How do I use a USB Thumb Drive (or Flash Drive or Jump Drive, etc.) on campus computers?
USB Thumb Drives, also known as Flash Memory Drives or JumpDrives or Keychain Drives, are a new way to transport data from one computer to the next. They are compatible with both Macintosh and Windows computers, and for the most part require no drivers. They do require some work on your part to get them to show up on our computers, especially the PCs, because our computers are networked. Instructions are below.
--Macintosh Labs--
For the Macintosh user, no special preparation is necessary; however we do request that you plug your USB Thumb Drive into the spare USB port on the Macintosh keyboard, and not to remove any of the items plugged into the USB ports of the Macintosh itself. When removing the USB Thumb Drive, remember to first drag the icon for the drive to the Trash bin, to "put away" the drive and be able to safely remove it.
--Windows Labs--
For the Windows user, the drivers are already included in the Operating System, however in the labs you will need to take an extra step to be able to use your drive. First, plug the drive into the USB port and allow Windows to recognize it. It will usually find three or four items... wait until it is finished finding and installing drivers.
Once it's finished, the drive will be installed, but you won't be able to see it. This is because Windows assigns it the drive letter F:; but the F: drive is already assigned to a network drive. So you'll need to change the drive letter of the USB Thumb Drive in order to access it.
First, double-click My Computer. Make note of the drive letters that are already taken, since you'll need to pick one that's not being used. Usually, X or Y are free drive letters, but not always. Then close that window.
Next, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
Under Computer Management , click Disk Management . In the right pane, you'll see your drives listed.
Right-click your USB Thumb Drive, which is currently assigned to the F: drive, and then click Change Drive Letter and Paths.
Click Change, click Assign the following drive letter, click the drive letter you want to assign (usually X or Y), and then click OK. Just make sure that you give it a letter that's not already in use, otherwise you'll be in the same boat you're starting in. If you aren't sure or have forgotten what's already being used, double-click My Computer again to refresh your memory.
That'll do it, you'll then be able to access your USB Thumb Drive using the newly assigned drive letter.
Also of note: on the newer Gateways that are in the Fulton Hall 140 and Fulton Hall 145 labs, the USB port at the front is too close to the edge of the computer to accept the width of most of these portable drives. To use these drives with the newer computers' USB ports, you'll need to purchase a USB extension cable. These are available at most electronics/computer stores, and the University Bookstore sells them as well. A 6 foot USB extension cable sells at the University Bookstore for about six dollars.
--Known Issues--
--Computers that are not running Windows XP Service Pack 1 may not be compatible with USB Thumb Drives/Flash Drives.
--Creative Labs Muvo Drives have been found to be consistently uncompatible with Information Technology lab computers.
--Lexar USB drives may not be compatible with Macintosh computers.
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Can I use a USB drive with campus computers?
Posted - 04/28/2008 : 13:02:24
