Question for computer geeks

[Jack_Dawson]

How can I update my Compaq Presario's "VIA Tech 3038 PCI to USB Universal Host Controller" so that my new HP 2410xi Printer/Fax/Scanner/Copier can work with it? I'm running Win98 and the tech support lads in India tell me I need to "update my chipset".

Huh?

Thx in advance.

[trotsky]

1. You might want to buy a USB adapter.

Fits into one of your computer's PCI slots, and gives you USB 2.0-compliant ports. That would be the easiest (and probably cheapest) solution. I think those adapters can be had for about $20.

[Jack_Dawson]

2. But...my computer HAS two USB ports already

So I'm confused.

[trotsky]

4. There's a new standard.

The old standard was USB 1.1 (I think). The new one is USB 2.0. Faster speeds are the main upgrade. But it could be your new printer won't work with the old 1.1 standard, and that's why they told you to upgrade your chipset. Installing an adapter card will give you the 2.0 ports that the printer needs, I'm guessing.

[krkaufman]

6. Also, early USB implementations from PC vendors don't always work

Also, early USB implementations from PC vendors don't always work. For example, my Dad could NEVER get the USB 1.1 ports on his Gateway PC to work, even with many hours with tech support and driver updates. He eventually just bought an USB 1.1 adapter card, and was golden.

[trotsky]

7. Ooh, forgot about that.

Great point - especially since the PC in question is running Windows 98. It could definitely be from the era when USB was still being hammered out.

[Jack_Dawson]

12. If I upgrade to Win2000 will that help?

[krkaufman]

5. Agreed. Go USB 2.0 (and consider a combo card)

Agreed. Your simplest solution would be to pick up a USB 2.0 adapter card for install into an open PCI slot.

If you're running low on PCI slots, consider getting a combo card that also includes network and Firewire (if you care about those). I recently picked up 4 USB2/Firewire/NIC cards from SIIG via eBay. (e.g. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3459791956&category=44933 ; I picked mine up via the "SIIG outlet" on ebay, though, and NOT this user.)

[Occulus]

3. I'm going to assume

you don't have USB on your motherboard. What they're talking about is buying a new card like the one you have now; the USB drivers that come with it should do the job. In this case, I don't think you'll be able to simply download a driver and get it to work that way.

Of course, the ultimate solution would be to get a new motherboard and CPU, and upgrade to Windows XP. That's kinda expensive, though; from what you wrote, it sounds as if you might be best off just getting a new machine. But if you can't do that, the above solution should do the trick.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

8. to just update your chipset

download and isntall The latest VIA Hyperion 4in1 drivers

http://www.viaarena.com/?PageID=300
download VIAHyperion4in1v4.51.zip

also you might want to read through this

"Through feedback in the forums and hundreds of emails over the years, we know that technical support hot lines for many peripheral (as in printer/scanner/camera etc) manufacturers, tell their customers to "update the drivers" or "update the controller". The VIA USB host controller, rev 5 or later refers to the version of the USB controller featured on your motherboard. The controller cannot be updated without updating your motherboard to a motherboard that has a later revision controller. The driver for VIA USB controllers are built into Microsoft operating systems which support USB. It is known as VIA Tech 3038 PCI to USB controller. This is inbuilt and cannot be updated. The advice you received to update the driver or controller, probably means that they recommend that you update the VIA Hyperion 4in1 drivers. Or the advice might mean that they recommend you to install the USB filter patch below. If you have been advised that you need revision 5 or later, but you have a revision older than 5, it may well be that the peripheral USB device you want to install is too new for your motherboard and therefore not compatible. If you suspect that might be the case, please ask for clarification from the manufacturer of the peripheral device."

from http://www.viaarena.com/?PageID=298

[Jack_Dawson]

10. Wow that was helpful - thx

Sounds like I'm stuck with my un-updatable 3038 thingie.

:nopity:

[Kellanved]

9. hmm

There are no updates for the 3038; the USB support is a Windows, not a driver problem.

Upgrade your Chipset drivers, this should be the right driver for your system:
http://downloads.viaarena.com/installguides/HyperionDriverInstallationGuide.htm
http://downloads.viaarena.com/drivers/4in1/VIA_Hyperion%204IN1_V451v.zip

And check this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com:80/support/kb/articles/Q240/0/75.asp&NoWebContent=1

USB 2.0 shouldn't be a problem, it's up- and downwards compatible.

[Jack_Dawson]

11. Thx Kellanved

I DID download that 4-in-1 thing the other day, unzipped and "installed" it but saw that my 3038 is still there so I'm not sure what it did.

[Kellanved]

13. the 3038 won't go away

Or at least it should not ;-)

I've just found your thread about the printer not being recognized.
Is there any unrecognized hardware in the device manager? If so ('?' icon), delete it.


Edit: What Windows version are you using exactly? Win 98 or Win98SE ?

[Jack_Dawson]

14. Good Ol' Windows 98