Connection problems using a wireless usb adapter

Hi
I recently bought a 2nd pc from a friend at work for my son's bedroom, its an older hp machine but runs on windows xp. I bought a Tenda mini 11n wireless usb adapter to network it with my pc downstairs.I connected it up all ok using the windows wizard,but it only stays connected for a few seconds and then disconnects and reconnects all the time,when it is connected it never displays a webpage, any help would be appreciated.

 

These USB Wireless adapters work off USB2.0 minimum

Is your "old" HP running USB2 ?

You can find all information on your HP specifications HERE (using Internet Explorer) Or go HERE to type in your HP model number.
You can press CTRL + ALT + S on the HP machine to view Model number and other details

 

Thanks for reply.
When i plugged in the new wireless adapter for the first time it said that i had no high speed usb ports and it would run at a reduced speed, does this answer your question?

 

Yes

That means the USB port on the HP is USB 1.1 (the old slow type)
Did you also try the back of the HP USB? (I'm thinking yes)

You can actually purchase USB PCI Cards that plug inside your computer, allowing USB 2.0 out the back.
But even those cards need a little bit of power. ie I wouldn't want to suggest buying something that may actually hurt the old computer (if it aint broke, type of scenario.

I suppose no option for a really long Ethernet network cable to it?

 

Hi
Yep, just the same with the back ports, i did not really want to go down the road of running cables around the house but might have to do that as a last resort.thanks.

 

Oh, does it even have an Ethernet port on board?

Anyway, after coming back to this thread, I've now decided that an internal PCI USB2 Card is preferred. (I was in two minds when earlier suggesting this)
HERE'S a real cheap one that you can see what I mean. Then go to any computer shop and buy one.
They plug in, and then you turn on the computer, (loads Windows drivers) very easy

 

Thanks chap
I will give that a blast and tell you how i get on.

 

But the specs (as I listed in above link) only state USB2

 

I'm trying to connect to the wireless router downstairs which is ethernet connected to the main pc.

 

Pretty sure problem isn’t the USB.

Have an old computer here use for various things. An ultra modified supercharged e-machines T1115 running a 1.4 Ghz Celeron cpu.

Was curious – have 3 wireless USB adapters all stating for USB 2.0.
Zonet ZEW 2546
Trendnet TEW 649UB
Rosewill RNX-EasyN1

Plugged them into front USB 1.1 port and got the complaint that this device will run quicker if hooked up to USB 2.0 ………

Then they all connected and ran at same speeds as when hooked up to USB 2.0 port (add in card) in the back.

So think error might be more related to either a defective USB adapter or more likely signal problem.
Before anything else try out the adapter within a few feet of the wireless router.

Also sometimes helps if unplug then reconnect the router.
Also sometimes helps if use a static IP instead of DHCP.
Then I’d try another adapter. Isn’t unheard of to get a defective one.

BTW – all adapters I used are wireless b/g/n. Tested with ‘N’ connection.

Laughing – guess had some time to kill today.

 

ps – you didn’t say – is that older HP machine a laptop?

I have a HP pavilion laptop – has a USB port on the side. Right above an exhaust vent. (Nice going HP!! 5 stars for design team).

That’ll give problems unless move adapter to back port.

 

No not a laptop, a tower.

 

One other thing.
Just thought of it since older machine that might’ve had XP reinstalled from original disks and not updated yet.

Check that you’re using XP with SP2 or SP3.
Start-Control Panel-System-The General Tab will say which Service Pack, if any, is installed.

There was a problem, fixed in the SP2 update, with wireless connections being dropped.
It can be fixed by disabling wireless 802.1x authentication but you should have at least SP2 anyway.

If not SP2,3 – connect computer by Ethernet cable and update.