Huge problems trying to install wireless adapter

Question

I am at a loss for what the problem could be. I have a Dell Inspiron 530 bought in 08 and running XP. Previously had a Belkin wireless-g adapter installed. Decided to upgrade to N so bought a d-link router and adapter. The router installed fine on my main computer but cannot get the adapter to install on the other desktop. Adapter will, however, install on the main computer, so even though device manager claims usb ports are all working fine and there are no updated drivers, d-link tech support thinks that either usb ports are not 2.0 (which I'm pretty sure they are- 2 of them say "usb2 enhanced, which means 2.0, right?) or that something is wrong with them.

So I went and got a USB 2.0 5-port PCI card, installed it, ran the set-up cd for the adapter again, and nothing. When I plug the adapter in, the new hardware wizard recognizes it, and then pops up with a message saying the device could not be installed and that a connected device may be faulty. Even trying to plug it in when told to gives me a low 3 ding warning, instead of the usual 2 dings it gives you when you plug something in.

Any ideas or advice??? I am about ready to toss the whole thing out the window.

Mary G · Answer

Try putting the old G adapter back in and use that. The N router is backwards compatible with G and doesn't need to be the same brand, although sometimes it's easier setup. It will probably work better than the N. If you can, connect the Ins 530 to the router with an ethernet cable to use during the setup so the router recognizes the computer. Make sure the passwords and security and workgroup names are correct. Win XP workgroup name is different from Vista. XP uses MSHOME, while vista uses WORKGROUP. Name both the same name you recognize. Finally reset the whole network after setup. You know the drill--reconnect modem first, then router, then turn on computers. Internal netcards are better than usb, IMO.

If the Inspiron is close to the router or you can move it closer, use the ethernet cable instead and you won't need to worry about the wireless.

sgusty · Answer

The Belkin is broken, which is why I decided it would be a good time to upgrade. :emotion-2: Plus, now that the D-link is opened, it's non-refundable and can only be exchanged for the same product. I don't really want to be out the $70 it cost. The computers aren't close enough to use a wired connection.

In device manager, viewing connections by device, it shows the D-link under the standard enhanced PCI to USB Host controller, but it has the little yellow exclamation point over it and says it's not working properly. When I try to search for an updated driver manually and direct it to the updated driver file, the Hardware Update Wizard pops up with: Cannot install this hardware. There was a problem installing this hardware: (lists dwa-160). An error occured during the installation of the device. A device attached to the system is not functioning.

PudgyOne · Answer

sgusty,

Here is information about wireless N routers.

Wireless N routers work on the 5.8gh band.

Wireless b,g work on the 2.4gh band.

If your wireless N router is dual band, then you have to set it up twice, once for the b, g Networ and once for the N network. I fht ewireless N router is ONLY N band, then the computer(s) connecting to it MUST have a wireless N card in them.

If purchaseing wireless N router and wireless cards/USB Adapters, try to purchase the same name brand.

Rick

PudgyOne · Answer

sgusty,   In addition, what is the make and model of your computer and operating system?     Rick

sgusty · Answer

It's a Dell Inspiron 530, running on XP home SP3.

Both the router and adapter are D-link and both are N. I know how to set up and configure the network when I get that far, but the problem is that the wireless adapter will not install. All usb drivers are up to date and device manager says they are working. I just am not able to install the adapter. In my original post I stated the steps I have so far taken and the error messages received.

PudgyOne · Answer

sgusty,

Things you can try.

Go to Drivers & Downloads, enter your service tag number and download and reinstall the chipset drivers.

The item with the yellow exclaimination mark, right click on it and uninstall it, then restart your computer. After you log in, the new hardware wizard should find the device. You need to install the drivers before connecting the wireless adapter or windows will install generic drivers and I feel this might be the problem.

Rick

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Huge problems trying to install wireless adapter

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