New
#11
I originally took my Linksys WUSB600N USB network adapter off of my old XP 32bit system (where it was working fine) and installed in on my new Windows 7 64 bit computer (which was working fine with wired connections).
It didn't work - support calls revealed that Linksys will not be working with 64 bit drivers for that version of that adapter and that I should buy version 2. I did from Newegg and it didn't work, either.
{ Theory: the original version 1 attempted to install it's drivers and version 2 couldn't get past them. }
Returned that to NewEgg and purchased a Linksys WMP54G NIC adapter and installed it and finally got it working with RAlink 2500 drivers (since Linksys doesn't have any 64 bit drivers). But it couldn't see the AT&T access point.
Got a Linksys WRE54G Range Extender out of the closet and plugged it into the wall *next to* the computer. Finally got a signal but not even full bars. Dropping out constantly.
Moved the range extender to halfway between the access point and my system and got nothing. These are NOT long distances.
{ Theory: Linksys drivers are now everywhere in the system and are clogging up all Linksys installs. Corollary: Linksys drivers for wireless and 64 bit completely blow. They have lost ALL my business.}
Took the Linksys WUSB600Nv2 back to Best Buy and exchanged it for a Netgear 311 NIC adapter. Installed that and it couldn't find any networks, either. Driver that it installed came from Microsoft. System began to hang completely with hard reboot necessary.
Put it back in the box to return and decided to put a wired switch between my new system and my old system and shared the network connection on the old system (hell, I'll try anything). The wife *really* wants the cables out of sight.
While looking for a cable, I stumbled across the old 3' extended cable antenna from an old Asus wireless card. I noticed the connector was the same as on the Netgear card.
I got the Netgear out of the box, and as I was installing it, I chose a different slot on the motherboard, the one closest to the edge. Now, on my original Asus motherboard, they insisted that their wireless card go in that particular slot. Different motherboard, different nic card, but what the hell. Did that and attached the Asus antenna and voila, I have wireless networking.
If these clowns keep this up, Apple WILL take over and that guy in the commercials will be impossible to watch. He's a good actor, though - portrays a smug Apple jack*ss to 'T'.
Hope this helps someone.