update

"Windows 95 OSR 2.1 and OSR 2.5 provide basic USB support that was developed as the technology was first emerging. Based on today's more mature USB technology, there are a number of limitations with USB support in Windows 95 OSR 2.1 and Windows 95 OSR 2.5.

These limitations were addressed in Microsoft Windows 98 and carried forward to Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition. Addressing these limitations required several architectural changes that are not portable back to Windows 95 OSR 2.1 or Windows 95 OSR 2.5.

Microsoft recommends that customers who require a more robust USB environment upgrade to Windows 98 or Windows 98 Second Edition."

Determine if Your Version Supports USB

The first thing you must do to enable USB in Win95 is to determine which version of the operating system you are using. Please Note that the original or first version of Windows 95 including the update and version A, is NOT capable of USB connectivity. There is NO update for these versions of Win95 that can provide USB support. Win95 versions B & C have limited USB functionality. The first Microsoft operating system to fully support USB is Win98 first edition.

Look at your Windows 95 CD.

If it lists USB support, there is a folder on the CD that will have the USB Supplement files.

Install the supplement, and you will have VERY limited USB device functionality.

Before trying this, does the printer manufacture offer a W95 driver for download, or even list W95 on the supported or minimum system requirements.

It is VERY likely that the printer will need other updates that are part of W98 before it will operate even if you get the USB ports to function.

Chas