programming software for USB Blaster

[Altera_Forum]

Hello, which free programming software should I download for my million years old USB Blaster ?

[Altera_Forum]

If you have a USB Blaster, you're actually sitting in a pretty good position. Other than some hardware rev's over the years, I don't think it's has change significantly. 

 Any version of the "Programming Software" from Altera's website should work for you (If you just want to program bitfiles)  If you are downloading the Quartus II web edition or Subscription addition, they basically have the programming software as part of the package.  The latest version is 11.1 SP2 on the altera site. We are getting close to 12.0 release so you may want to wait a bit.  I see a early build of 12.0 on software.altera.com now. It doesn't really say if it's Beta or just a nightly build or if this is the release canidate.. (Anyone else know of sure)  Pete

[Altera_Forum]

I actually downloaded the Quartus II subscription version (30 days trial0. 

 The primary usage for the USB Blaster is to program the FPGA with pre-complied files, so may be the Quartus I downloaded is overkill...   Anyways, this is my first time using the Altera programmer, in the Programmer window, there's a Hardware Setup, but it doesn't have any detected hardware,,,I clicked on the "Add Hardware", the only option I have is EthernetBlaster,,,am I looking at the right place ?

[Altera_Forum]

Assuming you are using the "Windows" version of Quartus, the most likely issue, is the USB driver is not linked to the USB blaster. 

 Try going into your device manager and seeing if the "Altera USB-Blaster" is listed under the "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" section.  If it has a yellow exclamation point it probably doesn't have a driver (Or if you have something in the Universal Serial Bus Controllers that that has the exclamation point).  Right click on the item. Say no to the Can Windows search for it.. Click on install from a list or specific location Browse to the location of the driver (usually something like c:\altera\11.1\quartus\drivers\usb-blaster\ x32 or x64 depending on 32bit or 64 bit version of windows)  It should now start showing up in quartus. You may need to exit and restart the programmer for it it show up.  Yes you did overkll on your installation, but it does work You can open up just the programmer by making a shortcut to the quartus_pgmw.exe in the altera\11.1\quartus\bin directory..   Pete

[Altera_Forum]

Thanks Anakha, the funny thing is the Altera USB-Blaster does show up under "Universal Serial Bus Controllers" section. 

 I am going to delete the driver and reinstall it again.

[Altera_Forum]

Ok, reinstalled the driver made it to work. Thanks Anakha.