USB protocol

erik · Post by **erik** » 5 Nov 2005 5:46 pm

I am running a PIII with 98se. I just bought a scanner that says it supports 98 but only with USB 1.1 I can't find any place on my computer that explains what USB I'm using. I would assume it's 1.1 because of the age of the motherboard (late 90s). I don't want to unpack the scanner if it won't work. How can I determine this?

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-johnson

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 6 Nov 2005 3:40 am

Sounds like you should be OK. That scanner, if it is a 1.1 device, is an "old" unit. But, make sure it has the drivers for Win98/98SE/ME as that is what you will need. If it only has Windows 2000 or windows XP drivers they will not work.

USB 2.0 has been out for quite a while and all the new stuff I see is 2.0.

However, most 2.0 devices are backward compatible with 1.1 and if you connect a 2.0 to a 1.1 port it will just run at the slower 1.1 speed. Same way if you connect a 1.1. device to a 2.0 port, it will just run at the 1.1 speed.

erik · Post by **erik** » 6 Nov 2005 4:27 am

This is new from Cannon, it IS backwards compatible. The issue is that for WIN98 it will only support 1.1 If my USB is 2.0 then it will not unless I run a higher o.s. Maybe 2.0 doesn't even run on 98, and the information is redundant. I'm just saying they make a point of mentioning it on the box as if it's an important issue. Also, I find it peculiar that one can not find out what version of USB their system is using. I tried every possible way - documentation, device drivers, etc. no numbers are stated. Thanks for your input.

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-johnson

Dave Potter · Post by **Dave Potter** » 6 Nov 2005 6:08 am

I find it peculiar that one can not find out what version of USB their system is using

Might be in the specs/documentation for your mobo, as this Intel page does for mine.

You might find this information on USB of some help generically.[This message was edited by Dave Potter on 06 November 2005 at 06:21 AM.]

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 6 Nov 2005 6:21 am

I still think it will work, as almost all USB 2.0 devices are backward compatible with 1.1 ports. The will transfer data at the 1.1. speed rather than the 2.0 speed.

The Win98SE should support it fine. If you only had Win98 first edition there can be more issues.

However, if that is one the few units that will only work with 2.0 then you need to take it back and get one that is 1.1. compatible.

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 6 Nov 2005 12:35 pm

How many different (incompatible) shapes of USB connectors are there?

erik · Post by **erik** » 6 Nov 2005 2:54 pm

OK, I'll unpack it and try it.... next weekend.

It's from Wal-Mart so I won't have an issue returning it. Just would rather avoid disturbing the package if it doesn't work.

Earnest, the issue is drivers, not plugs. Apparently, the drivers on the disk only support 1.1 for 98, 2.0 for other o.s. (e.g. 2000, xp)

This scanner is high res and does film and slides, although my local 'Mart will scan slides in the store, which I will be doing. But would like to scan many old photos for an online family album.

Thank you all again for your input.

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-johnson