[Hidden-tech] USB weirdness...

[Robert Heller]

At Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:13:39 -0400 jwerner at jwdp.com wrote:

> 
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> 
> That is a common problem with add-on USB 2.0 cards in computers that 
> have only support for USB 1.1 at the BIOS level. Can't tell you why, 
> although I've seen many explanations of varying levels of credibility. 

What happens if the motherboard USB controller is completely disabled at
the BIOS level?  It is my understanding that USB 2.0 cards should
support USB 1.1 devices, so if you have a USB 2.0 card, you don't need
the motherboard USB 1.1 controller at all.  It should be possible to
make the motherboard USB controller completely 'vanish' for all
practical purposes.

> The worst problems seem to be with hubs, network adapters and external 
> hard drive enclosures. And sometimes a device that appears to work well 
> will have problems if you try to transfer a lot of data at once.
> 
> Sometimes a device with a different chipset will work where the first 
> one didn't, or the original device might work with an add-on card that 
> has a different chipset, but the only surefire solution is to get a PC 
> with USB 2.0 support built in at the BIOS level.
> 
> You can currently get a used IBM Netvista 2.4Ghz Pentium 4 system with 6 
> built in USB 2.0 ports and and Windows XP Pro pre-installed for $270 
> including shipping and tax. If you really need USB 2.0, that might be a 
> better investment than trying to resolve add-on incompatibilities.
> 
> Jan Werner
> ______________
> 
> DAVID F. FARKAS wrote:
> >    ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee.
> >    ** You too can help the group
> >    ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
> >    ** If you did, we all thank you.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > 
> > Probably too tricky to explain here, but...
> > 
> > I installed a USB 2.0 PCI card in a computer with USB 1.1 (Celeron MB, 
> > pretty basic business PC.) Some things seem to work correctly on the new 
> > USB 2.0 ports, but my USB 2.0 Hub (externally powered) is 'unrecognized.'
> > 
> > Clues? Got a few minutes to talk it through?
> > 
> > Any insights much appreciated. Thanx.
> > 
> > David
> > 
> > '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 
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> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Robert Heller             -- 978-544-6933
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