Summary. Windows 7 is capable of recognizing many computer devices such as sound cards, video cards, and network cards. For drivers that aren’t recognized on the first-time installation, usually Windows 7 is able to find updates for those drivers. However, if your network card isn’t recognized, then it makes it difficult to download the drivers. This page offers a method for getting around this limitation.
Directions. Follow these steps to setup just about any computer with Windows 7.
- You will need Internet access and a router with Wireless capability before continuing.
- Upgrade to Windows 7 or preferably, backup all of your important files and start fresh with an installation of Windows 7.
- Purchase a Linksys WUSB54GC wireless adapter and download the driver and expand this compressed file (called x86.zip) onto the desktop.
- Install the USB wireless adapter.
- To ensure the drivers are installed, go to Start, right click on Computer, choose Preferences, then click the Device Manger link in the right column. From Device Manager, find the 802.11 g WLAN device with an exclamation point next to it. Rigth click and choose Update Driver Software, then choose Browse my computer for driver software. Then Browse for the downloaded software folder on your desktop (from step #2 above) called x86. Click Ok and then Next. The drivers will be installed for the Compact Wireless-G USB Network Adapter and you will then have wireless Internet access.
- Connect to the Internet using your Wireless network and then perform a Windows Update. Many of the drivers you need for devices will be automatically identified, downloaded, and installed.