Device Manager: Unknown... hardware

[Fuelm@n]

This if first a hardware issue than a wireless networking one or maybe they're both.

I have 2 computers networked, was using an ethernet cable but finally decided to go wireless (got tired of tripping over the cable ).

Couple days ago I installed a Lnksys USB Wireless Adapter, all went well, got it configured and everything worked as should. The next day when I start the PC the Wireless Adapter wouldn't pick up the router unless I first disconnect the USB cable from the Adapter and plugged it back in, then it worked again.

I tried to correct this from it happening again, but couldn't and now I'm at the place where I can't even go back to using the ethernet cable 'cause Device Manager doesn't recognize the hardware. It lists the Ethernet adapter as Unknown in Device Manager, it was also listing the Lnksys USB Wireless Adapter as unknown even though I had the correct drivers installed. It didn't help un-installing and reinstalling the drivers or installing the latest drivers that I downloaded. I ended up returning the Lnksys USB Adapter and bought a Wireless PCI Adapter card, but Device Manager lists it as Unknown also even though it gives the correct name of the card I'm using...

Since the computer is not recognizing the hardware, Windows Wireless LAN Utility won't come up to configure the connection. How can I get the hardware to be recognized under Device Manager as it should be? How do I correct this hardware issue under Windows XP Pro SP2?

I thank you for any help or suggestions given.

[ski]

Start in Safe mode, uninstall all networking software/drivers, remove all network adapters from Device Manager, shut down, install only the PCI wireless adapter card, restart, and see if the system recognizes the wireless adapter card and asks for its drivers.

[Fuelm@n]

Ok I will try the Safe Mode option, and post back.

Just a note:
I did unistall the ethernet driver, shut down went into BIOS and disable it under the BIOS setting. I also already uninstalled the Lnksys drivers and software.

[Fuelm@n]

Since the Safe Mode option also didn't help I tried System Restore. Now the Wireless PCI Adapter card is working correctly and I'm online. I'll post back if I have any farther problems after restarting the system again to see if the computer still recognizes the driver. Thanks for your suggestion...

[ski]

You're welcome.
Glad to hear that you got it fixed, and thanks for posting back.

[Fuelm@n]

I found the true cause of my problems, I didn't do anything wrong it was Adaware SE that brought on this problem.

There have been several incidents of users losing their Internet connections after updating to ref:SE1R30 08.03.2005

Apparently there is a problem in the defs which identifies something it shouldn't resulting in broken connection. Please see this thread from the Official Lavasoft forums:
http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index...howtopic=60484

It is cautiously recommended that everyone check all findings with Adaware before quarantining\deleting.Time Stamp: March 13th 2005 9:05:41am PST

Just wanted to share the info...

[ski]

Thanks for the heads up.