Terry's Computer Tips - Newsletter
January 6, 2007

Volume 2, Number 30 — Sunday, January 6, 2007

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

3.  USB Flash Drives and Windows 98

Subscriber Peter Dunckelmann wrote to ask about his USB flash drive:

Hi Terry Stockdale

Enjoy your newsletter and look forward to reading each issue.

I am working with an oldish but trusty computer that runs Windows98 and wish to up-/download files using a USB Memory key.

I have been advised I would not be able to save my files on to a memory key because the computer's OS is too old and incompatible with the new memory key's USB 2.

Is there a way around this problem? Do I have to install a new driver? Will the new driver be compatible with WIN98?

If you have any solution to my problem, I would be most appreciative.

Thank you, Peter Dunckelmann

The problem is that there were several different releases of Windows 98, just as in Windows XP.

The original Windows 98 did not work with USB at all. The later Win 98 SE was mostly compatible, but with USB 1.1.

Most USB 2.0 devices are backwards compatible with USB 1.1, so that's not where the problem is.

Windows XP and Windows Me have built-in drivers for USB. In the WIndows 98 world, we had to download the USB driver for that specific flash drive from its manufacturer. Often, but not always, the driver was included with the flash drive.

Unfortunately, to answer your question, the only driver that will be compatible with Windows 98 is a Windows 98 driver for that particular flash drive. Windows Me and Windows XP drivers will not be any good for you.

Try to find a flash drive that says it supports Windows 98.

Better yet, upgrade to Windows XP Home if your computer can handle it.

I also told Peter about a great sale on the XP Home Upgrade, which was available at the time at CompUSA for $40 after rebates.

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4.  Webcam Installation Not Recognized

Subscriber Lee Pentz wrote about his Logitech Webcam:

USB 2 port does not recognize Logitech Webcam. Software installation from disk went smoothly, but when it comes to Audio and Video Setup the program says there is no webcam attached. Device Manager does not show it either. To the adjacent USB port the printer is attached, it works OK (a few days ago the printer was not recognized either, but after disconnecting the power to the entire setup: surge protector, modem, router, etc. then reconnecting, the printer works). I have WinXP Prof, SP2

Lee

When you have a situation like this, your first stop should be the manufacturer's web site to look for updated software and an updated driver. That's a good step for almost any hardware.

In this case, I'd go to Logitech's web site to look for a new version of the Webcam driver. If you find one, download it.

You'll probably have to go through a driver install as if the unit was brand new — note that some hardware requires that you install the software FIRST, while other says to plug in the hardware and then install the software. That distinction is very important.

Go to Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System, Hardware, Device Manager. (If you're using the "Classic" view of the Control Panel, you won't have the "Performance and Maintenance" step.)

Look for your web cam in the device manager. It's probably listed in some video or usb section of the device manager. My best bet would be in a category called "Imaging Devices," which is where a scanner shows up. Windows should know it is there and disclose whether Windows is able to talk to it or not.

By the way, just because Windows can doesn't mean Logitech's device driver or software can. [Been there, done that, with my wife's scanner.]

If you find the Webcam listed, select it and then REMOVE it. Then reboot. That will let you install the Webcam as if you were starting over.

Lee sent a followup message this morning:

Terry,

IT'S WORKING! I followed your instructions, uninstalled the program, reinstalled it, connected the device at the exact time, and voila! I don't know what was different the first time (I know that one USB port must be defective). Terry, thank you very much for your advice, I really appreciate your help.

Regards,
Lee

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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Volume 2, Number 30 — Sunday, January 6, 2007

Copyright © 2007 Terry A. Stockdale.  All rights reserved.