Need to get a USB 3.0 drive to work with a PC or laptop that has only USB 2.0 connectivity? Our Helproom Expert can help.
QUESTION My new PC has a USB 3.0 port, so I decided to buy a WD USB 3.0 drive to transfer the contents of my old machine. It works fine on my new PC, but is unable to find a USB 3.0 host controller on the old PC. How can I get the drive to realise this machine uses USB 2.0 not 3.0? Jonny Wilson
HERLPROOM ANSWER Western Digital's USB 3.0 drives are backwards-compatible with USB 2.0 and should work with both machines, albeit at a slower speed on the older PC. You don't say what happens after the warning message pops up – it could simply be an informational message that doesn't affect drive operation.
We got in contact with Western Digital about your problem. Its technician requested more information before he could suggest a solution. For instance, have you attempted to store any data on the drive? Please contact technical support on 0800 2754 9338 for further help.
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Comments
Alex Taylor said: Is this a Windows message along the lines that the drive is plugged into a USB 20 port and would work faster if it was in USB 30 portIts always handy to give error messages verbatim or in as much detail as possible rather than some writing came up on the screen something about an error
Maccyroo said: Not sure if this this a joke or a misprint It works fine on my new PC but is unable to find a USB 30 host controller on the old PCWell of course it cannot find a USB 30 controller on your old system You only have one onyour new system Your old system will have a Standard Enhanced Controller if it supports USB 20 Hi-SpeedYou do not say which WD external drive you have The MyBook Essential USB3USB2 version will work at Hi-speed USB 2 on a system with only a Standard Enhanced contoller and at Super-Speed only if a USB 30 host contoller is present