Quantcast

Don't have an account? Register Now! Forgot password?

Related Articles
Maximum IT
SEE MORE MAXIMUM IT
Ask the Doctor

64-bit Wireless Adapters?

Posted 09/21/09 at 02:15:56 PM  by The Maximum PC Staff

comment Commentsprint Printemail EmailDeliciousDiggStumbleUponRedditFacebookSlashdot

Ask the Doctor LogoI’m building a new rig using Windows Vista. I thought I’d try the 64-bit version since all the bugs and such should be gone by now. Everything went fine until I attempted to install a wireless adapter in the PCI slot. Much to my surprise, I can’t find an adapter that’s compatible with the 64-bit version. I’ve found many sites that claim to sell 64-bit wireless adapters, but when I check the details of the specs they all say 32-bit compatible. Am I missing something or do they not exist? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

—Jeff Davison

Jeff, PCI wireless adapters have been a notorious tricky spot for adopters of 64-bit Windows. Browsing web forums will throw up a few posts from people claiming varying amounts of success using wireless cards from Belkin, Linksys, and D-link, but to say that 64-bit support by any vendor is spotty is to put it mildly.

It may be best to just buy a long Ethernet cord. Although setting them up can be a pain, especially if your PC is far from your router, wired connections are faster, more secure, and more stable than wireless. Another option is a wireless bridge, which connects to your computer via Ethernet cable and doesn’t require drivers. We still prefer wired connections over wireless bridges, which frequently get mixed reviews, but if your PC is truly inaccessible via Ethernet, a wireless bridge is probably your best bet. We’ve heard good things about Linksys’s WGA600N.

 

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION Are flames shooting out of the back of your rig? First, grab a fire extinguisher and douse the flames. Once the pyrotechnic display has fizzled, email the doctor at doctor@maximumpc.com for advice on how to solve your technological woes.

 

COMMENTS:7
TAGS: vista, 64-bit, ask the doctor
COMMENTS
avatarI find this very suprising,

Submitted by Modred189 on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 5:33pm

I find this very suprising, since any adapter that has the 'Certified for Vista' sticker has to have 64bit drivers. 

Meh. I must say, however, that the wireless adapter built into my P5B Deluxe wifi/ap has worked fine through XP32bit, Vista 32bit, Vista 64bit and now Windows 7 64bit. 

Login or register to post comments
avatarI have a Dlink wireless G

Submitted by windbane on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 2:15pm

I have a Dlink wireless G WDA-2320 PCI card and it works with no problems in Win7 64-bit build 7100.

Login or register to post comments
avatarArticle?

Submitted by soccer1105 on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 12:11pm

I think maybe MaximumPC should do some product testing on this.  Let us know what's gonna be compatible with windows 7.

Login or register to post comments
avatarDrivers

Submitted by rseding91 on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 12:09pm

An easy way to tell if a wirelss card will work with vista 64 bit is by going to the manufacturers website and seeing if they have 64 bit vista drivers available.

If they DON'T have vista 64 bit drivers you could always get XP 64 bit drivers. (they do work - although you may have to manualy install the drivers by going into device manager)

I have a webcam that the manufactuer says "is not compatible with vista 64 bit" yet i've been using the XP 64 bit drivers for over 2 years now with no problems.

Login or register to post comments
avatarI started using a USB

Submitted by mattman059 on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 11:11am

I started using a USB Adapter when i tried 64-bit..I now use 32-bit but I havent looked back on my adapter

Login or register to post comments
avatarUSB adapter?

Submitted by std error on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 10:54am

I have the Rosewill RNX-N1 it works well with Vista 64. It is however a USB adapter. Is there a reason why you won't go for something like that rather than PCI?

Login or register to post comments
avatarCheck out the Rosewill

Submitted by jabbit on Mon, 09/21/2009 - 10:44am

Check out the Rosewill RNX-N300 on Newegg. I have been using it w/ Windows 7 64 bit, and it is supposed to work well w/ Vista 64 too. Only $20 shipped.

Login or register to post comments

This Month's Issue
Maximum PC
SUBSCRIBE NOW
AND SAVE!
FEATURE How to Get FREE Programs, Services, Software & MoreFEATURE Digital Photo Printer RoundupHOW TOBuild a 3D CameraFEATUREDIY Arcade PCWHITE PAPERHow TRIM Works