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Technical Support: Frequently Asked Questions
 

Memory Upgrades

 Q: How do I install memory into my desktop computer?
 Q: How do I install memory into laptop computer?

USB 2.0 SurfDrive, Mobile KeyDrive, Mobile MiniDrive, & Mini Flash Drives

Q: Do I need to download a USB Flash Drive driver for my Windows system?
 Q: Will a USB Flash Drive work on my Mac System?
 Q: How do I find the correct Win 98 driver for my USB Flash Drive?
 Q: Why can't I access the full capacity of the USB Flash drive?
 Q: How do I format the USB Flash drive?
 Q: I have downloaded the correct Win 98 driver for my USB drive, but why won't it install correctly?
 Q: Why won't a drive letter show up in Windows XP for my USB Drive under "My Computer"?
 Q: I have multiple USB ports in my computer, which port should I plug my USB Drive into?
 Q: Why has Windows 98 stopped using or disabled my USB Drive?
 Q: Is a USB 2.0 Flash Drive compatible with my computer's USB 1.1 port?

 

Memory Upgrades FAQs
Q: How do I install memory into my desktop computer?
A: Note: The following instructions provide general installation and handling information for Memory Upgrades. These instructions are to be used in conjunction with your specific owner’s manual.

  1. Turn computer off and disconnect the AC power cord if plugged in or installed.
  2. Locate the computer's memory expansion slot by following the instructions in its owner's manual.
  3. Before touching any electronic components, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body.
  4. DIMM InstallattionIf all the slots are full, you will need to remove smaller capacity modules to allow room for higher capacity modules. To remove a module, locate the retaining clips on the sides of the expansion slot. Gently pull both clips away from the module, and then lift the module out of its expansion slot.
  5. Insert the module, leed first, into an available expansion slot. Note how the module is keyed to the slot. This ensures the module can only be inserted into the slot one way. Depending on the type of memory specified for your system, the number of keys may differ from the below illustration. Firmly press the module into position and making certain that the module is completely seated. The retaining clips will automatically snap into the locked position.

    Note: For most installations, the memory modules can be installed in any combination. However, there are some computers that require a specific installation sequence. See you system's owner's manual for more details.
  6. Repeat this procedure for any additional modules you are installing.
  7. If you have removed any parts of the system to access the memory expansion slot or slots, return then to their original positions at this time.
  8. Replace the AC power supply and any other cables you may have disconnected.
  9. Turn the computer on and follow the instructions in your computer's owner's manual for any steps required for your computer to recognize the newly installed memory.

Q: How do I install memory into laptop computer?
A: Note: The following instructions provide general installation and handling information for Memory Upgrades. These instructions are to be used in conjunction with your specific owner’s manual.

  1. Turn computer off and disconnect the AC power cord and battery pack if plugged in or installed.
  2. Locate the computer's memory expansion slot by following the instructions in its owner's manual.
  3. Before touching any electronic components, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body.
  4. SODIMM InstallattionIf all the slots are full, you will need to remove smaller capacity modules to allow room for higher capacity modules. To remove a module, locate the retaining clips on the sides of the expansion slot. Gently pull both clips away from the module, and then lift the module out of its expansion slot.
  5. Insert the module, leed first, into an available expansion slot. Note how the module is keyed to the slot. This ensures the module can only be inserted into the slot one way. Depending on the type of memory specified for your system, the number of keys may differ from the below illustration. Insert the module into the slot at a slight (approx. 30°) angle and then push it down until it clicks into place.

    Note: For most installations, the memory modules can be installed in any combination. However, there are some computers that require a specific installation sequence. See you system's owner's manual for more details.
  6. Repeat this procedure for any additional modules you are installing.
  7. If you have removed any parts of the system to access the memory expansion slot or slots, return then to their original positions at this time.
  8. Replace the AC power supply, battery and any other cables you may have disconnected.
  9. Turn the computer on and follow the instructions in your computer's owner's manual for any steps required for your computer to recognize the newly installed memory.

USB Flash Drives FAQs
Q: Do I need to download a USB Flash Drive driver for my Windows® system?
A: A driver is required for systems with the Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) version installed (some elder versions of Windows 98 will not support USB devices). All newer versions of Windows (newer than Windows 98 SE) do not require a driver for USB flash devices. Windows NT (all Service Pack versions) will not support "Plug-n-Play" devices. Therefore USB flash drives will not work on such systems.

Q: Will a USB Flash Drive work on my Mac OS system?
A: If your Mac is using Mac OS 9.0 or later, it should work perfectly okay with no drivers required. But if your Mac OS 10.2.8 and Under you may need to download a patch to get your USB drive to work properly. Mac OS 10.2 and Under user Do Not need this patch. Please follow the below steps:

  1. Download the patch: USBFlashDiskpatch10.2.x.rar (1MB File)
  2. After finish downloading please un compress the "USBFlashDiskpatch10.2.x.rar" file
  3. Double click "USBFlashDiskPatch10.2.x.mpkg" and enter password (If you have set it for your Mac before)
  4. Follow the procedure to finish the installation

Q: How do I find the correct Win 98 driver for my USB Flash Drive?
A: Check the back of the USB drive packaging for three boxes. The box that is checked will be the required driver for a Win 98 system. The driver can also be determined by plugging the USB drive into a Win ME, 2000 or XP system and follow the below instructions:

  1. Plug the USB Flash Drive
  2. Go to "My Computer" find "Removable Disk" icon
  3. Use right key of the mouse to click on the "Removable Disk" icon
  4. Use left key of the mouse to click on the "properties"
  5. Use left key of the mouse to click on the "hardware"
  6. Then you will see: "Flash Drive SM_2.0 USB Device," use the "SM Driver" or "Flash Drive UT_USB20 USB Device," use the "UT Driver."

