usb 1 / usb 2 - how to tell the difference

how can i tell whether my USB ports on my computer are USB 1 or USB 2 ports ?

When you plug a usb 2 device in a usb 1 slot it will moan its too slow, well windows will. The other option is look at the mainboard/laptop manual, if you don't have one its normally online.

[the_lone_wolf]

1. click on the start button

2. right click on "my computer"

3. click "manage"

4. on the left, click on "device manager"

5. at the botton click the plus symbol next to "Universal Serial Bus controllers"

6. if one of the items on the sub directory list is an "Enhanced" USB host controller you have USB2.0

7. ???

8. profit...

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

1. click on the start button

2. right click on "my computer"

3. click "manage"

4. on the left, click on "device manager"

5. at the botton click the plus symbol next to "Universal Serial Bus controllers"

6. if one of the items on the sub directory list is an "Enhanced" USB host controller you have USB2.0

7. ???

8. profit...

I never trust that as if it has the wrong drivers it tells you lies, best look at the manual.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Grinch

I never trust that as if it has the wrong drivers it tells you lies, best look at the manual.

how does the manual assure that the correct drivers are installed?

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

how does the manual assure that the correct drivers are installed?

Well if it say usb 2 you know you need to find the right ones.

[the_lone_wolf]

true, but digging out the manual would involve leaving your chair...

...and no profit

hmm, doesnt sound like an easy task,

when i plug in my external hard drive, it doesnt moan,

when i plug in my flash pen drive, it does.

both being plugged into the same port,

[Steve_God]

Originally Posted by Warren

hmm, doesnt sound like an easy task,

when i plug in my external hard drive, it doesnt moan,

when i plug in my flash pen drive, it does.

both being plugged into the same port,

In that case, your external hard drive must only be USB-1 itself as it doesn't complain about the slow speed.
Where as the memory stick (flash pen drive) will be a UBS-2 device and is complaining that it can't use all of the speed, as it is being used in a USB-1 slot.

(In short, USB-1 is the original and slower, USB-2 is faster but backwards compatible - and if using XP will moan about it)

The other option if to try and transfer a VERY large file (Several hundred Mb) and see how long it takes to send.

Originally Posted by Steve_God

In that case, your external hard drive must only be USB-1 itself as it doesn't complain about the slow speed.
Where as the memory stick (flash pen drive) will be a UBS-2 device and is complaining that it can't use all of the speed, as it is being used in a USB-1 slot.

(In short, USB-1 is the original and slower, USB-2 is faster but backwards compatible - and if using XP will moan about it)

The other option if to try and transfer a VERY large file (Several hundred Mb) and see how long it takes to send.

ha ha, the same drive complains when it is plugged into another computer, and transfers are faster on this computer, compared with another with USB1 connectors.