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Even if your baby-AT system has connectors for USB header cables,
changes in the USB spec make installing an up-to-date USB host
adapter card a better idea for many users.
Prerequisites for Using USB Ports and Peripherals
Before you buy or try to install a USB peripheral, make sure your
system meets the requirements shown in Table 8.2. Some adjustments
or updates to the system configuration might be necessary.
Table 8.2 Prerequisites for Use of USB Ports/Peripherals
Requirement Reason Notes
Windows 98 Built-in support for USB Windows 95B OSR 2.1 and above
Windows 2000 peripherals have USB support, but many peri-
Windows Millennium
Edition
pherals require Win98 or above.
Working USB ports Many systems shipped Check BIOS and enable there if
with disabled USB ports necessary; some systems might
require header cables to bring the
USB connector to the rear of the
system.
You can download the free USB Ready utility program at
www.usb.org/data/usbready.exe to check your system’s USB
readiness at both hardware and software levels.
Verify that the peripheral you are installing is designed for your
operating system. Although USB ports themselves are found on
both PC and Macintosh systems, some USB devices are for use only
on PCs or Macintoshes, not both types of systems.
Troubleshooting USB Ports
USB ports built into the computer (also called root hubs) are becoming
the primary external device connection for an increasing number
of PCs. While USB devices are plug and play, requiring (and
allowing!) no configuration, persistent problems with USB devices
are common for many users. Use the following tips to help you
achieve reliable USB operation:
• Check Prerequisites from Table 8.2.
Universal Serial Bus 207
• If devices don’t work when plugged into an external hub,
plug them into the root hub (USB connector on the system);
if they work when attached to the root hub, upgrade the
external hub’s firmware, attach a power supply to it, or
replace it.
• If a new device isn’t detected, remove other USB devices,
plug in the new device first, and then reattach the other USB
devices.