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Other => General Topics => Topic started by: Chim on July 20, 2008, 09:56:59 PM
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So, after 7 and a half years with this same Original Gateway Mouse, I finally broke down today and bought a new Ativa Optical Mouse. My Mouse HAD been sluggish for a long time, but this past week it was REALLY an erratic Mess. The Cursor jumping around all on its own and stuff being clicked on all on its own. My computer locking up in the process.
So, I went to Office Depot and bought this Optical Mouse. I had never had an Optical Mouse before. But, it said on there and the Sales Dude also told me, "It's Plug & Play." It did have the option of plugging it in the Regular Mouse Port with the Adapter ... or in the USB Port without the Adapter. I decided to try the USB option, just in case a flakey Mouse Port had been my actual problem. I power up my computer. I then see that a Driver Database is being generated. I was like, "Cool! Right on schedule." But, then I get prompted - WHERE do I want the Wizard to LOOK for the Driver? I was like, "What the ....? What do you MEAN? I thought Plug & Play meant Plug & PLAY?" My options were:
(1) Floppy Drive
(2) CD ROM
(3) Windows Update
(4) Select alternate path (Or something along those lines.)
I don't have any Floppy with Drivers. I don't have a genuine Windows CD. I only have my 3 Gateway System Restore CDs, which during Windows Reinstalls when I get prompted for the Windows 98SE CD, I even have to Cancel out of that portion because the process won't accept my Gateway CD # 2 (Which has Windows) as a substitute for the genuine Windows 98SE CD that it specifically wants. So, I doubt this Mouse Wizard would accept any of my Gateway CDs as a source for finding the Mouse Driver. Windows Update? As if! Windows 98SE is no longer supported. Alternate Path? And pray tell what exact path would THAT be?
In the beginning when I powered up the computer and a Driver Database was supposedly built ... does the Optical Mouse have a Chip in it that had the Driver? Where ... what path SHOULD I have chosen to find this Driver? Could I have just typed in: C:\Windows and the Mouse Wizard would find this Driver?
Luckily I got the Optical Mouse to work by slapping back on the Adapter and connecting it to the Regular Mouse Port. It's working fine now. Very Sssssssmooth and Fast! But, I'm still curious for future purposes and just for knowledge in general ... what path would I have the Mouse Wizard look for the Driver for use with the USB Option?
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Try the manufacturer's website for a driver, if you didn't get a CD with the mouse.
No, on second thoughts, don't bother, if it's working: Why use up a USB port?
I haven't had a mouse so far that Windows or Ubuntu didn't recognise on USB straight away: Logitech, Genius, Trust. Never heard of Ativa, though.
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Try the manufacturer's website for a driver, if you didn't get a CD with the mouse.
No, on second thoughts, don't bother, if it's working: Why use up a USB port?
I haven't had a mouse so far that Windows or Ubuntu didn't recognise on USB straight away: Logitech, Genius, Trust. Never heard of Ativa, though.
Well, I DO have Windows 1898SE ;D
Another thing that might come into play is ... as I mentioned in my previous Post, my Gateway System Restore from those 3 CDs has always had a flaw, NOT that Gateway ever admitted to it. Somewhere in there, I am prompted for the Genuine Windows 98SE CD. I don't have that. Never did. It wasn't supplied with my computer when I bought it. And the prompt will NOT take the Gateway CD # 2, which has Windows in it. It wants the REAL Deal. All I've ever done in that portion of the Windows Reinstalls is to Click on Cancel. I can tell it's getting ready to load some CAB Files. So, I'm sure a LOT of Files do NOT get loaded. So, my computer has always been operating handicapped with who knows what all Files, Functions, Capabilities MISSING! Who knows if the current Mouse Driver for the USB option could have been in those Files that never get loaded. It's a WONDER that my computer has lasted 7 and a half years when it doesn't even have a FULL Files Arsenal at its disposal.
You know ... this now brings up a question into my mind. I don't have a USB Flash Drive yet. I wonder if I'm going to run into the SAME problem the day that I get one? Will the USB Flash Drive ALSO be looking for some particular Driver ............ that likely won't exist in my computer?
