Computer experts, please help me!!!!

[snowball22]

I am in the process of finishing a homework assignment and I need to scan some items for a report. I went to Best Buy today and bought a scanner. The clerk told me that all the scanners they had for sale would fit any computer. I am now in the process of trying to get the scanner plugged in. The main electric cord is no problem. The problem I am having is with a USB cable cord. I can find NO USB port hole in the back of my computer. Do all computers have a USB port hole for scanner connection? I have a Compaq Presario with Windows 98 on it. What am I doing wrong or do I need to get some sort of adaption cord for the USB cord ?? Please help!! Thank you everyone.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

It would depend on the age of the computer, if it is older it may not. The windows 98 won't tell you because it was around when computers didn't have them and lasted in to when it did. If you do have one it is most likely on the back of the computer around the area of the printer and keyboard ports. Can you give the exact model number of the computer?

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

My first thought is, if you do have USB ports, maybe your USB ports already have something in them. For instance, printers are often USB ports. I have 3 peripherals and only 2 USB ports so at the moment I have to unplug something to use my scanner, but you can also get USB "expanders" or convert PCI to USB. For tonight though, look to see if your printer is a USB cable and if you can plug your scanner in there instead to use it.

 

[snowball22]

My scanner connector is a really narrow rectangle shape. There is nothing on the back of the computer that would even fit this connection. My printer is connected into a port that does not even match the scanner connector. My monitor is in another port that also does not match the size of the scanner connector. My computer is a series 3443. These are the only numbers I can find on it:

S/N 1x8ccdp472bm
SKU 352900-003

I checked in my compaq booklet and there seems to be nothing about connecting a scanner to it. I have the color coded cords for the ports in the back. I hope this helps.

 

[coqui]

That's definitely USB. The easiest way to tell right now is to right click on your "my Computer" Icon on your Desktop. Click on properties.

Where it says System, Look for Windows 98. After that it should say Service release followed by a number (or just SR and then the number)

If it's SR2 or later, the you have USB Support off of your Operating System.

Where it plugs in on your computer (if you had it) would be either directly above or directly below the keyboard and mouse plugs. If they aren't there, you don't have USB ports.

If you have SR2 (also known as Second Edition if it just says that)

Then you can buy an adapter to give you USB ports. They won't be as fast but they will still work.

That may be your only option because serial and parrallel scanners are hard to find

 

[snowball22]

Thanks everyone!!! The Dis board has helped me out again! It looks like I will be making another trip to Best Buy for an adapter.

 

[coqui]

The official name for it is:

USB 2.0 Host Adapter

If they ask it should be for a PCI Slot