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General discussion

USB PORTS

by redhero Mar 19, 2004 2:33AM PST

I HAVE 2 USB PORTS AT THE BACK OF MY PC.
1 WORKS AS I USE IT FOR BROADBAND.THE OTHER ONE
DOES NOT.I WOULD LIKE TO USE THE SPARE ONE FOR
PHOTOS ETC.
MY COMPUTER IS QUITE OLD AND THE OPERATING SYSTEM
IS WINDOWS ME

Discussion is locked

2 Posts

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Re:USB PORTS

by jconner Mar 19, 2004 4:08AM PST

First look in the device manager and see if it is recognized and working.

What do you mean does not work? Have you tried what already works in that port? Have you re-booted the system with something plugged in to see if it recognizes the new hardware (such as your camera).

Lastly if by chance it is a separate device then look inside the case and make sure it is connected to the motherboard.

If all else fails you can get a cheap USB hub ($20 or less) and run multiple things off your working port.

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Re:USB PORTS

by orubassman777 Mar 21, 2004 9:35AM PST

If you can, it wouldn't hurt to shop for a 2 or 4 port USB card for a PCI slot. Their relatively cheap. Check this site for prices (these are USB 2.0 cards):

http://www.pricewatch.com/1/44/3759-1.htm

Anyways, I know what you mean. I had that problem, but I only had 2 USB ports total, and it didn't always work correctly.

If you don't want to go that way, you may consider using a PCI Network Interface Card (NIC) for your broadband connection. I got better performance from my broadband cable modem once I switched to using a NIC card, if your cable modem is capable of using one. It's usually through an Ethernet cable using CAT5 rating. It's also relatively inexpensive. And it'll free up the port you need.

http://www.pricewatch.com/1/211/1147-1.htm

That'll give you current prices on 10/100 NIC cards.

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