Tech: Win XP 'Helpful Hints'

Subject: Tech: Win XP 'Helpful Hints'
From: Tootler
Date: 14 Jul 06 - 07:11 PM

Whenever I plug my USB flash memory stick into my laptop, A Win XP "helpful" message pops up from the area of the systray and tells me that "This device can perform faster" While technically true as the memory stick is USB 2.0 compatible, it can't in this case because my laptop is only fitted with USB 1.1 ports and I have no intention of changing that.

Does anyone know if there is some way of preventing these irritating "helpful" messages from popping up. Somthing buried deep in the menus somewhere?

All helpful suggestions appreciated.

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP 'Helpful Hints'
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Jul 06 - 03:23 AM

I haven't seen a message like that, but then my machines have all had USB2 ports since I discovered USB.

The message may come from the memory stick itself, since it has to do a "handshake" with the computer to establish that it's there, and the stick maker may have incorporated the message.

It also may come from the PnP in the computer. Since for these simple devices each time you plug the stick in it's a "new device" I don't know of a way to configure it so the machine will know it's ok the next time you plug it in. When you unplug it, the configuration often will "go away" so it probably will repeat everything the next time you plug in.

With many USB devices, if you use the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon¹ in the System Tray to disconnect before you unplug a "configuration" is left on the machine that might "remember" that you want USB1.1; but that's just a guess. (Some USB devices don't show in the "disconnect" menu, which usually means they're straight PnP, with a new default hookup each time you plug in).

¹ the icon usually has a fat green arrow at the top. If the USB device does appear there, you should always do the disconnect using the icon before unplugging.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP 'Helpful Hints'
From: migginz
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 03:16 AM

If it is windows causing the problem this site might have a solution.
http://www.annoyances.org/
It is aimed at all the little "features" of windows that you might prefer to do without

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP 'Helpful Hints'
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 05:27 AM

From "Experts Exchange":


"Windows XP SP2 says "This device can perform faster" about all my USB 2.0 devices."

[..]

" To stop the warning (eg if you only have USB 1.1) go to device manager, find your USB host controller(s) double click and select advanced tab, then tick the box "don't tell me about usb errors" that should stop the bubble. You need to do this with all the controllers listed."

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP 'Helpful Hints'
From: Tootler
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 02:13 PM

Thanks Guest Jon,

Done that. Will see what happens next time I plug in my memory stick. At the moment it is upstairs by another computer.

Subject: RE: Tech: Win XP 'Helpful Hints'
From: GUEST,eflotsam
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 08:55 PM

Excellent. I've been searching for where to turn that little annoyance off and this is it!

Thank you both!

e