

Go into Steam. Power on your Index. Push the power buttons on each controller and then the main power button on the headset. It should all power up now. Wait for the sensors/camera to calibrate

Next:
Go to your Desktop again. Right-click the Audio icon at lower right of your screen. Click "Open Sound Settings". This is what mine is set to, not sure if it makes a difference or is required but let's just go along with it for now for posterity:

When the Valve Index in Powered On, you should see:
Output: "Index HMD"
Input: "Digital Audio Interface Valve VR Radio and HMD Mic"

When the Valve Index is Off/shut off your sound settings should automatically change back to however you had them/default


Apologies for the long "list". But i'm trying to be descriptive in what i did and what i see now that it's working. Perhaps some can pick this post apart and get theirs working too. I think the issue was already stated in threads past here. Somehow the Index stays in a certain state if not being used and this affects it from activating again. So basically we are factory resetting it. We can try to mitigate this by going into the Developer Setting of the Index and Setting the Index to GO To Sleep/Shut off after a certain period of time. By default I do not believe the Index shut offs or goes to sleep. The end user has to set it themselves. I set mine to Go To Sleep/Shut off after 10 minutes of not being used.

Didn't work for me. I don't have anything that says "VR Server" on the camera settings, and nothing popped up on the input or output in the sound settings.

[Solarstrike]

Originally posted by 🌅 Epoch:

Didn't work for me. I don't have anything that says "VR Server" on the camera settings, and nothing popped up on the input or output in the sound settings.

Nothing showed up in the Sound Setting or Vr Server because the PC isn't detecting the Index. So that narrows it down some. Basically we are re-installing everything as if new out of the box.

Next,

Uninstall Steam VR for your first step. There is a way to uninstall it. Go to TOOLS , then select SteamVR > Uninstall

Note: To find TOOLS option. Click LIBRARY at the top left of your Steam interface. Click HOME. In the dark grey bar under HOME bar just above the Search bar, click it and make sure TOOLS box is selected and GAMES box. This will then display all of the Steam Tools/Game Tools as well as your games.

After that's done, proceed to disconnect the cables. Reboot PC and then Steam. Then plug everything back in. Re-download Steam VR and then try turning the controllers on. The headset should boot up.