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General discussion

Cannot install WLAN USB Adapter in XP

Dec 17, 2003 3:58PM PST

I just had to replace my mobo & processor (from an Athlon to a P3) and simply used the same hard drives and other hardware I had. I went through the process of making Windows XP handle a new mobo, and now XP works great (pretty much).

So, I tried plugging in my LAN-Express Wireless USB adapter and everything has been downhill from there. WHen I plug it in, the taskbar lights up with the following device messages in this order:

Found: USB Device
Found: LAN-Express 802.11b USB Wireless LAN Adapter
Found: LAN-Express 802.11b USB Wireless LAN Adapter #12 (or some number)
Found: LAN-Express 802.11b USB Wireless LAN Adapter

Notice it does that last message twice. EVERY time, the driver install fails with an error message that looks something like: "An error occured while installing this device: a service or device with this name already exists." But there are NO services with this name and I checked the device manager to find no other devices with even similar names (including hidden devices).

So I disable and uninstall it and try again. I think I have tried EVERY possible combination of installing this -- I have tried both USB ports, rebooting in between, using the supplied driver CD first, using the Add New Hardware Wizard -- it always results in the same problem.

So I checked my BIOS -- USB is enabled, Plug N Play is enabled. I even flushed the PCI and PnP settings (which was in option in my BIOS, PhoenixBIOS), to no avail. I also tried uninstalled the USB Root Hub and ALL other core USB drivers, and rebooting to let Windows re-install them (thinking that maybe it still had my old mobo's USB drivers or something). No change.

I KNOW this adapter works (I actually have 2 of them that Time Warner gave me). It works on any other computer I use it on. It USED to work on this computer before I changed mobo's. I know the USB ports on this new mobo work because my mouse, SmartMedia/CF reader, and so forth all function fine in BOTH ports.

Interestingly enough, I used a friend's NetGear WLAN USB adapter. It detected and installed just fine on one port, but produced this same error on another port.

I have scoured the internet and have found NOTHING about this error message, not even on MS's site or in their so called Knowledge Base. So I am hoping someone out there has seen this error and knows a possible fix for it. I have tried repairing my Windows install and everything -- nothing. I am about to remove my WINDOWS directory and do a fresh install of XP, though I am hesitant to lose settings and have to call MS to activate XP again.

So, anyone know? Any help or guidance in the right direction would be GREATLY appreciated! I'd rather not go out and buy a PCI card just yet, because I know these things work! Much thanks.

Anthony S.

Discussion is locked

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Re:Cannot install WLAN USB Adapter in XP
Dec 17, 2003 8:18PM PST

This is likely a side effect of transfering XP/HDD to a new motherboard.

Perhaps you should look for updated drivers from the manufacturer's website.

The drivers from the CD may not be suitable.

Failing that a clean install will be the best option.

Reactivation is not a difficult task.
It is quite painless and easily accomplished.

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Its likely the transfer did it in.
Dec 17, 2003 8:27PM PST

But I must comment about: "I'd rather not go out and buy a PCI card just yet, because I know these things work!"

Over at http://www.usbman.com and other places are yells about USB working for some things like a mouse, but failing for some other USB device.

What I know is that USB can be finicky. But I agree that it's unlikely that it's faulty. Just the OS is not made for transfering to another motherboard.

Bob

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Re:Its likely the transfer did it in.
Dec 18, 2003 4:00AM PST

Thanks for the advice -- I am going to try and get the update driver's, though for Ambit products that doesn't seem to easy.

I'll probably just do a clean reinstall of XP.. shouldn't take too long! Happy

Anthony S