connecting vista to a router

redwarp4 · 6 Sep 2009 at 02:14

Hello all
I'm about to buy a new pc with vista 64 bit,
because I've been using xp for years, I'm just wondering how easy it is to set up the pc to connect to the router via cable.
Is it just going to be the case of pluging in the cable and go? Or am I in for some hassle?

marc2003 · 6 Sep 2009 at 02:28

routers are completely independent of your computer/OS. it's how you connect to the router that is important. i'm guessing you probably have an onboard lan connection built into your motherboard. just check the manufacturer website for vista drivers. do this now while you still have a connection. although it's highly likely vista will detect your hardware, it's best to have the latest drivers anwyay.

you can see what model you have now by looking in device manager. right click "my computer", select "manage" to find it.

Namsnik · 6 Sep 2009 at 07:43

Certainly I have found (on 3 totally different machines) that Vista does this without any hassle or drivers.
I do find however erratic (ie I don't understand what the issue is) problems playing some games across the LAN. Doubtless firewall or similar but why one Vista PC should do it without hassle but the other not is a total mystery to me!

redwarp4 · 6 Sep 2009 at 11:35

I allso for to mention that the router is a netgear DG834G and i would be using that to connect to the internet.

would there be any permissions i would have to set?

Daegan · 6 Sep 2009 at 11:41

There's nothing you have to do assuming drivers for the LAN interface are installed, it's just a matter of connecting the cable. Vista will probably prompt you to choose the network type, i.e. home, work or public, but that's it and it's all self-explanatory.

Faustus · 6 Sep 2009 at 16:44

Vista is very well behaved in this respect, well in most respects actually despite what you may have heard about Vista. Just plug it in and away you go, it will do the rest short of making you a cup of tea. If you are buying a new PC make sure you get a free upgrade to Windows 7 voucher as there is a new Windows OS in 7 weeks time.