Linksys Wireless and Windows Vista

Factual Questions
1

Recently I bought a new computer (it is super zappy fast and cool :slight_smile: )

Has windows vista home preloaded, with a Realtek wireless G wifi.

I also have a Linksys Wireless B router that I was using with a USB connector to link the computer to the router.

Vista does not recognise the dohicky that plugs into the computer, no driver for from Linksys for Vista.

The onboard Wireless G will connect but at only “two bars” of signal strength…when the router is only about 3 metres away :mad:

Anybody got a solution

2

I had a Linksys Wireless G router, and it was a total piece of crap. I spent a couple of years dealing with the same issues, to little avail - then found they were “known issues” with no solution, so regrettably my only advice to you as a fellow Linksys sufferer is to throw it away and replace it with something better. (Not with what I got, however, which is a Belkin N+ that looked promising but appears to have a heap of new, and even more perplexing issues.) Hopefully someone will have a better suggestion…

3

Actually mine’s been pretty good - it’s been in service for around four years with nary a problem (if you discount the WEP issues, that could as much have been computer related as router related)…but thanks for the hint.

If I can’t get a stronger signal I will probably go back to wired…

4

I have always had good results with a variety of D-Link routers, wired and wireless.
Currently using a BT Home Hub which is a rebranded Thomson-Alcatel.

Both makes rarely given much credence but I have no complaints.

Have you tried changing the channel you are using? Most here use channel 11 but some users find that 6 is better.

ETA: Try relocating it further from the phone socket - don’t know why but if it is too close there can be problems with it. A few inches is often enough but a few feet is better.

5

Two bars? Try changing the channel on your router. There are only three non-overlapping channels in wifi. If youre on 6 then try 11. If that doesnt work better then switch 1. You should be able to see channels on your router’s admin page.

6

I have had the same problem as the OP. I started off with a Linksys, and borrowed a Netgear, Buffalo and a D Link router. I then bought a Belkin Vision N. All had problems connecting when I was using Vista. In January I downloaded Windows 7 beta, and from the first moment it has always connected immediately, and the connection has remained rock solid.

Draw your own conclusions.

7

Hmmm…

It shouldn’t be a problem with the router…I have been using it for the longest time in exactly the same position. I thought it was the netgear wifi that was onboard…but somehow this didn’t seem logical - after all why give me such a weak onboard connection? Maybe it really is vista. In any case I am going to hit up the retailer about it and see if they can find a soultion for my onboard to increase the strength. My biggest annoyance is that I still can’t load my linksys thingy to Vista sigh

Thanks for the replies, they are at least informative even if I can’t solve the specific problem. I don’t want to buy a new router at this point - if it really comes down to it I will just run a cable and toss the router…