Using a USB2.0 card on an old M/Board

[John M Carter]

Have just added a USB2.0 card onto my old computer in the hope that I can
plug a wireless adapter into it and speed up the processing time whilst
surfing. Problem is that the adapter won't won't work in any of the USB 2.0
sockets. I think the sockets are ok because if I plug a memory stick in it
reads that OK, and I know the adapter itself is OK cos it works in another
computer no problem. I can only think there's something on the mobo or in
the bios which needs adjusting to make the USB2.0 card work properly. Any
ideas folks? I have drivers installed for the card and it appears as OK in
the Hardware listing. OS is Win XP Prof
Would be grateful for any help.

 

[JS]

Your USB card has a "PCI compliance" (typically 2.1) requirement.
Your older PC may not meet the newer PCI 2.1 specifications.

 

[Ian D]

Have just added a USB2.0 card onto my old computer in the hope that I can
plug a wireless adapter into it and speed up the processing time whilst
surfing. Problem is that the adapter won't won't work in any of the USB
2.0 sockets. I think the sockets are ok because if I plug a memory stick
in it reads that OK, and I know the adapter itself is OK cos it works in
another computer no problem. I can only think there's something on the
mobo or in the bios which needs adjusting to make the USB2.0 card work
properly. Any ideas folks? I have drivers installed for the card and it
appears as OK in the Hardware listing. OS is Win XP Prof
Would be grateful for any help.

When you go to Device Manager and look at your USB
controllers, do you see Enhanced or USB2 in the listing
for the card? Also, be sure that the USB2 card's root hubs
are capable of supplying the power requirements of the
WiFi adapter. Check the Power tab in properties for the
root hubs. The current capability should be 500 ma.

Why didn't you just buy a WiFi PCI card?

 

[John M Carter]

Thanks for that - very useful. Didin't solve the problem completely but at
least the USB hub is recognised and working now!! I think my problem is a
power supply problem rather software/hardware because the machine doesn't
seem to be able to cope with the amount of hardware I have installed and
then operate properly without seizing. Might just replace the machine with
something more up-to-date and capable of handling more modern hardware.

Good question re why didn't I buy a Wi-Fi card - It didn't enter my head!!
Can't think why.

Thanks for your help

 

[Big_Al]

John M Carter said this on 1/15/2009 4:14 AM:

Thanks for that - very useful. Didin't solve the problem completely but at
least the USB hub is recognised and working now!! I think my problem is a
power supply problem rather software/hardware because the machine doesn't
seem to be able to cope with the amount of hardware I have installed and
then operate properly without seizing. Might just replace the machine with
something more up-to-date and capable of handling more modern hardware.

Good question re why didn't I buy a Wi-Fi card - It didn't enter my head!!
Can't think why.

Probably cause most Wi-fi I see now a days are the little USB dongles.
Bigger selection means probably biggest chance of picking.