Wi-Fi adapter for XP

[justacruzr2]

Anybody else have the problem of installing a usb wi-fi adapter in XP?  After the install, with the RealTek software, the BIOS screen locks up on boot and restart.  I have to remove it from the usb port to get past that.  And when windows starts up there is about a 2 minute delay before Windows is functional.  I'm running XP SP3.  Have tried letting Windows install it without the RealTek software and it does install it but something is missing as I cannot connect to the server.  Have tried 3 different usb wi-fi adapters but the results are the same.  Anyone know what's going on?  

[NotHereToPlayGames]

I've never had any issues.

I have four usb wi-fi adapters from my XP days and all four worked first time, no issues whatsoever.

Although I **NEVER** install "software", I install **DRIVERS ONLY** and no bundled "software".

Not sure what you are calling "RealTek SOFTWARE", but you don't need SOFTWARE for an OS to load a DRIVER.

[Ben Markson]

I have a Phillips SNB5600 Wireless USB Adapter. It's nothing special. I don't think I have ever 'installed' it as such.

When I plug it in it appears in Network Connections with Status: Not Connected.

Before I can do anything useful I have to start the Wireless Zero Configuration service.

 NET START WZCSVC

Now when I right-click the Wireless Network Connection entry in Network Connections... View Available Wireless Networks. I see a list of any nearby wireless networks.

What happens next depends on what you're trying to do.

Ben.
 

[justacruzr2]

@N

It's the RealTek installation disc that comes with the adapter.

@B

Maybe that's it.  Using Windows to install the driver get's me the "Available Wireless Networks" screen but when I click on my network and click the connect button nothing happens, it doesn't connect.  But I did notice the button on the bottom of that window for Wireless Zero Configuration but didn't know what that meant so I didn't click it.  Is that what I'm supposed to do? .  When I use the RealTek install disc everything works but I get that long lag before Windows is fully functional.  Maybe I just have to live with that?

 

[Ben Markson]

Instead of View Wireless Networks... Connect, you can use the Add button under the list of Preferred networks on the Wireless Networks Connection Properties. That route gives you a lot more options to play with.

Also, while the link is working (using your RealTek install disc) you should be able to view and make a note of the connection properties which you may then be able to apply manually.

Ben.