PCTech Forums

Due to some bugs and other problems that couldn't be easily rectified, I erased the hard drive of my Dell Dimension the other night and began the process of reinstalling Windows ME and other programs.

The big hitch in this has been attempting to reinstall my wireless high-speed adapter (Motorola wireless USB 2.0) to the computer. When I install the program from the CD-ROM, I get an automatic error message (Odhost error -- "cocreate instance failed...") upon rebooting the computer, then another Windows Visual C++ Library error ("Runtime error...abnormal program termination") after ok'ing out of the first. This has happened the same way when installed then uninstalled and reinstalled on multiple occassions.

I was told that downloading a Windows update to ME (Service Pack 2) might allieviate this problem, but doing so hasn't changed anything. I've done Google searches of these error messages in trying to find a remedy, but most of the problems I've seen of a similar variety weren't cleanly or clearly resolved. And a few of them seem to relate to virus issues, but that's not the case here, since I can't even get connected to the internet to pick up such a virus.

Does anyone know how I can fix this problem and use the adapter I have with my computer? Or is there another brand or type of adapter that would be more compatible with my bare-bones ME? Just looking for some kind of support or direction, because Dell, Motorola and my high-speed service provider seem to be completely unable to help me. Thanks in advance...

When ME systems were being sold, USB 2.0 was still in the design stages, if my memory doesn't fail me.

You probably need to install a USB 2.0 card into your system so the unit can be seen.

You might seriously consider tossing the ME if you have a min of 128 meg of ram (bare minimum) and get yourself a copy of XP. Wireless problems with ME would fill volumes.

The easiest way to determine if your system supports USB 2.0 is to go to device manager and see if your USB device says "Enhanced."

The sad thing, is that I don't think that ME even supports 2.0--I could be wrong on that

Hope this helps

Doesn't appear that my USB is "enhanced". Intel 82801BA/BAM USB Universal Host Controller is how it's labeled in Device Manager.

I had considered an XP upgrade, but I've been told that it's troublesome and not particularly beneficial to slap a new operating system on an older computer not designed to handle it. Am I all wet on that?

What's curious to me is that the guy from the cable company was able to install the adapter onto my computer a few months ago without any obvious complications. It never worked that well because of some persistent viruses (which eventually forced me to reinstal)l, but ME at least accepted the adapter once upon a time.

How might I go about installing a 2.0 card? I try, but I'm no whiz at this stuff.

I would need to know what you have as a system now.

XP will install AOK on a Pentium two with 128 meg of ram. You should have a PIII with 256 meg of ram for XP.

If you only surf the net with a modem, you can get away with the minimums. The ME operating system is probably the worst thing that Microsoft ever put out. An upgrade to XP would not work if your motherboard will not accept 128 meg of ram.

If your stuck at 64 meg, then you might be better off installing windows 98. That O/S is very stable.

Your cable company guy probabaly knew how to 'trick' your system to see the USB device. I have run accross several posts with ME advising them to call the cable company and ask for a PCI card instead of a USB device for ME

There is an issue with USB devices that the cable company is very aware of, especialy with ME. Tell them that you want a PCI card and I don't think that you will get an argument with them.

As for installing the card, go buy one and then open up the case and find an empty slot, skip one slot past the video card, and put it in. Make sure the power cord is disconnected. Then power up and see if the system sees it.
Hope this helps

My system is a Dell Dimension 4100 with an Intel PIII processor. I'm hazy on the other number you mentioned, but my "L2 cache" is listed as 256KB and my memory capacities is shown as "64, 128 and 256 MB". Not sure which one of those is applicable to what you mentioned.

Given that, am I better off upgrading to XP or trying a PCI card in lieu of the USB adapter?

Thanks so much for the advice.