Netgear Smart Wizard - halp!

Stewy

Stewy

Stewy

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Searched for a thread on this, couldn't find one, but sorry anyway if this is a re-thread. Brother's new computer arrived today (yay), trying to connect it to the internet at the moment, and we're struggling. We use a netgear router and the dongle things to connect upstairs.

He's installed the software for the USB dongle, but, when we click on the smart-wizard application, it opens for a split-second, then automatically closes itself, and thus, our problem. I remember having the same issue on my old computer, but can't for the life of me rememeber how to solve it.

Whoever solves this issue will get a huge internet cookie (triple-chocolate) !!

Thanks, Stew.
 
Sounds like the software you've installed doesn't like something about your setup.

Perhaps it's a clash between Windows (if you are using it) own wireless drivers solutions and the one that came with the product.

Try removing existing driver, allow Windows to install it's own or source an appropriate driver from the USB wifi adapter's manufacturers website.

You may also need to run the software as an administrator.
 
A couple of other sites suggested it might be that the software and USB are different versions? Will try and download a different version from the interweb, stick it on a CD and see how that works.

Thanks for suggestions Tealc ;)
 
First of all, have the Netgear drivers installed properly? Reboot, then check in Device Manager. Is there a yellow ! or red x? Is the wireless connection labelled as "#2" or later?

Second of all, you really shouldn't use the Netgear utility which causes more problems than it fixes, but now you've started you need to keep going. What do you get if you ipconfig /all in a DOS window?

Third of all, have you been using any other sort of wireless connection before you installed the Netgear? If so, you will need to uninstall the drivers completely - which is not as obvious as it looks. You will need to set Windows so that it displays hidden (not loaded) drivers. This is different for different versions, so you'll have to Google for it. Then get Device Manager to display hidden devices. Are there any wireless drivers in grey? If so, delete them. Reboot. Check Device Manager again.

Report back.


M
 
Sorry took me a while, been playing a cheeky it of FM. It seems we've fallen at the first hurdle, under 'Devices and Printers', under 'Unspecified' there is just 'WG111T' with a yellow '!'. What do we do, re-install?

Also, if it makes any difference, we've not used any other wireless connections on it, it literally arrived this morning.
 
Tried re-installing several times, but it keeps giving me the little yellow '!'. Is there any way to do it with Windows, whilst using a netgear USB?
 
Sorry to bump again, but anyone got any more advice on this? Slightly infuriating having a new computer without the interweb :(
 
Just a suggestion, but it might help if you were to provide a wee bit more info on your setup
  • what model is the Netgear router?
  • I suspect that the "dongle thing" is a WG111T 108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter?
  • what version of Windows is your brother's new computer running?
  • do you know if your "Netgear router" has actually connected to your ISP?
  • have you tried connecting your brother's computer directly to the router (and thus to the Internet) using a Cat5 cable?
  • most importantly, have you registered your product(s) with Netgear and used the Netgear support forum?
Just a suggestion ;)
 
Hey sorry Stock, will get on this now. Been watching the disastrous cricket, shall report back shortly...
 
StewartMG said:
Sorry took me a while, been playing a cheeky it of FM. It seems we've fallen at the first hurdle, under 'Devices and Printers', under 'Unspecified' there is just 'WG111T' with a yellow '!'. What do we do, re-install?

Also, if it makes any difference, we've not used any other wireless connections on it, it literally arrived this morning.
Click to expand...



Uninstall the netgear package, and then remove the device and reboot. Reboot again, then slot in the device. Point Windows at the drivers on the CD rather than use the Netgear installer. Does this work?

I still feel you should show hidden devices: my USB-based Netgear card (WNDA3100) has a habit of actually loading a second set of drivers, which it then hides. The conflict, causing this problem. I know how to show the hidden devices in Win7, but not earlier versions.


M
 
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