Convert Serial Port PLUG to USB 2.0 PLUG?

[sfseeker]

I'm new at this, so please take that into account. I have a GREAT old (like 20 yrs with little usage) fkatbead scanner, and an old joystick (15 years- never used)but they both have serial plugs on the ends- I only have USB slots available. Is this possible to change them and they'd work? Could I attempt it myself or is this a Geek Squad ($$$) kind of job?

Or should I just bite the bullet and put them on Ebay? (Please no!) And as a VERY last resort Ill give them to the electrics recyclers.

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Digerati]

"Change" USB to serial? No. But there are USB to Serial Adapters available. But I think the greater problem will be finding drivers, especially for the scanner, that will work with your OS.

[MANEMAN]

Digerati is correct, and it can quickly start to run into the three D's - Drivers, Dollars, and Disappointment.

If you have become really emotionally attached to that old flatbed you could try "Vuescan". Check to see if your scanner is supported here: http://www.hamrick.com/vuescan/vuescan.htm#supported'> http://www.hamrick.com/vuescan/vuescan.htm#supported

The main site is here: http://www.hamrick.com/ (Download the trial and experiment with it. - You never know.)

I have managed to keep my old Agfa scanner working on Windows 7 with Vuescan.

Here's an old review of Vuescan: http://www.hamrick.com/images/winxpmag.jpg

The downside ? - Come end up you could have probably bought two new scanners and a joystick for the money you will pay out on adapters and software. :(

John.

[-pops-]

Agreeing with the others comments, I'll go a step further and say that there will most likely be very few takers on eBay for such old equipment unless, of course, someone is buying nostalgia.

My suggestion is, difficult as it may be for you, to forget about your current devices and buy all new. It will be much better in the long run and you may well find that your "GREAT" scanner isn't so great after all.