Drivers can be downloaded here.

Q: Why can't I access the full capacity of the USB Flash drive?
A: To allow the drive to be readable, there are programs on the it that need a small portion of the Flash memory space in order to write on the USB Flash drive. Different controller chips will require varying amounts of Flash memory space.

Q: How do I format the USB Flash drive?
A: To format the USB Flash Drive, use the following steps for your computer's operating system.
 

Windows

  1. Close any open applications, including anti-virus software, that may interrupt the format process.
  2. Double-click on the "My Computer" icon on the desktop.
  3. Right-click on the "Removable Disk" icon with the drive letter assigned to your Mobile Mini or Mini Flash Drive.
  4. With a Right-click, Select "Format" from the drop-down menu that appears.
  5. Optional: Type in a name in "Volume label" if you have more than one USB Flash Drive and prefer to assign names to differentiate them.
  6. Click on "Start" button. A warning notice appears that all data will be erased. Click "OK" button. The formatting will only take a few seconds, and a "Format Complete" notice will appear when the formatting is done.
  7. Your USB Mobile Mini or Mini Flash Drive should be recognized by your system at this point. You can return to using your drive as before.

Mac OS X

  1. Close any open applications, including anti-virus software, that may interrupt the format process.
  2. Open your "Applications" folder and then open your "Utilities" folder.
  3. Double-click on "Disk Utility."
  4. Your USB Mobile Mini or Mini Flash Drive will be listed to the left of the program by its capacity and with a drop down description that says "untitled." Click on the drive capacity listing to get the "Erase" options.
  5. Choose the "Mac OS Extended" format for the use with only Mac systems. Select "MS-DOS File System" format for the use with Mac and Windows systems.
  6. Click on the "Options" button and then check the box "Zero all data" to fully format the drive. Click "OK" to accept the selection.
  7. Click "Erase" to initiate the format process.
  8. Click "Erase" again to verify that you want to start erasing the drive.
  9. Your USB Mobile Mini or Mini Flash Drive should now be mounted as "Untitled" on your desktop.
  10. Your USB Mobile Mini or Mini Flash Drive should be recognized by your system at this point. You can return to using your drive as before.

Q: I have downloaded the correct Win 98 driver for my USB drive, but why won't it install correctly?
A: If the correct Win 98 USB driver fails to install correctly, try disabling your computer's anti-virus software and try again. After a successful driver installation, be sure to activate your anti-virus program.

Q: Why won't a drive letter show up in Windows XP for my USB Drive under "My Computer"?
A: If you plug in a new USB Flash Drive into your Windows XP system and it does not show up under "My Computer" with a drive letter, you may have a conflict with another drive in your system. This tends to occur when a computer has multiple hard drives or CD/DVD drives and one of them if assigned to drive letter "H". To change the drive letter, you will need to open "Disk Management."

  1. Click "Start", point to "Settings", click "Control Panel", double-click "Administrative Tools", and then double-click "Computer Management." In the console tree under "Storage", click "Disk Management."
  2. Right-click the USB Flash Drive, and then click "Change Drive Letter and Path."
  3. To modify a drive letter, click it, click "Edit", click the drive letter you want to use, and then click "OK."

Note: An error message may appear when you attempt to assign a letter to a volume, CD-ROM drive, or other removable media device, possibly because it is in use by a program in the system. If this happens, close the program accessing the volume or drive, and then click the Change Drive Letter and Path command again.

If your USB Drive does not show up under "Disk Management" and there are drives already assigned to "H", you may need to change that drive letter first. Then plug the USB Drive back into the computer to see if it appears. Now change the drive letter on the USB Drive and then change the original"H" drive back to an "H."

There is also a possibility that the desired drive letter for your USB Drive may have been turned off. By downloading and installing a Microsoft PowerToy called TweakUI, you will be given access to system settings that are not exposed in the Windows XP default user interface, including mouse settings, Explorer settings, taskbar settings, and more. Once you have installed this application, launch it through your "Control Panel" and click on the "My Computer" tab. If your desired drive letter is unchecked, check it at this time.

Q: I have multiple USB ports in my computer, which port should I plug my USB Drive into?
A: First, try plugging the USB Drive into the port that is most convenient for you. If your computer does not recognize your USB Drive, it maybe due to a lack of power provided from that specific port. USB ports located on keyboards or on the front of your computer may have insufficient power to run a USB Drive. Try using a port on the back of your system if the USB Drive is not being recognized.

Q: Why has Windows 98 stopped using or disabled my USB Drive?
A: If Windows 98 thinks there may be a problem with a device, it has a program called "Automatic Skip Driver Agent" that disables devices so that they can be bypassed when your computer starts up. If your USB Drive is not showing up under "My Computer" but is appearing under the "Device Manager" with this message:

"Windows stopped responding while attempting to start this device, and therefore will never attempt to this device again [Code 11.] For more information, look up ASD in Windows Help. Try upgrading the device drivers for the device."

You will need to enable the drive for it to work properly. Click "Start", point to "Programs", point to "Accessories", point to "System Tools", click "System Information", and then click "Automatic Skip Driver Agent" on the "Tools" menu. Then click "Details" to identify the device that does not start correctly and then display a suggested course of action. You should be able to enable the drive at this time.

Q: Is a USB 2.0 Flash Drive compatible with my computer's USB 1.1 port?
A: A USB 2.0 Flash Drive is compatible with a USB 1.1 port, but it will not run at the Hi-Speed transfer rate. USB 2.0 port is required for Hi-Speed transfer rates, which is 480Mbits per second. USB 1.1 has a transfer rate of 12Mbits per second.