Windows 7: Q: ADSL Modem Routers and drivers?

Do ADSL Modem / Routers need special drivers installed on Windows 7?

I'm asking as I saw this in a product description "Supports operating systems, such as Windows95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista, Unix, and Mac". Is there any sub-text to that statement, e.g. "but not Windows 7"?



I would connect the router to the PCs using wired Ethernet. If I used wireless connections would any special drivers be needed?

Most routers and modems will work just fine on Windows 7. If you're just using a DSL modem, you may have to log into the modem using PPPoe in order to connect. If you're using a router you may have to use that to connect via PPPoe. Some connections differ though, for example my family's dsl connects straight through the modem like cable connections. My cable connection doesn't require any log in, just a previous cable modem mac address authentication by the server.

You're most likely going to be working with PPPoe as mentioned and if you don't use a router you'll need to log in with the computer.

Unless you are connecting via USB then you shouldn't need any drivers, and it will just use the NIC/ethernet driver for whatever NIC is installed (onboard or card).

i have the Netgear DGND3300 Modem-router. It didn't come with a software for Windows 7. It worked great without any such software. You can set up every router with login into www.routerlogin.com or whichever it says on the box. in case of a modem-router there you also enter your ISP login data.

Later I downloaded the Windows 7 installation software for that router jsut to see, but that is just a sofware with minimized settings for people who are too stupid to set up a router similar to people who use the AOL-CD to set up their internet connection, instead of using the (easier to use) Windows setup.

If your router hooks up to USB on your PC, it shouldn't be a problem since USB usually works all the time, Windows 7 likely has drivers if any are needed at all.

Thank you for the info guys - seems like it should not be a problem.

My old XP system connects to its ADSL modem over an Ethernet wire and uses PPPoA. So I reckon I can do the same with the new router (as long as I enter the same settings for my ISP).

No! Cable and DSL modems and routers are network devices. If your computer is communicating with your network (in other words, if your NIC is working fine) then that's all you need.

Now if you are not connecting to the Internet, there may be a setting blocking you, but that has nothing to do with drivers. Understand you MUST connect to your network first, BEFORE you can connect to the Internet. And your network consists of everything on your side of your "gateway" device (the modem) - even if only a network of one computer.

Sadly, many network device makers and suppliers (most notably ISPs that provide modems) will often include a "utilities" disk or setup "wizard" disk to help you connect. That would be good if that is all they did but very often they also foist all kinds of unwanted junk on your system - therefore, I NEVER, as in NEVER EVER use the supplied disk, and instead, setup networking from within Windows only.