Member Avatar for Jupiter 2

I have a connector ps2 to usb port. Can I use that usb port as a regular USB port?
I know that they are for usb mouse and keyboard but can I use it for a flash driver or some other device?

Are there any other types of devices that could use the ps2 port?

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Short answer (given ’s clarification that this is "USB device -> PS/2 adapter -> PS/2 port"): a simple USB-to‑PS/2 plug adapter will not turn a PS/2 jack into a general-purpose USB host. PS/2 and USB use different electrical signals, protocols and host/ device roles, so a PS/2 port cannot enumerate or talk to USB mass‑storage devices the way a USB host does. (en.wikipedia.org)

Why that matters in plain terms: many passive adapters only change the plug shape — they rely on the peripheral itself supporting both PS/2 and USB signaling (some keyboards and mice have dual‑mode controllers). Cheap adapters won’t convert USB mass‑storage protocols to PS/2; flash drives, phones and iPods are USB devices that expect a USB host and the USB Mass Storage / device class, so they simply won’t be recognised if you wire them into a PS/2 socket. (en.wikipedia.org)

Practical checks and fixes:

  • Check the device manual or the manufacturer’s page for “PS/2 compatible” or “dual‑mode” before assuming an adapter will work; if the vendor ships an adapter with the product that’s a positive sign. (startechtel.com)
  • To add real USB ports, use a powered USB hub (best for laptops/low‑power setups) or, for a desktop, add a USB expansion card — both provide a true USB host and proper power. (en.wikipedia.org)

Quick cautions: don’t force PS/2 plugs (pins bend), and expect different behavior on very old motherboards (PS/2 handling varies). For testing your iPod/phone, plug them into a real USB port and let the OS install any required drivers rather than trying to force the adapter approach. (en.wikipedia.org)

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Member Avatar for Xlphos

Hello,

Are you asking can you use the USB ports that the mouse and keyboard are plugged in for things like flash drives? If you are then most likely you can; try it.

If you have PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse avaliable why not use them and free up 2 USB ports.

- Hope this helps

Member Avatar for Jupiter 2

I think I'd like to get a few more replies before I try it. I do have 8 computers but I don't really want to try. I'll think about it over night. I have an Acer 1.8 ghz that no longer suits my purpose. I was thinking of giving it away. I suppose no one else will have much use for it either.

Just a note: the USB PS2 comnnector is the same as a normal USB port. I have a double ended connector so I can actually connect something to it, maybe a phone or an ipod. I've got an ipod that only responds with an hour glass so I suppose I'll use that for my experiment.

Member Avatar for Xlphos

Just a quick question are you after plugging USB devices into a PS/2 port?

Member Avatar for caperjack

Just a quick question are you after plugging USB devices into a PS/2 port?

yeah i think thats what they are asking ,sound to me like they have a ps/2 y cord going from ps/2 to 2 usb's ,they are used for connecting a usb mouse and keyboard to a single ps/2 on a laptop generally i do believe, and i do not think a flash drive will function on it !

Member Avatar for Xlphos

I have a connector ps2 to usb port. Can I use that usb port as a regular USB port?
I know that they are for usb mouse and keyboard but can I use it for a flash driver or some other device?

Are there any other types of devices that could use the ps2 port?

You make it sound like you have connected a ps/2 device to a USB port via a ps2/USB converter.

Which is it?

1. PS/2 device -> USB converter -> USB port
2. USB device -> PS/2 converter -> PS/2 port

Member Avatar for caperjack

my answer is no, a ps/2 port is not hot swappable for one thing!
pick one witch one is it .

Member Avatar for Jupiter 2

2. USB device -> PS/2 converter -> PS/2 port

Member Avatar for caperjack

a mouse one will not even work for a keyboard !

Member Avatar for Xlphos

Okay then, I can say that you can't use it as an ordinary USB port.

Earlier I was assuming;

1. PS/2 device -> USB converter -> USB port

If you after more USB ports try a USB hub.

- Hope this helps

Member Avatar for Jupiter 2

Apparently you cannot use the ps2 ports for anything except a keyboard and mouse. In case anyone doesn't know, the purple one is for keyboard and the green one is for mouse. But only 99% of the time. The other 1% is the reverse.

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