USB Wireless Adapter (AWUS036H) Can't Connect

bamowo said:

Hi, I have an interesting issue that I'm wondering if anyone can set me straight on. To preface, I am computer literate. I am not asking for basic step by step instructions here. I installed the Alfa AWUS036H 802.11b/g wireless adapter. Initially, I used the drivers contained on the included CD for my OS (Win7 x64 Ultimate). The drivers installed correctly according to the feedback I was given. From there, I was immediately able to see the available networks through the Windows wireless function as no third party utility was installed. However, I could not connect to any of the wireless networks that I have the credentials for (2 different networks). One is an open network, and one is WEP. It could not connect to either, I verified my credentials were correct as well. At this point, I tried the adapter on another computer running WinXP (32 bit), the corresponding winxp drivers were used and I was able to see AND connect to these two networks. Therefore, I verified that the adapter is not defective. After this, I went online and downloaded the most recent drivers. Uninstalled the previously installed drivers and installed the new package two separate ways. Way 1: Installed only the drivers and tried with Windows managing the connection. Didn't work. Way 2: Uninstalled drivers and reinstalled complete package which included Realtek wireless utility. Again, able to see the networks but not able to connect to any. I am at a loss at this point as to what may be the problem. I have never installed a wireless adapter to this computer before but do not have another usb adapter to try on it to verify it's not a function of the system/OS itself. Has anyone had similar issues or could help me troubleshoot? Thanks.

Great first post.

Are you by chance using "homegroup"? sometimes (on some systems) homegroup has connectivity issues. It uses IPv6 and that gives some hardware (esp 64 bit and older hardware) fits. You can check by creating a new network connection using "workgroup".

Let us know if you need help

Ken

I will check this when I get home. I did look into disabling homegroup when I googled for a solution initially, what came back didn't help though because in the Network and Sharing Center there is no Homegroup listed. I believe, recalling from memory, that there is an option to join a Homegroup but it reported that I could not because I was not in a Home/Work location but in a Public location. I must've set this location originally but it is no longer correct as I am using the computer at Home. From this point, I couldn't figure out how to change my network location because it seemed like I had to be connected to a network to do so...

Regardless, I will try this and report back. Thanks.

bamowo said:

I will check this when I get home. I did look into disabling homegroup when I googled for a solution initially, what came back didn't help though because in the Network and Sharing Center there is no Homegroup listed. I believe, recalling from memory, that there is an option to join a Homegroup but it reported that I could not because I was not in a Home/Work location but in a Public location. I must've set this location originally but it is no longer correct as I am using the computer at Home. From this point, I couldn't figure out how to change my network location because it seemed like I had to be connected to a network to do so...

Regardless, I will try this and report back. Thanks.

You can check by typing cmd in search then ipconfig /all. If there is an IPv6 address that is the problem.

ken

Ken,

This screenshot shows what I see. I disabled IPv6 via two ways, first just unchecking it in the adapter protocols, then using the registry (Disable & Turn Off IPv6 in Windows Vista, windows 7 | Best Tutorials, Tips, Tricks For You). Neither has helped. I didn't forget to reboot either.

As you can see, I can see plenty of APs but can't connect to anything. I was convinced when looking more into IPv6 and homegroup issues that that was my issue... until I got home and tried it. Didn't work.

Also, your first comment about connecting through a "workgroup" vs. a "homegroup," can you elaborate? I can't find that.

bump.

One thing I would try is if you have an Ethernet adapter in the PC and a Ethernet Cable that can reach the router try connecting it and see if it resolves, I'm 100% sure it will. After it resolves have the wireless try again and see what happens, I'm guessing it will resolve and when you remove the Ethernet cable it will continue to work, this is known as a lazy wireless connection and can often eliminate many days of frustration, had a DELL XPS 600 that did this.

I have contacted Alfa Networks, downloaded, installed the latest driver/utility, disabled the HP Wireless assistant and but still cannot connect (but can see APS) . BTW, I am in workgroup and BIOS was updated two months ago. Thanks for any suggestions

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