# Linksys Wireless and Windows Vista **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 13, 2009, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linksys-wireless-and-windows-vista/492931 "2009-04-13T10:42:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2009, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linksys-wireless-and-windows-vista/492931/1 "2009-04-13T10:42:15Z")
Recently I bought a new computer (it is super zappy fast and cool 🙂 ) 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 ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2009, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linksys-wireless-and-windows-vista/492931/2 "2009-04-13T10:50:24Z")
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… ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2009, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linksys-wireless-and-windows-vista/492931/3 "2009-04-13T11:17:18Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > 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… 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… ---
**Author:** ![Myglaren](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f1d935/32.png) [@Myglaren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myglaren)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2009, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linksys-wireless-and-windows-vista/492931/4 "2009-04-13T11:23:59Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![HorseloverFat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8e8cbc/32.png) [@HorseloverFat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HorseloverFat)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2009, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linksys-wireless-and-windows-vista/492931/5 "2009-04-13T14:08:26Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![NineToTheSky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5a626/32.png) [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2009, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linksys-wireless-and-windows-vista/492931/6 "2009-04-13T14:24:32Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2009, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linksys-wireless-and-windows-vista/492931/7 "2009-04-14T03:12:29Z")
> [@NineToTheSky](#): > > 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. 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…