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If you live in the stone age, expect to have to chase animals with bits of shrpened stone bound to twigs with animal gut. ::)
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The salesman was both right and wrong, under XP it more than likely would be plug and play, however under win98 you will most likely require a driver.
There would almost certainly have been a CD with the mouse that contains drivers for win98, or at least I would have though so. That is where you point the wizard at to search for the driver.
Using the USB to PS2 adaptor means it will use windows legacy mouse driver, so if there are any additional function buttons, etc. they won't normally work. If your happy with it as it is no problem, otherwise you will need to install the driver.
win98 was pre usb flash drives and the usb ports on your system are likely to be version 1.1 (sloooow) where the latest usb sticks are usb 2.0 (but should be backwards compatible with 1.1), so yes you are likely to experience fun with modern hardware and Fred & Whilma98 OS.
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You know ... this now brings up a question into my mind. I don't have a USB Flash Drive yet. I wonder if I'm going to run into the SAME problem the day that I get one? Will the USB Flash Drive ALSO be looking for some particular Driver ............ that likely won't exist in my computer?
Yes you will. My wife has a win98se Laptop and finding a flash drive to transfer files between it and my Vista system was a pain. My advice, read the package, it will say if it is compatible with win98. If it is, you'll more than likely have to go to their web site and download a driver.
Here's the one I found:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=6014597
And here's the driver:
http://www.edgetechcorp.com/support/products/portable-drives/usb-flash-drive/style1-after-12-03.asp
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I bought one of those Ativa optical mice a few months ago at Office Depot, it was on clearance for $5. Model (item) #789-104.
When I plugged it into a USB port it did a very quick search for drivers or something. If you want to use a USB flash drive on WD 98, you need to download drivers if no floppy or cd. Ativa may have drivers for download.
It didn't come with a cd nor floppy.
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If you live in the stone age, expect to have to chase animals with bits of shrpened stone bound to twigs with animal gut. ::)
with bear feet and heavy animal skin clothing ;D
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Maybe this will help:
http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/Win98 USB drivers (http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/Win98 USB drivers)
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(http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/233/190pxwindows98logohu5.png)
My first PC had this system,hahaha.
Sometimes ago, i worked in a very very very little company,hahaha, i must to install drivers for pen dries, because they didn't know why their pens don't run in company's computers.
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If you live in the stone age, expect to have to chase animals with bits of shrpened stone bound to twigs with animal gut. ::)
with bear feet and heavy animal skin clothing ;D
Yep, that's about how it goes. But, Hey! If the Professor on the TV Show Gilligan's Island can make a Radio out of a pair of Coconuts or whatever it was ... then maybe I can make a Win98 USB Drive out of a Lemon, a Paper Clip, a Piece of Gum and ... and Okay. So it HAS become apparent that a genuine Plug & Play USB Flash Drive for Win98 will probably be more of a Plug & Wrestle & Scavenger Hunt for a Driver & then Play. ;D
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Win98 was some years down the track from my first computer.
I remember the joys of windows for workgroups version 3.11 and that wasn't my first computer by a few years either.
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Maybe this will help:
http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/Win98 USB drivers (http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/Win98 USB drivers)
Okay, I'm seeing 2 Files on there. Is there any way to see DETAILS regarding each? Are those possbilities to work with the specific Ativa Model AT-MS 180 Optical Mouse that I bought? Or are they both or one of those Drivers supposed to work with ANY USB Mouse that you plug into a Win98 computer? Or are they for Flash Drives?
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Hi chim
The files Bob3160 posted are USB mass-storage drivers, no good for your mouse. :'(
I'm surprised too that you've lasted so long without 98SE installation files. Are you completely sure there's no folder full of CAB files in some obscure location on your drive(s) called 'win98' or something? (I actually threw out a few 98SE CDs recently ::))
If you really want to solve this, restart the PC with both mice plugged in. When you're prompted for location of the driver files for the USB mouse, use the old mouse to navigate to c:\windows\inf (it doesn't really matter where but hey!.. they might even be there after all! ;D).
