Siemens Pc Adapter Usb A2 Driver Windows Xp Direct

Connecting legacy industrial hardware like the Siemens SIMATIC PC Adapter USB A2 (part number 6GK1571-0BA00-0AA0) to a Windows XP system can be a bit of a puzzle. While the hardware is robust, getting the drivers just right for Windows XP is key to successful communication with your S7-300 or S7-400 PLCs.

This guide covers everything you need to know about finding and installing the correct driver for your PC Adapter USB A2 on Windows XP. The Basics: System Requirements

The PC Adapter USB A2 was designed as a modern replacement for the older PC Adapter USB (6ES7972-0CB20-0XA0). It supports both MPI and PROFIBUS communication at speeds up to 12 Mbps. To run it on Windows XP, you must meet these minimums:

Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP2 or SP3 (32-bit is standard). Hardware Interface: USB 1.1, 2.0, or 3.0. siemens pc adapter usb a2 driver windows xp

Supporting Software: It typically requires an installation of SIMATIC STEP 7 , TIA Portal , or SIMATIC NET . Where to Find the Driver There are three main ways to get the driver for Windows XP:

Included Software: If you have installed SIMATIC Manager (STEP 7) V5.5 or later on your XP machine, the drivers are often pre-installed.

The Original CD: The adapter originally shipped with a "PC Adapter USB A2 - Driver Disk". Right-click My Computer → Manage → Device Manager

Official Download: You can find the PC Adapter USB A2 Driver Disk V1.0 on the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) portal. Installation Guide for Windows XP

Follow these steps to ensure the driver registers correctly in your Device Manager. Step 1: Run the Setup Need drivers of PC ADAPTER USB A2 for windows XP

Part 5: Common Windows XP-Specific Issues and Fixes

Despite following the steps, you may encounter problems. Here are the most frequent issues with the Siemens PC Adapter USB A2 driver on Windows XP: not a hub).

4. Check COM Port Assignment

• Right-click My Computer → Manage → Device Manager
• Under Ports (COM & LPT) → Siemens PC Adapter USB A2 (COMx)
• Note the COM port number (e.g., COM3)
• In STEP 7: Set PG/PC Interface → Select PC Adapter (Auto) → Configure COM port

1. Hardware and device identity

• Device class: USB-to-serial/USB communications device. Many Siemens adapters use an FTDI, Prolific, or custom USB bridge chip. The adapter presents one or more USB interfaces: control, data (CDC), or vendor-specific.
• USB descriptors: key fields are idVendor (VID), idProduct (PID), device class/subclass/protocol, interface descriptors and product strings. On Windows XP the VID/PID combination determines which INF/driver is bound.
• Typical behavior: enumerates as a virtual COM port (VCP) exposing TTL/RS232-level signals or proprietary signaling used by Siemens phones. Some adapters multiplex multiple endpoints (audio, data).

2.4 Disable Power Saving for USB

• Go to Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers.
• Right-click each "Root Hub" > Properties > Power Management.
• Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

Conclusion

Getting a Siemens PC Adapter USB A2 running on Windows XP isn't always "Plug and Play," but it is reliable once set up. By manually pointing the Device Manager to the right Simatic files and configuring the PG/PC Interface correctly, you can bridge the gap between modern connectivity hardware and your trusty old PLC.

Happy programming, and may your backups be recent!

Did this guide save your shift? Let us know in the comments below if you encountered any specific error codes during your installation.

Here are the details for the Siemens PC Adapter USB A2 driver for Windows XP.

Step 2: Do NOT Plug It In Yet!

This is the most common mistake. Do not plug the USB cable into the PC until you have installed the driver software. Windows XP will try to assign a generic driver, and the adapter will fail to communicate.

Prerequisites:

• Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) is highly recommended.
• Administrative privileges on the PC.
• The Siemens PC Adapter USB A2 hardware.
• USB port (preferably directly on the motherboard, not a hub).