laptop / USB / Win2000Pro Issue 1

[j0ckser]

I have a dual role for my laptop as many probably do: a) a road warrior, b) home office computer.

I can live with the keyboard/eraserhead/touchpad for the road, but not at home.

I have a hub to connect: mouse, printer, zip drive. Connecting is ok. Disconnecting is a pain as I must "unplug" the zip drive whenever I leave. I get a nagging (mother?) message reminding me that I didn't unplug whenever I restart (and didn't unplug).

QUERY: is this really a problem for the o/s or is it just Bill's way of getting my goat?

 

[jrbarnett]

Is it really a problem for the OS? Probably not.
Have you tried creating a Win2K hardware profile for docked use, and another for undocked use - the difference being the absence of the Zip drive in the undocked profile.
Then you shut down and choose a different profile when you power up afterwards, voila.

John

 

[j0ckser]

Good idea, but while I have sort of administered my own computer there is much for me to learn - such as how to set up a power profile (specific steps). Please.

 

[jrbarnett]

Hi,

Logon as Administrator.
Right click My Computer, Properties -> Hardware tab -> Hardware Profiles.
Copy the current profile to a new one and give each a descriptive name by renaming them, eg to Docked and Undocked.
Save settings and power down, then power up and choose the undocked profile. Logon as administrator again, go into device manager and find the Zip drive, then change "Device usage" to "Do Not Use this device (disable)"
OK it and there you have it.

John