When/if Windows fails to find the file it is looking for, it should show you the name of the missing file. Open a browser and search online for that name 'til you find somewhere to download it from, e.g. 'driverguide' (you may have to register). Save the file to the location you originally pointed the installer to and retry. It should find the file this time and will nowe prompt you for another. My recollection is that you'll have to repeat this 4 to 6 times for each file required.
Alternatively, if someone else knows the names of the files I can zip them and attach them to a post.
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Hi chim
The files Bob3160 posted are USB mass-storage drivers, no good for your mouse. :'(
I'm surprised too that you've lasted so long without 98SE installation files. Are you completely sure there's no folder full of CAB files in some obscure location on your drive(s) called 'win98' or something? (I actually threw out a few 98SE CDs recently ::))
Oh, Okay. So I'll nix any experiments with those Drivers. Thanks, Vladimyr! I had never plugged in anything else into my computer's 2 USB Ports all this time other than my Epson 880 Printer and the Driver for that is part of the Gateway System Restore CDs, although I have the separate Epson CD for it also. So, I was always covered there.
If you really want to solve this, restart the PC with both mice plugged in. When you're prompted for location of the driver files for the USB mouse, use the old mouse to navigate to c:\windows\inf (it doesn't really matter where but hey!.. they might even be there after all! ;D).
When/if Windows fails to find the file it is looking for, it should show you the name of the missing file. Open a browser and search online for that name 'til you find somewhere to download it from, e.g. 'driverguide' (you may have to register). Save the file to the location you originally pointed the installer to and retry. It should find the file this time and will nowe prompt you for another. My recollection is that you'll have to repeat this 4 to 6 times for each file required.
Trust me, when I found myself STUCK with a Non-working Mouse and the Mouse Wizard prompting me for something I had no clue about, the thought DID cross my mind, "MAN! I wonder if I could possibly have both Mice connected so that I can explore with the working Mouse to see if I can somehow find something with which to pacify the Mouse Wizard."
Ahhh, DriverGuide, Eh? I did wind up there yesterday. I meant to post up my inquiry as to whether DriverGuide was legit and SAFE. IS it?
So am I understanding correctly? There won't be some conflict ... my Windows 98SE won't Freak Out with 2 Mice connected? I won't get some big Blue Screen Error Message? I take it that's because one of the 2 Mice won't be working at the time? But, under normal circumstances, if one plugged in a working Regular Port Mouse and a working USB Mouse, conflict WOULD ensue, right?
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To check out a site you could start at http://www.siteadvisor.com/ (http://www.siteadvisor.com/).
You can only use one at a time so the input is not a problem, for ages I had two mice connected, optical wireless usb and a bog standard Microsoft ps2 mouse. I had some programs that wouldn't respond to the wireless usb mouse outside of windows.
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There won't be some conflict ... my Windows 98SE won't Freak Out with 2 Mice connected?
I found that Win98SE ( Silly Edition ) freaked out when I wanted to do a save on something that I had been editing for a while or if I stepped away for a pee then came back and moved the PS/2 connected mouse to do something.
Then it insisted on running that scandisk thing for the next 5 minutes until the desktop came up.
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The files Bob3160 posted are USB mass-storage drivers, no good for your mouse
That's correct because Chim asked about usb storage devices which require drivers that don't come with Win98. :)
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The files Bob3160 posted are USB mass-storage drivers, no good for your mouse
That's correct because Chim asked about usb storage devices which require drivers that don't come with Win98. :)
So are you saying that those TWO Drivers would cover ANY Flash Drive? Aren't there supposed to be MANY Drivers depending on the Manufacturer and Model of the USB Flash Drive?
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To check out a site you could start at http://www.siteadvisor.com/ (http://www.siteadvisor.com/).
You can only use one at a time so the input is not a problem, for ages I had two mice connected, optical wireless usb and a bog standard Microsoft ps2 mouse. I had some programs that wouldn't respond to the wireless usb mouse outside of windows.
