Force USB 3.0 ports to be recoginzed as USB 2.0 Ports

TDPsGM · 07 Apr 2017

I know this sounds bizarre, and many not be possible, but bare with me.

I have a program that only runs on Win 7 that is used to program Solid State Logic Circuits (SSLC's) - (the developer is taking FOREVER to write a Win 10 Compatible version

).

To make matters worse, THAT program does NOT recognize USB 3.0 ports, and my new computer ONLY has 3.0 ports on it.

Is there a way to trick/hack/fool the OS (and thus the program running on it) into seeing the USB ports as 2.0 only?
Registry Hack?
Something Else?

FYI:
The USB cable that I use to program the SSLC's is 2.0 (on one end) only as well.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

TDPsGM · 10 Apr 2017

. . . I am guessing that I may be out of luck here.
No one knows if this is possible?

Layback Bear · 10 Apr 2017

I'm guessing but I think like me most don't understand how a program knows whether a port is usb 3.0 or usb 2.0 or why it would care.

From your post #1

To make matters worse, THAT program does NOT recognize USB 3.0 ports, and my new computer ONLY has 3.0 ports on it.

Usb ports don't care what kind of data goes through them. As far as I know the only difference between 2.0 and 3.0 is the (up to) maximum speed they work at.

Jack

iko22 · 10 Apr 2017

To the best of my knowledge
in the Serial Port Era, programmers used to bypass Microsofts code library routines write directly to the hardware ports,
to speed up their programs. I don't know if that is the issue you are experiencing here, with second or third generation USB?

LMiller7 · 10 Apr 2017

If the program really does not work with USB 3.0 it is likely due to some incompatibility, rare as that may be. If that is the case fooling the program is unlikely to be useful. If the program goes to the trouble of distinguishing between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 it is likely because it needs to know. The fooled program would likely fail when it actually attempted communication or it would not operate as intended.

In any case I know of no such method and doubt it would be simple.

johnhoh · 10 Apr 2017

trying disabling xHCI in bios

Barman58 · 10 Apr 2017

USB3 and USB2 are wired differently so if the software is expecting the signal on a set port this could be the issue, ( as you said developers used to "re-invent the wheel" at times to suit their ideas, I can remember many hours spent re-wiring Serial and Parallel plugs and sockets, to get live data from PLC's and data sources)

This may be of help USB 3.0 to USB 2.0 Internal Adapter Cable - 19pin to 9pin - Newegg.ca or similar (could be old link

), but would need a USB2 cable from the adapter to an external port either at the PCI sockets - A cheap Two or Four Port PCI USB2 card could also meet your needs and may not need the adapter. if you have space or even just a cable taken through any suitable Hole in the case.

Don't forget to back charge your costs to the software developer