How to Upgrade to USB 2.0

In 2003 the easy plug and play cable system upgraded to USB 2.0. This allowed information to pass from the computer to the device forty times faster than the old 1.0 USB cables and devices. Devices that are 1.0 will still work on 1.0 USB connections you just will not get the speed that one could if upgraded to 2.0.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Check the "Start" button, and then go to "Control Panel". Go to "Device Manager" and click the plus sign next to "Universal Serial Bus Controllers". It will describe the USB connections you have and will let you know if any of your USB connections are 2.0 already.

2. Turn off, unplug and uncover your computer. Ground yourself as not to send any static to the computer. Check to see if the computer USB 2.0 card can go into the front of the computer like a hard drive or disk drive, or in the back of the machine where you plug in other cables.

3. Buy a 2.0 USB card at your local electronic, or computer hardware store. These can also be purchased online.

4. Check to see which slot is the USB card is in. Unscrew the card from the front or the back of the computer and remove it gently. Check both sides of the card if located in the front of the machine for extra screws.

5. Replace the old 1.0 card with the new 2.0 card by sliding the new card into the same spot you removed the old USB from. You will feel a click when the card is in all the way.

6. Screw in the card on all sides so that it is securely in place. Cover the computer with the case, and plug it back in to the peripheral devices.