RegDBCreateKeyEX failed when installing wireless adapter

mflynn - thanks for your reply. I did everything you suggested and still got the dreaded RegDBCreateKeyEX failed message when trying to install either from the cd or the manufacturer's website using the most recent software.

I have managed to install the adapter by first saving an early version of the installation software and the most recent version.

If I use the early version setup.exe, I am able to get to the point of being asked to connect the adapter to a usb port (I get the RegDBCreateKeyEX failed message prior to this when using the setup.exe in the most recent version). Then the New Hardware Wizard searches and finds the driver required which is part of the newer version software (I tried to install without having first saved the newer version software onto my computer and got a message stating that the required driver was missing).

Having done this, the adapter is functional. However I was only able to connect using the XP wizard. The manufacturer's connection utility seems to be either in a continuous scan which connects and disconnects within a few seconds or doesn't run at all.

If I right click the connection icon once connected and attempt to disable, the system dies and I can only reboot in "last known settings that worked" mode. If I simply shut down in the conventional way everything seems to be fine.

Thanks for your help Bill and mflynn. If you think there might be anything I could do to improve what seems to be a very haphazard situation I would welcome anymore advice.

Thanks again.

 

Hmmm

Perhaps Bill has some suggestions.

It almost seems the new install cd setup has a bug.

But if you want to continue do the following.

First run windows update it may find a better driver for you.

If not then go to the manufacturers site and see if they have an updated installer and or driver. If so download those and try them.

Mike

 

Use the Windows Wireless configuration service built into XP.

It is an excellent product. It is native and free. And apparently already working on your machine. You lose nothing by not using the manufacturer's utility. In my opinion you gain a lot, as most are so badly written they can make you want to cry.

But update the native utility. You will be pleasantly surprised by the updated features:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917021

 

Yeah Bill

10-4 to that.

Mike

 

Bill - I updated as you suggested and couldn't connect to the network. The network was detected, I entered the security info but connection didn't happen. Maybe a timeout?

I've done a system restore and connected first time using the native utility. I think I'll just leave it at that for now.

Many thanks once again, your help has been very much appreciated.