Problem upgrading to USB2

Question

Recently changed from satellite connection to wireless with verizon usb720 modem. Wanted to upgrade to usb2, thinking that modem would run faster. Bought a Dynex USB 2.0 4-port PCI host adapter from Best Buy. Installed modem per instructions that came with card which says to shut down, install card in slot, start computer, run setup.exe from cd, install drivers, reboot. Have done this at least 6 times. USB ports show to be working in device manager and items plugged into the new USB ports work. My problem is that graphics programs are 'speckled' and headers on web pages are also. When I first re-booted after first install, it changed the letter on my external drive from 'G' to 'H' which should be no problem. Phoned Dynex about the problem and they connected me to Best Buy Geek Squad. They wanted $159.95 to come out and fix the problem for a card that cost $36.95. I said 'No way!'  I have defragged and done system restore thinking that might cure the problem. Have also tried the card without the drivers on cd, and get same result. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance, Larry

fireberd · Answer

With an 'old' PC such as the 8100 (old in computer terms), the USB 2.0 may not be fully supported in the BIOS.  Check the Dell downloads and see if there are any BIOS updates for your machine and specifically any that add or fix USB 2.0 support.   Also, you should have Windows XP, SP2 for full USB 2.0 support.   Click on Technical Support at the top of this web page then follow the on-screen info.   One other comment, USB is the least desireable communications interface.  The Ethernet 'NIC' connection is preferred and is designed for communications and networking and for interfacing to a broadband modem.    The video problem may be the video driver or your video card.  First thing to do is update the driver, if there is one available.  If not, you may want to consider an updated card.  However, upgrading the 8100 and the expensive RDRAM is questionable and something to really consider before pouring $$ into an older PC.   I know I keep saying 'old' PC, but in the computer world it is 'old technology' and not meant in a derrogatory way.

WMLARRY · Answer

Thanks for the reply, fireberd. I realize the computer is old, and so is the nut in front of keyboard. Us old folks resent change! I realize the ethernet connection would be better, but out here in the sticks, the usb modem was my easiest choice to leave satellite and connect wirelessly. I installed a new video card about a year ago, a GE Force 6200. I'll look for updates to that. It shows bios to be A06. I'm a little leary to change bios, as I've never done before, but I'll look into that also.   This has beeen such a good computer thru 6 years of use on satellite that I hate to replace it. Thanks for all your advice. Larry

mombodog · Answer

I suggest removing that defective USB card and software from your system and return to Best Buy.   Install a usb card made by SIIG. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815150097  they work well in Dell PC's.

WMLARRY · Answer

Downloaded and installed updated drivers from Nvidia, and that made the speckeled images worse. Rolled back to previous driver. Downloaded Bios upgrade, installed, and re-installed USB card. Most of the speckels on images are gone.....not so bad that I can't live with it. I'll give it a day or so and decide what to do. Thanks for the advice. Larry

fireberd · Answer

Try the updated drivers now that you have the BIOS updated.  The BIOS update seems to have fixed the USB2 and it's associated video problems and now updated drivers may work.

WMLARRY · Answer

I had contacted BFG Tech by email describing my problem. I guess they own nvidia, or vice-versa. They emailed back last night suggesting that I download a driver cleaner program from Driver Cleaner Pro to clean out remnants of old drivers. He also gave me a link to new drivers that I had not found on nvidia website. Did all this and graphics run GREAT!   Thanks for all the suggestions here. Larry

mombodog · Answer

Happy you got it resolved.

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