How to Upgrade the USB on an Older Laptop
USB 1.0 was first released in 1995 as a method of transferring and accessing files from a computer via external devices. In 1998, USB 1.0 was upgraded to USB 1.1, followed by an upgrade to USB 2.0, or high-speed USB, in 2002. USB 2.0 offers faster transfer speeds and supports more complex devices. Upgrading from USB 1.0 or 1.1 to USB 2.0 requires installing new hardware in your laptop.
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Instructions
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Plug the USB 2.0 PC card into the PCMCIA slot in your laptop, making sure you insert the end that says "Insert this end." The PCMCIA slot is a credit card-sized, flat, rectangular hole in the side of your computer. You will feel the card click into position so it will not pop out.
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Install the packaged software drivers using the bundled installation disc, or download drivers from the manufacturer's website.
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Restart your computer to complete installation of the hardware, and plug USB 2.0 devices into the new ports to use.
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Tips & Warnings
USB 2.0 will support previous versions of devices, but USB 2.0 devices must be used in USB 2.0 ports.
Your existing laptop USB ports will remain at their current speeds. Only the ports connected to the PCMCIA card will be USB 2.0 compatible.
References
- Photo Credit pc card insertion end image by Georgios Alexandris from Fotolia.com
