Laptop ethernet adapters - some only 32 bit

Hi all
Just be careful if you want to use X-64 version of W7 and are connected via a WIRED LAN connection.

A lot of laptops use the VIA VELOCITY gigabit ethernet adapters. These are mainly 32 bit and WON'T WORK on x-64 (including x-64 VISTA)

VIA Velocity Gigabit Ethernet Controllers - VIA Technologies, Inc.

Wireless usually works and you can use a PCI express adapter or a usb==>lan adapter in these cases.

If you have a Networking card similar to those listed in the Via velocity link then don't even THINK about trying to find 64 bit drivers for these.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

Hi all
Just be careful if you want to use X-64 version of W7 and are connected via a WIRED LAN connection.

A lot of laptops use the VIA VELOCITY gigabit ethernet adapters. These are mainly 32 bit and WON'T WORK on x-64 (including x-64 VISTA)

VIA Velocity Gigabit Ethernet Controllers - VIA Technologies, Inc.

Wireless usually works and you can use a PCI express adapter or a usb==>lan adapter in these cases.

If you have a Networking card similar to those listed in the Via velocity link then don't even THINK about trying to find 64 bit drivers for these.

Cheers
jimbo

I am getting ready to post a new thread on an 'old laptop' project. All is well except for ethernet. Finding it really difficult to match available PCMCIA cards, wired or wireless, compatible with 7 (even 32 bit with this old laptop). I would really like to find an inexpensive wired nic (I have a Xircom RealPort RBEM56G - no drivers) to use with this laptop. Even a USB =>LAN adapter would be OK (I have a SMC 2202USB/ETH - no drivers). Any suggestions on how to narrow down the search?

Robert :)

Hi there
your best bet is to use a cheap USB==>LAN connector -- they only cost around 5 USD. Source them on the Internet or such unlikely plces as STAPLES. Don't even THINK of going in to PC World -- I hate to say it but most salesmen tn those stores (assuming you can find one who actually speaks English) probably know less about computers than the students trying to earn some extra money by working off their Summer holidays (vacations) flipping burgers in a Big Mac establishment.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

your best bet is to use a cheap USB==>LAN connector -- they only cost around 5 USD. Source them on the Internet

That would be great! Thanks! How do I find one that is 7 compatible? I have a cheap SMC one, but no drivers.

Robert

Hi there
most of them just work --I've got a cheap taiwanese one and Windows 7 X-64 just found the drivers.

Try these sorts of sites to source the devices.

[ame="http://www.amazon.co.uk/USB-Ethernet-network-adapter-RJ45/dp/B000J0H6YY"]USB 10/100 Ethernet network LAN adapter to RJ45: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo[/ame]

Here's a UK one -- UK is usually a bit more expensive than other places as I'm sure UK people will testify -- but don't panic as one good thing about buying from the UK is that if you have the goods shipped to outside the EU you don't have to pay any VAT.

Cheers
jimbo.