"this is an OS problem - i recently installed a Best Connectivity USB2 PCMCIA card to this laptop. When i run my external BusLink hard drive (with its own outside power source) it will not be recognized by the laptop, and worse, when i run the device manager or explorer, my laptop freezes! i would love to know how to run this drive at USB2 speeds...it works fine with the built in usb1 port."
I disagree. Drivers by other than Microsoft are often the issue or you don't have SP1 installed which has some USB 2.0 support issues covered.
You also have a warranty issue in that you have products that are non-functional.
-> Have you asked for a resolution on this issue with the suppliers involved or your money back?
-> Have you gone over the USB 2.0 page at http://www.usbman.com
-> A common gaffe is to use a USB 1.x cable. Rarely works at top speed.
Bob
one more problem! Ithink this is an OS problem - i recently installed a Best Connectivity USB2 PCMCIA card to this laptop. When i run my external BusLink hard drive (with its own outside power source) it will not be recognized by the laptop, and worse, when i run the device manager or explorer, my laptop freezes! i would love to know how to run this drive at USB2 speeds...it works fine with the built in usb1 port.

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