What
Microsoft has to
say about USB Support in Win95
Excerpt
from Microsoft
Knowledge Base
"Windows 95 OSR 2.1 and
OSR 2.5 provide basic USB support that was developed as the technology was first
emerging. Based on today's more mature USB technology, there are a number of
limitations with USB support in Windows 95 OSR 2.1 and Windows 95 OSR 2.5.
These limitations were addressed in Microsoft Windows 98 and carried forward to
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition. Addressing these limitations required
several architectural changes that are not portable back to Windows 95 OSR 2.1
or Windows 95 OSR 2.5.
Microsoft recommends that customers who require a more robust USB environment
upgrade to Windows 98 or Windows 98 Second Edition."
Determine if
Your Version Supports USB
The
first thing you must do to enable USB in Win95 is to determine which version of
the operating
system you are using. Please Note that
the
original or first version of Windows 95 including the update and version A, is
NOT capable of USB connectivity. There is NO update for these versions of
Win95 that can provide USB support. Win95
versions B & C have limited USB functionality. The first Microsoft
operating system to fully support USB is Win98 first edition.
(See
Chart)
Availability of Universal Serial
Bus Support in Windows 95
Microsoft
Knowledge Base Article Q253756
Update the BIOS
Installing USB
USB in Windows95
is disabled by default
To enable full USB support in Win95
B & C, you must install two files, USBSUPP.exe and USBUPD2.exe
Adding USB Ports
USB upgrade cards are NOT supported
by Win95 any version. Therefore this option is not available to systems
running the
Win95 Operating System.
If you do not have physical USB
ports on the computer you will need to add USB ports. The only choice you
have in Win95 is a USB motherboard cable
assembly. It is imperative that you identify the exact USB pin out assignment for your motherboard before you attempt to connect the cable
assembly. Incorrectly installing a USB motherboard
cable assembly can destroy your system. Read and follow the general USB
Motherboard Cable Assembly instructions VERY CAREFULLY.
Updating to the Latest Version of
USBSUPP.exe
You MUST
remove the existing version of USBSUPP.exe before
attempting to install the latest version of the driver set. Use the
Add/Remove Programs Wizard in the Control Panel to remove the existing USB
driver set. Installing the new drivers over an existing version can
corrupt the Windows Registry and disable the USB function
completely.
Other Problems
In addition to the motherboard
chipset specific drivers that should already be installed; If your Mainboard is based on one of
the following chipsets you will need to install these additional files
Scanners, printer, cameras and many
other USB devices require additional drivers from the manufacturer. Win98 compatibility
does NOT mean the device will work on a system running Win95. Win95 USB
requires drivers specifically written for Windows 95.
You may need to update your BIOS for
USB to work correctly. Update the BIOS if necessary.
USB Shutdown Fix
Your computer may have problems at shutdown if a
USB-device is connected. This fix below addresses that problem.
This file self extracts into any given directory.
Installation instructions:
1.) Execute setup.bat (located in the directory You unpacked this file)
2.) Restart your computer
Thanks Erpman2b
Recommendations
If you want to take full advantage of the
latest USB devices you will need to upgrade to a newer version of
Windows.
Additional Information and Troubleshooting
Click on Subject to View
Page
Additional
Win95 Downloadable Files
AMD
K6 or Athlon Processor - Difficulties with Win95
Windows
Cannot Find USB Drivers on OSR 2.1 CDROM
How
to Determine the Version of Windows in Use
Troubleshooting
Windows95 Using Safe mode
Implementing
Windows95 Updates
USB
Drivers by Windows Version
Via
USB Tips and Tricks
Ali USB
Tips and Tricks
Windows
Errors Codes Explained
USB
Motherboard Cable Assemblies
Cleanup
Device Manager in Safe Mode Step by Step
Windows95
Support for External Hubs
Dial
Up Networking 1.4 Patch
USB
Support Win98 vs.Win95
Logitech WingMan Win95 USB Patch
Information
and Download
Please Note
As of December 31, 2002, Windows
95 has entered the End of Life phase of the
Microsoft
Product Cycle. Microsoft has discontinued ALL support for
Windows 95. Knowledge Base Articles and
Online self-help support information will continue
to be available on the Microsoft web site. However, NO new updates will be
forthcoming.
USBMan
05/01/2003
