USB support & W98SE??

[slowgoing]

From what I remember, W98SE had an early version of or partial support for USB as we know it today...(?)

I'd like to install one of these USB cards in the P166 running W98SE I have for internet use (DSL) so I can upload video files to an FTP server created on another computer (which is not internet connected).

I have an external hard drive that uses the USB port that I can move between these two machines. My question is, will the W98SE machine accept the current version USB card and read the newer USB format?

My second question has to to with file formats. The video computer uses W2000 and NTFS files. Will I be able to upload these files using the W98SE system that I have set up for FAT32?

Thanks again!
George

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

Originally Posted by slowgoing Will I be able to upload these files using the W98SE system that I have set up for FAT32?

The Windows 98 machine will not be able to read the NTFS partition. As I see it you have a few options:
1. Reformat the external drive with FAT32.
2. Network the two computers.
3. Install the DSL on the Win 2000 Machine
4. Connect USB-USB (have never tried this, but is meant to work.)
5. Use some other type of storage media (CD, DVD etc)

Does the 98 Machine already have a USB port? If not, then adding a card (as you mention) will work. If the card does not support the latest version, yet the hard drive does, the conection will only work at the speed of the card.

[glc]

98SE has full USB support - it even has USB 2.0 support as long as the card comes with a USB 2.0 driver for 98SE.

ANY M$ operating system (95B/C, 98FE/SE, ME, 2K, XP) can read and write to FAT32.

I'd like to make a better suggestion - why don't you just network both machines together and get them both on the DSL? All that will take is an inexpensive router, a NIC card in both machines, and a couple of CAT5 cables.

[slowgoing]

I agree the direct internet connection would be easier but the virus issues suggest I'm better off using the old P166 as a gate keeper.

Question: I have a 120gig USB external drive now formatted all NTFS. Can I reformat or repartition so most is NTFS and, say 20 gigs in FAT32?

If this even will work, will the W98SE machine see that section?

George

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

Virus issues? I am on XP, and with a proper Antivirus, and firewall, plus antispyware programs (all available free) I never get a virus. With proper protection, there is not difference between 98 and XP, other than a lot more (new) security holes (which are patched).

[slowgoing]

I think I have an alternative that's safe and rather cheap.

One of the large computer chains is advertising a USB case for any hard drive for around $39 this week. I have a 6 gig drive kicking around I can reformat as FAT32 and stick it in this case. That way I can move it back and forth and not run the risk of dropping (yes, it has happened once before) the drive and losing all the data from other jobs.

Again, appreciate all the help and input. This site and the folks who reside here are the greatest!!

Is it too early to wish Happy Holidays to all?

[glc]

How big are these files? You can get a 1GB USB flash memory key for around 70 bucks. That's a LOT better than screwing with a hard drive.

I can appreciate you wanting to keep your production machine off the Internet, but don't discount networking. Put a second NIC in the old beast and connect it to the production box with a crossover cable - and only enable NetBEUI on the 2 cards (get rid of TCP/IP on them) - this will securely network them and your production box will be TOTALLY invisible to the Internet - and you can transfer files between them VERY quickly.

[slowgoing]

They would be more than 1 gig or there would be several near or over that.

Actually, when I first got the DSL at the office I installed a NIC card in another machine I had at the time along with the P166. Even tried connecting my old TI laptop to the router. Never got them to work. They were there, they were not there. Sometimes you could find them on the other machine but mostly not. I gave up.

What with this editing system about 50' away from the internet machine in another room I think for me the $40 for the USB case will be the best route.

[glc]

If you are going to go for a case, let me recommend a very high quality case for a bit more money - which also comes with some *excellent* drive cloning/imaging/backup software that will work not only with the external drive - and it also has Firewire.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...155-604&depa=0

15 buck rebate available till the end of the year.

http://www.apricorn.com/product_details.php?ID=420