Cool! I Bookmarked the SiteAdvisor site. But, I'm a bit confused. There at the bottom is a little Window where one can already enter ... presumably any URL to be checked out. Yet above that is a Button for "Download SiteAdvisor now ... For Internet Explorer." Why would one have to download that? What IS one downloading? Doesn't one get the site checked out by entering the URL in the little Window below that Button?
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The little window is for the URL you want to check.
I haven't downloaded the siteadvisor for IE mainly because I don't use it. I can only assume that it adds some form of checking from IE, possibly context menu selection on a link in a page. Surely there is more information on the site on what it does.
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Hi Chim
The optical mouse you've got is a so-called "combo" because its interface circuitry responds to either PS/2 or USB protocols. The adapter is purely an electrical and mechanical rearrangement of the connector.
Found files on a 98SE system and zipped them. They could be what you need.
First you'll need to rename the file from 'USBHID.txt' to 'USBHID.zip' and then extract them to c:\ with "Use folder names" checked. If they are the correct files the USB mouse should then install automatically when you plug it in.
So am I understanding correctly? There won't be some conflict ... my Windows 98SE won't Freak Out with 2 Mice connected? I won't get some big Blue Screen Error Message? I take it that's because one of the 2 Mice won't be working at the time? But, under normal circumstances, if one plugged in a working Regular Port Mouse and a working USB Mouse, conflict WOULD ensue, right?
Windows might "freak out" in a very minor way, as described by others, with both a USB and PS/2 mouse connected simultaneously but remember, up until the USB drivers are "found" and installed, Windows doesn't "know" about the second mouse.
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As long as one of the mice is stationary, there wouln't be any problems.
Otherwise, the movement will change on as first come basis. It can only recognize one mouse at a time.
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Hi Chim
The optical mouse you've got is a so-called "combo" because its interface circuitry responds to either PS/2 or USB protocols. The adapter is purely an electrical and mechanical rearrangement of the connector.
Found files on a 98SE system and zipped them. They could be what you need.
First you'll need to rename the file from 'USBHID.txt' to 'USBHID.zip' and then extract them to c:\ with "Use folder names" checked. If they are the correct files the USB mouse should then install automatically when you plug it in.
The Eagle has Landed. The Cyber Merchandise Acquisition Project has been implemented and successful completion Green Light status is an affirmative. Uhhh, that is to say, I have downloaded the File, Vladimyr. ;D So, what's the deal on the File Renaming? Can Files only be attached here on the avast! Forums' Posts in .txt format? When I renamed the File to the .zip extension, shouldn't the Icon for the File have changed to that of the IZArc File Zipping / Unzipping Utility I have installed? Why does it still have the same Text File Icon.?
Okay, after this File is extracted ... is it ONE Driver ... ONE Generic Mouse Driver for USB Mice in general to work on Win98? Or are there several different Drivers in there after the extraction? I do see you mention "Files" as in more than one, but I don't know if that means several different Drivers for different Mice or just several Files to be used by MY model of Mouse.
Can this File be saved on a CD? Or would R/W status have to be maintained, like say Opera's Bookmarks File opera6.adr, which I save on a Floppy?
So am I understanding correctly? There won't be some conflict ... my Windows 98SE won't Freak Out with 2 Mice connected? I won't get some big Blue Screen Error Message? I take it that's because one of the 2 Mice won't be working at the time? But, under normal circumstances, if one plugged in a working Regular Port Mouse and a working USB Mouse, conflict WOULD ensue, right?
Windows might "freak out" in a very minor way, as described by others, with both a USB and PS/2 mouse connected simultaneously but remember, up until the USB drivers are "found" and installed, Windows doesn't "know" about the second mouse.
Ultimately for NOW ... I want to save the File you sent AND your Instructions. This since obviously right now my New Mouse is functioning properly via its connection in the Regular PS / 2 Mouse Port. Don't want to needlessly get all Mad Scientist-ish right now and suddenly end up with NO Mouse function. But, it'll be great to have ... or at least theoretically have the Driver and Instructions on how to get the USB Mouse option up and running if need be.
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As long as one of the mice is stationary, there wouln't be any problems.
Otherwise, the movement will change on as first come basis. It can only recognize one mouse at a time.
