Upgrade USB from 1.0 to 2.0

[janey9]

I am currently useing a USB hub 1.0.  Trying to use Majic Jack, the device that allows you to make phone call through the computer.  I am running Windows XP.  It takes MJ a long time to load, and I have been told by my local computer guru, that I have to upgrade the operating system in order for the MJ to load faster.  I was thinking if I upgrade a 2.0 Port, that should take care of the problem. I don't understand how a system upgrade would help, but I'm certainly no Guru!  Also I am assuming that I have a 1.0 Port, tried to find out on the computer what it is, also took the cover off, but couldn't find anything.  Thanks for your help.

[patio]

You can get a USB/PCI addon card for about 15 Bucks...simple to install...

[Quantos]

Try running it independantly of the USB hub.  Connect it directly to a USB port.

[janey9]

thanks for your help.  Installing a PCI/Card add on results in the upgrade from 1.0 to 2.0?  If this is so, upgrading the op system doesn't make sense.  Also I tried useing other ports on the computer, but same thing happens, the MJ loads really slow.

[Quantos]

thanks for your help.  Installing a PCI/Card add on results in the upgrade from 1.0 to 2.0?  If this is so, upgrading the op system doesn't make sense.  Also I tried useing other ports on the computer, but same thing happens, the MJ loads really slow.

If the add-on card is USB 2.0 then yes, it will update any of the ports that you ATTACH to the add-on card.  It will not upgrade the USB ports that are integrated on the mother board.

No, you shouldn't need to upgrade the OS.

[soybean]

I am currently useing a USB hub 1.0. 

You're using a USB hub?  So, do you mean the hub - an external device, right? - is a USB 1.0 device? 

But, what about the USB ports on your computer?  Are you sure all of them are only USB 1.0?  What motherboard do you have?  One way to tell whether you have any USB 2.0 ports is to open Device Manager, expand the section for Univeral Serial Bus ..., and see whether the title of any of the items there include the word "enhanced". 

[janey9]

Useing an external USB Hub, no enhanced items noted in Serial Bus controllers.  Also Board is ASUSTeK computer Inc. P5GC-MX (if that makes any sense to you).  It's listed in my BeLarc Advisor computer profile summary.  I'd like to install a USB 2.0 card, but I'm a greenhorn, and who knows what could happen.  I tried to install the Magic Jack on other ports, but doesn't want to load at all.

[soybean]

According to the specifications for that motherboard at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131212, it has USB 2.0 on all USB ports.  So, you may have USB driver issues.  You might try a technique patio has advised numerous times to resolve USB issues.  In Device Manager, right click on each item listed under Universal Serial Bus controllers and delete/remove it.  Then, restart your computer. Windows should detect new hardware and install drivers. 

Once you've done that, go back to Device Manager.  Do you see any unknown devices or yellow triangles with an exclamation mark in them?  Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers and see whether any items are "enhanced".

[janey9]

I deleted a port through Device Manager, however,  no yellow marks.  I'm reluctant to play around any further for fear I lose stuff I can't get back.  I'm going to take the Computer to my local Tech guy.  It's less dangerous.  I really appreciate your time to respond to my question.  Thank You.

[squall_01]

I didnt really read this but I skimmed it.  Why did you pay for something when you could possible get skype for free?

[soybean]

I deleted a port through Device Manager...

The procedure requires deleting them all and restarting your computer.  This is not dangerous; it will do no physical harm to your computer.  At worst, the most likely outcome would be that you're simply back in the same situation, with your system only functioning at USB 1.0 speed.   So, why not try it and, if it does not solve the problem, then you could take the computer to your local Tech guy.   

[patio]

I agree with Soybean....i have done this 100's of times for customers with zero issues.
Expand the USB tree in Device Manager and do it to all instances of roots and hubs...
You probably got spooked by the MS warning...you can safely ignore it and select Remove.
Upon re-boot Windows simply re-installs all of them.

[janey9]

Ok, gang, thanks for the info. I'll try that and report back.

[janey9]

Removed USB hub and ports, Windows reinstalled the driver, I no longer have a pop up window indicating that I should upgrade to 2.0, however, when I plugged in the Majic Jack again I got a message saying
"generic USB hub has malfunctioned and exceeded the power limits of it's hub port, disconnect the device.  I reset as instructed, however I'm hesitant to plug in the MJ again.  I can only assume as you mentioned that  I have to upgrade to 2.0 USB.  thanks again for your help.

[soybean]

Try running it independantly of the USB hub.  Connect it directly to a USB port.

Have you tried this?  Why do you insist on using the hub?  Why do you think you need it?

As I said in a previous post, your motherboard has USB 2.0.