USB Hub Software

[Kotare]

My computer is a couple of years old and came with win 98 version 2 I think. The computer has two USB ports, but I have three devices to plug in. I get tired of climbing in the back of the computer all the time to swap plugs so bought a USB unpowered hub. I plugged it in and the computer said fine, now load the driver. I put in the windows disc - but no driver for a hub.. .I have had a hunt around for such a driver with no luck - ideas/suggestions will be gratefully accepted.

[FL310]

1. There may be a complete installation program on the CD. .2. Go to Control Panel, System, find the Hub and right click on it and ask to upgrade driver (it will show with a question mark).. .3. Microsoft upgrade site most probably has a driver for your device.. .4. The manufacturers website will have a driver (hopefully) for you. .. .Tell us what device you have, there may be something out here for you as well.

[Kotare]

Thanks FL310. I'll try that when I get back tonight. I have tried the device manufacturers site, but could find no driver and they have not replied to my email on their tech support site.

[Kotare]

You beaut FL310. It worked! After some messing about all the little green lights came on in the hub and it works. For your info, the device was manufactured by Dolphin Peripherals and is FASTUSB-9030.. .Thanks.

[UNCTUOUS]

How much are those unpowered USB hubs?. .I have the same problem with too few USB ports.

[Kotare]

$46NZ. Current exchange is roughly $1.00NZ= $0.82Aus & $0.43US.. .A powered hub was about $79NZ as I recall.

[G.Khan]

Not sure what the full technical reasons are but I was strongly advised against the unpowered hub, somehow, they say, it doesn't always do the job intended.. .Bought an Entrega powered hub,with 4 USB, 2 serial and one printer port, about US$80 and connects to one of your existing USB ports.. .Just throwing this in for interests sake, if the unpowered works well then that is great! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />

[FL310]

The reason for a powered hub is simple. There are devices out there which draw a lot of current through the hub which in turn will lead to a total collapse. To provide the adequate power, the advice to use a powered hub is actually a good one.. .On the other hand, you will not run in trouble if you "only" connect devices with an own power supply, i.e. printer, scanner, cameras...

[G.Khan]

Thanks FL310 - that makes good sense, my current tower has its own 4 USB so have not had a recent problem.