Alrighty, then. So it's NOT like one can get to playing some Tennis Game with a Mouse in each hand ... Right Hand vs. Left Hand ... USB vs. Legacy. ;D Denied! Thanks, Bob!
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As long as one of the mice is stationary, there wouln't be any problems.
Otherwise, the movement will change on as first come basis. It can only recognize one mouse at a time.
Alrighty, then. So it's NOT like one can get to playing some Tennis Game with a Mouse in each hand ... Right Hand vs. Left Hand ... USB vs. Legacy. ;D Denied! Thanks, Bob!
Actually you can since you only use one mouse at a time. one in the right hand, the other one set up for the left hand.
You can not use both mice at the same time. It only recognizes input from one mouse at a time.
Hope that's clear. :)
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Alrighty, then. So it's NOT like one can get to playing some Tennis Game with a Mouse in each hand ... Right Hand vs. Left Hand ... USB vs. Legacy. ;D Denied! Thanks, Bob!
Actually you can since you only use one mouse at a time. one in the right hand, the other one set up for the left hand.
You can not use both mice at the same time. It only recognizes input from one mouse at a time.
Hope that's clear. :)
Oh yeah, it's clear. I just meant you couldn't actually get a more realistic Tennis Game going whereby both Players ... aka both Left & Right Hands ... both Mice are in motion at the same time to anticipate each others moves. In other words, you can't achieve the equivalent of 2 Joysticks hooked up to an Atari 400 or Commodore64. ;D
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No, not at all the same and I've enjoyed both of those machines. :)
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So many question.... ;D
So, what's the deal on the File Renaming? Can Files only be attached here on the avast! Forums' Posts in .txt format?
Not only .txt, but not .zip.
When I renamed the File to the .zip extension, shouldn't the Icon for the File have changed to that of the IZArc File Zipping / Unzipping Utility I have installed? Why does it still have the same Text File Icon.?
Don't know. When I rename it it changes to the WinZip icon on my PC.
Okay, after this File is extracted ... is it ONE Driver ... ONE Generic Mouse Driver for USB Mice in general to work on Win98? Or are there several different Drivers in there after the extraction? I do see you mention "Files" as in more than one, but I don't know if that means several different Drivers for different Mice or just several Files to be used by MY model of Mouse.
See attached image for .zip contents and default locations. It's years since I last did this but I'm pretty sure that if you unzip/extract those 5 files to those paths that Windows "Shrug 'n' Pray" will find them automatically when the USB mouse is plugged is detected. If not, you'll know where to point it to.
Can this File be saved on a CD? Or would R/W status have to be maintained, like say Opera's Bookmarks File opera6.adr, which I save on a Floppy?
Can't see any problems, as long as you remember what/where it is.
Ultimately for NOW ... I want to save the File you sent AND your Instructions. This since obviously right now my New Mouse is functioning properly via its connection in the Regular PS / 2 Mouse Port. Don't want to needlessly get all Mad Scientist-ish right now and suddenly end up with NO Mouse function. But, it'll be great to have ... or at least theoretically have the Driver and Instructions on how to get the USB Mouse option up and running if need be.
It's your choice. Trying it now won't hurt anything and if you suddenly need to use a USB "Human Interface Device" at any time in the future, once the files are your hard disk, it should just work.
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Ultimately for NOW ... I want to save the File you sent AND your Instructions. This since obviously right now my New Mouse is functioning properly via its connection in the Regular PS / 2 Mouse Port. Don't want to needlessly get all Mad Scientist-ish right now and suddenly end up with NO Mouse function. But, it'll be great to have ... or at least theoretically have the Driver and Instructions on how to get the USB Mouse option up and running if need be.
It's your choice. Trying it now won't hurt anything and if you suddenly need to use a USB "Human Interface Device" at any time in the future, once the files are your hard disk, it should just work.
If I get bold enough, I'll try it on the weekend. Usually experiments with which I have a little trepidation, I wait until the weekend so that in case something goes seriously awry, I have the time to do a Windows Reinstall.
I have your Zip File saved, as well as your Instructions from both your posts. Your time and effort utilized in locating these USB Files is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Vladimyr!