Wireless usb problems

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girlie1998

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Hello,
New computer with 64 bit windows 7. I have tried 4 different wireless USB adapters and none have worked. After installing the drivers, the computer can not find the adapter. Then the wizard exits. I have verified that I have the latest drivers. I have called tech support at Asus, netgear, Best Buy and Belkin - they give up. I have even had a tech person come out - no luck. I have tried various USB ports and even tested the ports with other hardware - they are fine. I am now considering going to a pci card, but worry about range and not being able to move it around to pick up the best signal. I would rather stick with the USB adapter - Any advice?
 
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don't worry about range, they should all work about the same, is the wireless adapter seen in your device manager, are you sure you have the latest 64bit drivers, also try disableing your firewall or any antivirus software you have just to test

number13

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don't worry about range, they should all work about the same, is the wireless adapter seen in your device manager, are you sure you have the latest 64bit drivers, also try disableing your firewall or any antivirus software you have just to test
 
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girlie1998

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Thanks - yes, I've done all you have suggested. I went to a specialty tech store today and they indicated the problem is due to the 64 bit vs. 32 bit and how few devices can handle 64 bit. They have ordered a cisco/linksys usb device which specs indicate it will work with 64 bit windows 7. I installed my wireless on my old computer with no problems and can't believe I have had so many problems with this install. Despite hating to part with more money than I have to - this install has been so difficult that I have them coming out to do it. They have seen the problem before and also indicate that there is something in Windows 7 blocking it (but I turned off windows 7 firewall on a previous install and it did not help) - so I hope I am not spending $ that I don't have to and that they can actually get this to work.

By the way, the BIOS are current -

Thanks for your time and answer.

L
 

girlie1998

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forgot to mention - no the device does not show up in the device manager. The computer can not find it at all. The drivers download goes fine (and I verified that they were the most current and for window 7 - 64 bit. - then it starts looking for the device and can't find it. I did try everything you suggested.

Thanks again
L
 

windows7guy

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Hello girlie1998,
Have you checked compatibility?
Just an FYI for you.
It is always best to check with the software manufacturer FIRST. They will tell you if they have tested the product and the version, as well as whether or not it will work with Windows 7.
Check out the Windows 7 Compatibility site: (There you will find out about hardware and software compatibilty.)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/en-us/default.aspx
There is a pulldown from which you can choose "hardware" and "software".
There are also some great articles, instructional videos and such to help with your Windows 7 at our Springboard site:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx
In any event a lot of the times, Vista drivers will work in lieu of Windows 7 drivers, however, it's not 100%!
As stated previously, it's best to have the Windows 7 certified drivers installed.
Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 Support Forum located here http://tinyurl.com/9fhdl5 . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams. You may want to check the threads available there for additional assitance and support.
Thanks again,
John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support
 

girlie1998

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Yes, I checked compatibility - I worked with tech support from the usb manufacturers, asus and reviewed the forums. I also called Linksys (the next brand to try) and got info from them as to which of their models support windows 7 64 bit. I have found that even though the box says window's 7 compatible 64 bit that is not always the case. I have even gone to the manufacturer website to review drivers and download directly from there. I have hired a new tech guy (first one could not solve the problem and he owns a pc repair company), says they know how to fix the problem that there is something in windows that is causing my difficulties. I even tried turing off all virus software and windows security. No luck. Thanks for your response. When this is resolved, I will post the solution.
 

girlie1998

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The solution - REMOVAL of virus protection. Just turning it off, did not do the job. 2 hours of tech time at my home and it was finally figured out. I would never have thought that I would have to REMOVE the virus protection program! This was very frustrating and costly. The "free" virus protection Best Buy provided with the sale of computers ended up costing me several hundred. While the intent was good on their part, their ability to assist or advise on this problem was less than stellar.
 
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