Getting Western Digital Passport Elite External HD to work in Win 98 SE. Possible?

[GNC]

Hi:

I have a WD Passport Elite 500 GB external Drive which I use for my
laptop, which uses Win XP. Howevr, my desktop uses Win 98. There
aren't drivers for win 98 on the WD site specific to this drive. Won't
work on my desktop. My desktop has USB 1.1 inputs. If I get a USB 2.0
controller card, will the external drive work with win 98, or do I
have to get a new machine with win vista installed? Upgrading to win
xp or vista on my desktop wouldn't work since the max ram for the
motherboard is 256mg.

Thanks

 

[Rod Speed]

(e-mail address removed) wrote

I have a WD Passport Elite 500 GB external Drive which I
use for my laptop, which uses Win XP. Howevr, my desktop
uses Win 98. There aren't drivers for win 98 on the WD site
specific to this drive. Won't work on my desktop.

It wouldnt work very well even if it did work due to the USB 1.1

My desktop has USB 1.1 inputs. If I get a USB 2.0
controller card, will the external drive work with win 98,

Probably, but its not absolutely guaranteed. USB2 cards are dirt cheap tho, so its not expensive to try.

or do I have to get a new machine with win vista installed?

Nope, that isnt necessary.

Upgrading to win xp or vista on my desktop wouldn't
work since the max ram for the motherboard is 256mg.

XP will work with that much ram.

It certainly makes sense to upgrade that dinosaur tho.