wireless PCI card not working in Windows 7

I'm about at the end of my rope here. I've been having issues with this, for lack of a better term, piece of garbage, for the past 4 months since I got the thing.

It's a Linksys WMP54G wireless PCI card, version 4.1
I installed it in my brand new custom desktop.

I was having problems with the drivers, but I finally seemed to solve that problem and now it always detects networks. However, even when I am "connected" web sites don't load. It will occasionally display a triangle with an exclamation, stating that there is "limited access" when there is obviously none.

I am thinking of throwing this "piece of s***" out and getting an MSI PC60G (my Mobo is also an MSI brand so maybe this will be a good idea). It's not worth the headaches to continue dealing with this crap.

If it helps, I am on the third floor in the back; the router is on the first floor middle. When connected I get 2-3 bars.

Please let me know what you think could be causing this. I am running Windows 7 32 bit Professional Edition.

smurof7neves said:

and now it always detects networks. However, even when I am "connected" web sites don't load. It will occasionally display a triangle with an exclamation, stating that there is "limited access" when there is obviously none.

If it helps, I am on the third floor in the back; the router is on the first floor middle. When connected I get 2-3 bars.

Click to expand...

Is this your router or someone elses?
Is it secured?
Do you have permission to connect?

Also have you checked to see that the antenna isn't obstructed?

When you are having connection issues, try this:

Start > type CMD > Enter

In the command prompt, type "ipconfig /release" (without quotes), hit enter
Then type "ipconfig /renew" (again, without quotes), hit enter

See if you pick up a new IP address. My only guess is that the card isn't powerful enough to pick up the signal (even if it says 2-3 bars), before dropping money on a new one, see if a friend has a good one and try that one.

sygnus21 said:

Is this your router or someone elses?
Is it secured?
Do you have permission to connect?

Also have you checked to see that the antenna isn't obstructed?

Click to expand...

It's my family's and I have the password. It is secured I think using WEP. I don't have the computer on right now. So yes I have permission to connect.

My parents on the second floor don't have a problem with connection.

The antenna on the PCI card is in the back of the computer so I'm doing my best to keep it unobstructed, but the router's I'm not sure of, although I'm having no problems with my laptop and theirs work also so the router appears to be unobstructed.

also, the card DOES work sometimes, but at a slow connection speed.

Definitely sounds like you just need to get a better wireless card, sorry. If it works sometimes at a low connection, and other times it says limited connectivity, this would be the best solution.

If you ave permission and know the name of the router make sure the computer is connecting to it and nothing else. When properly connected you should be asked to provide a password/passphrase.

And there's nothing wrong with your card.

Kirsch said:

Definitely sounds like you just need to get a better wireless card, sorry. If it works sometimes at a low connection, and other times it says limited connectivity, this would be the best solution.

Click to expand...

what do you recommend?

sygnus21 said:

If you ave permission and know the name of the router make sure the computer is connecting to it and nothing else. When properly connected you should be asked to provide a password/passphrase.

And there's nothing wrong with your card.

Click to expand...

I do. I select the appropriate connection and enter my password (I only have to do this once or I may have saved it in the network connections dialogue) but I've been having many problems with this connection. Am I too far away or is it just a crappy card? I have been doing everything expected of me to get this card to work, so it's not a user issue.

Before dumping your card, buying a new one, and running into the SAME problem, I suggest you look further into the issue. It could very well be a range issue, which could either be the signal from the router, or the card's antenna.

Don't be so quick to blame the card! It may turn out that you need a range extender.

BTW I have a linksys WMP54GS V1.1 card and have no issue. The computer using it is in the next room adjacent to this one. I'd say about 30 feet away.

Kirsch said:

Definitely sounds like you just need to get a better wireless card, sorry. If it works sometimes at a low connection, and other times it says limited connectivity, this would be the best solution.

Click to expand...

I am going to try a new card. Maybe if the antenna is not behind the computer, I will get a better signal. Because my laptop's fine when I take it upstairs.

Update: The new card works (probably because of the movable antenna) but only gets 3 bars regularly (Again, the router is 2 floors down, so I don't expect more). I put the old card in my brother's SFF PC and it works fine. So I guess I killed 2 birds with 1 stone there.

Again, you might want to look into a range extender, or a router that has a greater wireless range. 802.11n - What Is 802.11n?

If I ever get the time and/or money (I am really low right now) I will look into it. No more accessories for me unless I REALLY need them.

Good luck.

Peace