NOTE: Promaster single slot card readers are "Mass Storage compliant". Windows 98 (second edition) and all operating systems after that, have built-in support for mass storage devices. This means that if you have Windows 98SE, ME, 200 or XP you should only have to plug the single slot reader into your USB port and it will be ready to use.

  in troubleshooting is making sure you have all updates and patches for the Windows Operating System. Many problems with card readers have come from not having all updates installed.
Installing updates may take care of you problem.
After installing all updates and patches and rebooting the system, come back here and follow
step 2 (you can also print out this page)

Please visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and update your system and then try the card reader again (plug it in) before continuing on this page.

now that you have all the latest updates and patches (you did visit the update site didn't you?)
It should just be a matter of plugging in the card reader and finding it.

To find the card reader:
   1. Plug the Card Reader into a REAR USB port.
   2. Insert a Memory card with images on it.
   3. Double click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
   4. Look for the Removable Device, it should be labeled "Removable Disk".
   5. Double Click the Removable Disk Device icon.

If you cannot find your card reader, double check that you completed the following:
   1. You updated your computer at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
   2. You restarted the computer (Click Start Button > Click Restart)
   3. You plugged the reader into a rear USB port
   4. You inserted a properly formatted memory card with images.
   5. You looked in the My Computer for a "Removable Disk"

If you have done all that, and you do not see a "removable disk" in the "My Computer" folder then you do indeed have a problem.

is a relatively new issue, it is card compatibility.

The TYPE of card is important. If you are attempting to read a SDHC card in a non SDHC compatible reader, you will have problems. If you are attepmting to read an xD "H" or "M" type card in a card reader that does not support xD "H" or "M" type you will have problems.

It seems like every day the inductry creates a new type of card with improvements, in many cases these new cards require readers that are specifically able to read them. You must make sure that the cardreader you purchased can read the type of card you purchased.

The example You need to know what kind of memory card you have and what kind of memory card your card reader will read. For a list, click HERE





is a more serious approach to troubleshooting, it is experience testing.

The following basic troubleshooting tips are based on years of customer feedback and the most common issues and solutions. More extensive troubleshooting tips are below.

Troubleshooting Tip # 1:   Location of the Card reader
One of the biggest misconceptions of card readers is the assumption that if you plug in a card reader, something will happen, or "pop up", this is not always the case.
For most systems card readers simply shows up as a removable drive in "My Computer".

98/Me/2000/XP Users, Double click the "My Computer Folder on the desktop and look for the "Removable Disk" icon.
Vista Users click the Start button and then Click "Computer" and look for the "Removable Disk" icon.


Troubleshooting Tip # 2:   You cannot find the software to use.
Card readers do not come with special software that helps you get to your pictures on the memory cards so if you are looking for the software that will get images off of the card, there is none.
You must either use "Drag and Drop", copy and paste or third party image editing software.
The only software that will ever come with a card reader would be a driver and in many cases, it isn't needed.


Troubleshooting Tip # 3:   Remove all other USB devices to avoid device conflicts.
Card readers use the USB bus system on your computer and can share device assignments in Windows. Windows can confuse and/or combine devices causing the inability to see or use a device properly. To troubleshoot a device conflict, unplug all other USB devices, restart the computer and then plug in the reader again. Check to see if the reader has shown up in the "My Computer" folder.


Troubleshooting Tip # 4:   Use a REAR USB port (port on the back of the computer near keyboad and mouse ports)
It may not make sense initially but a rear port is almost always fully powered where a front USB port or a Hub may not be, you need to make sure the card reader is on a fully powered USB port so it can function correctly, when in doubt, use a rear USB port


Troubleshooting Tip # 5:   Insert a properly formatted Memory card with images or data.
In some cases Windows will not report a card reader unless there is a valid memory card with images or other data on it in a card slot. If there is no card in the slot, put one in.
If you still receive errors or cannot see the card reader, try a second card or a card that has been recently formatted.


Troubleshooting Tip # 6:   Understand your network
Many homes now have networked computers and other devices. Networked computers and drives can cause problems for card readers as Windows assigns Networked drives the same drive letters as a card reader. This can make it impossible to use a card readser. If you have a home network, or to roubleshoot networks click here.

Troubleshooting Tip # 7:   Tight cables and connections
It is important to make sure the cables are plugged in correctly, no cable should ever be forced into a connection, check your connection by unplugging and reseating the cables.

Troubleshooting Tip # 8:   Memory card seating
It is important to make sure the memory card is properly inserted into the card reader. No memory card should ever be forced into a slot, forcing a memory card can damaged both the card and the reader..

 
If you have followed the installation steps reviewed the above tips and still cannot see a removable device in My Computer and you have 98 or 98SE you can follow the more advanced troubleshooting below
Otherwise, it is best to bring the card reader back to the Promaster dealer you purchased it from and ask them to test the reader. You can also contact us here for more help.

Please be sure to select your Operating System.

Windows 98	Windows 98SE

1. If you haven't done so, download the Setup98.bat zip File (click here) you will need to unzip this file 2. Unplug your reader from the computer. 3. Right-click on [My Computer] and select [Properties].

4. [System Properties] appears. 5. Open the [Device Manager.] tab.

1. download the Setup98.bat File (top of page) 2. Unplug your reader from the computer. 3. Go to the Device Manager (see steps below) 4. Right-click on [My Computer] and select [Properties].

5. [System Properties] appears. 6. Open the [Device Manager.] tab.