How do you install a USB mass storage driver using Windows 98?


Quick Answer

Installing a USB driver on a computer running Windows 98 involves either running a manufacturer driver program or a generic driver program. The program that you run will depend on the type of USB device, and the version of Windows 98.

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Full Answer

Windows 98 did not come with pre-loaded drivers for USB devices, like mass storage devices. It is therefore necessary to install drivers manually. Some hardware manufacturers produce drivers for Windows 98, but others do not. If the device is one that does not have a driver, or a driver cannot be located, generic drivers will work with most devices.

There are two different versions of Windows 98 and each handles USB differently. Therefore there are two different drivers. Here is the process to install a driver:

  1. Decide on manufacturer-made driver, or generic
  2. If a generic driver is needed, skip to step 2. If a manufacturer driver is being used, run the program by clicking on the .exe file. Then follow the instructions on the screen.

  3. Find version of Windows 98
  4. To find out the version of Windows 98, right-click on "My Computer" and go to "Properties." Go to "System Properties" and then the "General" tab. Under "System" there will be a version number. Version number 4.10.1998 means the computer is running the original Windows 98. Version number 4.10.2222 means the computer is running Windows 98SE (second edition).

  5. Get the generic driver
  6. Locate the generic version of the driver online for the required version of Windows 98. Select and download the correct driver before running it and following the on-screen instructions.

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