Solved Netgear 64bit drivers or all my RAM back

[Rally]

I have a Netgear WNDA3100v2 USB wireless adapter. I cannot get it to work in 64bit. I have downloaded drivers from window update, Netgear and others. I have also tried many different adapters and none work for me.

I went back to 32 bit and the dongle works beautifully but I have lost half of my 8Gb of RAM (not to mention a load of programs - backed up ok but now need re-installing).

Two questions:

• How can I get decent drivers for 64bit?
• How can I get 32bit to see all my RAM? Preferably.

Sorry this is a bit vague but I am quite upset that I have had to downgrade my OS. 64 bit driver compatibility sure seems a problem to me.

 

[LMiller7]

A 32 bit OS is limited to a maximum of 4 GB RAM of which typically about 3.25 GB will be accessible. This is a licensing restriction among others and there is no legal way around it.

64 bit drivers can be obtained here:
WNDA3100v2 Software Version 2.0.0.1

Drivers are best obtained from the hardware manufacturer. If they do not work I have no explanation.

 

[Ranger4]

It really comes down to a straight choice. You will not be able to get Windows 7 32 bit to use any more that 4Gb of RAM.
So if you want to be able to use all your 8Gb of RAM you will have to reinstall Windows in 64 bit mode.

You should be able to get 64 bit drivers to work on your Netgear adapter. I did a quick check on the web quoting your Netgear adapter & it says that it is 64 bit. Of course I don't know how old your Netgear is, so perhaps older ones were 32 bit, but as you say you have tried a 64 bit driver.

While I was typing this LMiller7 has very kindly supplied a website address for you. Follow all the directions there for installation & it should work.

Keep us posted on your decision I will be interested.

 

[TVeblen]

Agreed. Reinstall 64 bit W7. Then work on getting the wireless adapter to work.

Very important to install the driver software first, then only plug in the dongle when you are instructed to do so.

 

[Rally]

Hi. Thanks for all the advice. And particularly to LMiller7 for the link. I tried loads of drivers from the Netgear site without success. I reinstalled 64 bit and downloaded the linked drivers and all is working fine. So pleased to have 64 bit back as it is so much quicker than 32 bit .

Thanks again peeps.