Windows 7, Not Compatible With All Routers

Hi there,

I've been unable to connect my new Windows 7, Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop to the internet using a Linksys Wireless BEFW11S4 Router (it works with a dongle and an ethernet connection). After days of research and a two hour call to Linksys, we have been told this router is not compatible with windows 7.

I have another router which I'd like to try (B.T. Netricity A60HF 4 port wireless ADSL Modem Router), however, I wonder if the compatibility issues are a problem with older routers in general, which this one is? I had a look on the Windows compatibility website, but it only lists common brands. Can anyone tell me if this particular router is compatible with windows 7?

Finally, there are three other computers (two laptops and one P.C.) already running off the Linksys router I mentioned earlier. I'm concerned that if the Netricity router isn't compatible with windows 7 either, we'll have to upgrade to a new router. If this is the case, will a new router be compatible with windows XP and Vista, the operating systems of the other computers?!

I hope I've included enough details in this, and there is someone who might be able to help!

Many thanks in advance!

Jen.

 

Thanks for the welcome, Pete! It's always a dilemma as to which forum's most suitable!

 

Sorry but I don't buy it. There is no reason why Windows 7 wouldn't be compatible with any router!

I have windows 7 and have connected to no less that 50 wireless routers.
My Work Laptop is windows 7 and connected to a linksys every day.

Maybe they are saying the linksys software isn't compatible but there is no reason to even use it.

 

If I've read your post correctly, your router is working wired and with a wireless dongle, but not from your onboard wireless?

If so, have you confirmed the wireless on the laptop is turned on?

BTW Scott is right, routers don't need drivers and there is no need to use proprierty linksys software (no matter what the user guide tells you)

 

Thanks for replying, Scott,

I ought to mention, the Linksys router we use has a speed of 2.4 GHz, 802.11b, with a data Rate of 11Mbps. Have you tried windows 7 with either this speed of router, or the model router we have?

During the telephone conversation with Linksys, they upgraded the router's firmware and removed WEP. Here is a list of routers that Linksys say are compatible with windows 7:

http://linksys.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/linksys.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=20872&p_created=1258015368&p_sid=kEg-alSj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MTE2NSwxMTY1JnBfcHJvZHM9MCZwX2NhdHM9MTcyMSwxNzIzJnBfcHY9JnBfY3Y9Mi4xNzIzJnBfc2NmXzY9MSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNvbXBhdGlibGUgd2l0aCB3aW5kb3dzIDc!&p_li=&p_topview=1

This list is not comprehensive, as Linksys also said they were testing and working on all their routers to see which ones weren't compatible (for which no time scale has been allocated). I find it interesting, though, that those on the list so far, are "G" routers, which seems to point towards the router speed being the issue here.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to reply, I'd be interested to hear your views on this.

Jen.

 

Hi Wildfire,

Many thanks for your reply,

Yes, wireless on the laptop was turned on.

I haven't done anything software-wise, I understand the router doesn't need it to run. The only update has been to the router's firmware.

As I mentioned to Scott, above, it's looking suspiciously like the problems may be to do with router speed. But then there's usually more than one thing at work when it comes to computers!

Jen.