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.
 

[tekkaman]

I've had trouble with Realtek in the past. They can be a PITA. Just use those cheap TP-Links. They work fine on XP and you'll have less headaches. 

TP-Link Amazon

Edited 2 hours ago by tekkaman

[justacruzr2]

20 minutes ago, tekkaman said:

I've had trouble with Realtek in the past. They can be a PITA. Just use those cheap TP-Links. They work fine on XP and you'll have less headaches. 

TP-Link Amazon

Thanks for that info.  So there is a reason why there is such a lag before Windows is fully functional.  I'll try your suggestion.

[tekkaman]

57 minutes ago, justacruzr2 said:

Thanks for that info.  So there is a reason why there is such a lag before Windows is fully functional.  I'll try your suggestion.

There is also another thing that could cause hang ups in bios. Disable USB booting if you're not booting from USB. That could cause hang ups in some motherboards because they're checking if what you plugged is bootable.