USB 2 upgrade

[Marvin Mandell]

Don't really know if this is a motherbooard problem but will try.

Since installing my external hard drive I am getting a screen notice to change it to another USB connector to get it to full speed. Went to Device Manager and noted that only one USB seems to be version 2; the 8280 (see attachment).
Really don't know how to locate that particular one but the real question would be; how can I get them all updated to a USB 2 configuration?

[BipolarBill]

Download the latest chipset drivers for your motherboard:

http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df/support_intel.asp?iid=HPAGE+header_support_downloa d&

Start on the left.

[Marvin Mandell]

Went there, found the update for my 875P chipset. Only problem is their restriction to certain operating systems. Went to Control Pane>Systems per their instructions; but there is no correlation there to what I see and the data figures they show as absolutely necessary.

[BipolarBill]

What has Intel done for you lately? Install the drivers and reboot.

[Marvin Mandell]

Did download and install their latest chipset for 875P but it did not seem to cure anything. Attached is a picture of the device manager after using the chipset upgrade.

In the attachment there is one callout in the Device Manager USB files labeled "Mass storage Device." I assume that is the external hard drive. However, when looking into Properties it does not say 2.0; plus I am still getting the notice to plus it into another USB socket for faster use.

I did note that the entryabove the Mass Storage Device is labeled asf Universal Controller 2.0; the only one so labeled. However, I don't know which plug that is as my manual does not identify any of them.

I just wonder if I would be ahead of the game if I just purchased a separate card containing both uSB 2 and Firewire outlets.

[BipolarBill]

That all looks fine.

Which Windows version is this? If it's Win2000, you need Service Pack 3. If it's XP, you need Service Pack 1a.

[Marvin Mandell]

The OS is WIN XP Service Pack 2. Microsoft seems to state that when upgrading to Service Pack 2 that just inserting a Hi-Speed device would automatically turn the USB device to 2.0. I beg to differ.

[BipolarBill]

I have seen SP2 kill USB 2.0. Try re-applying it. If that fails try integrating SP2 into WinXP setup with Autostreamer:

http://www.autopatcher.com/autostreamer.html

If you have a burner, burn the ISO to CD. Now, reinstall Windows. Install it in the same place it is now. Do not format. Your data will still be there *but* all programs will need reinstalling. Be sure that all USB devices are unplugged during the process.

[Marvin Mandell]

Bill: Hold my hand; your latest answer has me asking for help.

1. Don't mind reloading Service Pack 2 - don't see how that can harm anything.
2. That "Autostreamer" however is another story. Went on line with them and got more confused. Does this software require reloading WIN XP with a result of having to reload all programs and just what is its function? This is a major operation and it does worry me. Could not do this operation until after Tax season as the wife needs her tax programs readily available. Just exactly what is this Autstream program? While browsing the site there was a place to enter my problem, which I did, and it downloaded a file: PC_doc setup.EXE. Would you know what this is about?
3. Rather than redoing my computer would I not be ahead to just purchase a new card containing both USB 2.0 sockets plus a Firewire socket. If this would work on my computer then I could plug my external drive into Firewire which is even better than USB. The hardware is operable as a Frewire unit, but is the computer in it's present state of not recognizing the installed sockets as version 2.0.

[BipolarBill]

All Autostreamer does is to merge your XP CD and SP2. It does not change your PC in any way unless you use the CD after making it.

I have found that slipstreaming SP2 into XP makes for much better Windows installations. Oh - Autostreamer has go to be the easiest program to use that I've ever seen. If you have ahard time understanding it, ask your wife to help. ;)

I can't assure that a new card will solve all your USB issues. If you want to buy a card, get an Adaptec or Belkin.

[mpc2]

Just uninstall your existing usb, reboot, and Windows will reinstall it again.

[Marvin Mandell]

Would you believe this simple operation seems to have cured it. I am enclosing another attachment to show the latest drivers in Device Manager. All seem to be 2 now except for the one labeled "mass storage." I did go into properties for it but could not find whether it is 1.0 or 2.0.
At least all else seems to be up to date. As for "mass storage" whatever it is, I intend buying a plug in card with Firewall and will use that outlet for the external hard drive.
By the way, what is the item called out as USB Root Hub?
TThanks a million; I really got a lesson on this one; guess we can close it up now - Thanks again

[BipolarBill]

Originally posted by Marvin Mandell
Would you believe this simple operation seems to have cured it. What simple operation?

[Marvin Mandell]

The one suggesting I delete all the USB data and reinstall with startup.

[BipolarBill]

..otherwise known as a Safe Mode cleanup.

http://tinyurl.com/2fwb