Member Avatar for ImaPappy

I have an old computer which I use for a dedicated function that still uses Windows 95. It's run for years doing its specialized DOS stuff and I have no reason to bear the expense of an upgrade.

Recently my floppy drive failed and I can no longer transfer things between that computer and others which I need to do twice a week. It does, however, have an old usb port and I would like to try and use a dumb drive to xfer. However when I try and use it, it asks for a driver and I'm back to the old problem as I don't have one and have no way of installing one. I could use a CD I guess if I could find a driver for the USB stick).

I know I could install a new floppy but, again, I would prefer to avoid the expense and having to get to the computer to crack the case.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Many thanks to all who take the time to answer.

Alan

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: the thread already has good hardware suggestions from , and , but if opening the case or tracking down USB drivers is the blocker, there are two practical, low-cost transfer methods that avoid USB mass‑storage drivers entirely.

First, use Direct Cable Connection (serial null‑modem or LapLink/parallel cable). Most Win95 machines have COM or LPT ports. A null‑modem serial cable or a parallel LapLink cable plus the built‑in Direct Cable Connection wizard will let the two PCs talk and copy files without new drivers. On Win95 look under Programs -> Accessories -> Communications -> Direct Cable Connection; set one machine as Host (accept connection) and the other as Guest (connect). This works reliably for moderate file sets and requires only cheap cables. Background: see Null modem and Direct Cable Connection basics (Null modem).

Second, if you prefer a file‑transfer protocol over serial, use a terminal program and ZMODEM (robust, resumable transfers). On the Win95 side HyperTerminal (or a Tera Term-style client) can receive files via ZMODEM. On the other PC run the matching sender; ZMODEM handles interruptions gracefully. Read about ZMODEM for transfer options (ZMODEM, HyperTerminal).

If the PC does have a working CD drive and you can burn a disc on the other machine, a bootable DOS/CD approach with DOS USB mass‑storage drivers (available in common rescue ISOs) can also mount a stick and copy files to the hard drive. Popular rescue CDs include Hiren's BootCD for guidance and tools (Hiren's BootCD).

Caution: modern Windows editions may no longer include Direct Cable Connection; if the other machine is Win7/10/11, use a temporary older laptop, third‑party utilities, or the ZMODEM route instead.

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Member Avatar for Rik_

A cheap network card would do it. You can even get a USB to RJ45 adapter if you don't want to open the case up and it should come with a driver.

Member Avatar for ImaPappy

A cheap network card would do it. You can even get a USB to RJ45 adapter if you don't want to open the case up and it should come with a driver.

No network or phone lines where the computer lives ... the data has to be unloaded to some media and manually carried to the other site several miles away.

But thanks for the suggwetion ...

Member Avatar for Rik_

Does it perhaps have a cd burner in it? If not, there are USB versions available.

Member Avatar for MosaicFuneral

Is it a basic IDE 3-1/2"? If it is then you could just go to a computer store or recycling center and you might find possibly free ones laying around.

Member Avatar for AndyOne

I'm pretty sure Windows 95 was available with USB support, the problem would be finding the drivers from the manufacturer of the flash drive, and that's true even with Windows 98 SE...I agree with MosaicFuneral. Find a computer repair place in the yellow pages and see if you can buy a used one.

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