[KD88]

I am having problems with my computer receiving data from my phone and camera. Whenever I connect either of these the installation wizard tells me "an error occurred during installation of the device. The data is invalid" . I have also just bought a USB card reader to try and get round this problem and the same thing has happened.
The computer is an old (10 years) Mesh and I guess an upgrade would be the answer but I am simply not in a position at this moment to be able to do this.
I am still very ignorant with the technicalities of computers so if anyone is willing to help PLEASE keep it simple.

[philthomas]

I imagine in view of the age of your PC, you are probably using Windows 98.
Unfortunately W98 requires drivers for various USB Devices, whereas XP and Vista do not.

If you are buying modern Card Readers and phones, these will probably not come with W98 drivers, which is probably why you are hitting problems.

You could look at the manufacturer's website for drivers, but it's quite possible if they are new devices, they were not written and wont exist.

Are you able to use any USB devices on the PC ?

[KD88]

Sorry I should have mentioned that I upgraded to XP some time ago.

[philthomas]

Are you able to use any USB devices on the PC ?

[KD88]

Yes I use a network broadband adapter a printer and a scanner. This all started when my paid for AVG security software expired but entries remained in the device manager list. ( i now use F Secure) which affected my internet connection. I did a system restore, downloaded Revo Unistaller and did a thorough clean up of any AVG. This worked and I was able to use the network adapter again but the phone and camera will not connect. the computer recognises and names them but will not install.

[philthomas]

The other thing to consider here is USB1 and USB2.
It's very likely that your 10 year old PC will only support USB1.
Many new devices may require USB2. ALthough some devices will work on USB1, not all will and this may be your issue.

Unfortunately this is a hardware issue and you cannot convert a USB1 Controller to a USB2 Controller. You could add a USB2 PCI Card, which may resolve things, but on a 10 year old PC, do you really want to throw any more money at it ?