Hey I need some PC help. Wifi Adapter woes.

[Gingerbread Demon]

I just purchased a Netgear N300 USB wifi adapter and it was working fine for about 2 hours but now won't connect to my modem/router.

I tried logging in manually, automatically, even tried using WPS login. Nada, zip, no joy.

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Is the adapter showing up in the device manager? Wondering if you have a dodgy USB port.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Is the adapter showing up in the device manager? Wondering if you have a dodgy USB port.

USB ports are all fine. I just did testing with other hardware. It's this wifi adapter. All the lights on top light up for a few minutes then they all go out. I'm using the USB ports right now for backup drives with no problems.

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

I would ask for a replacement or a refund if consumer laws in Australia cover return or replacement of faulty goods similar to the UK. I've used several TP-Link USB wifi adapters myself and have never had any issues.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

I would ask for a replacement or a refund if consumer laws in Australia cover return or replacement of faulty goods similar to the UK. I've used several TP-Link USB wifi adapters myself and have never had any issues.

I have the most unfortunate luck when it comes to tech puchases.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I would suggest reinstalling the drivers (and making sure they are up-to-date) but it's possible the thing just blew out. Sometimes you get a dud.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

I would suggest reinstalling the drivers (and making sure they are up-to-date) but it's possible the thing just blew out. Sometimes you get a dud.

First thing I did. I'm completely baffled by this. Netgear is a good brand but yeah I think I drew a dud. How can a device die just like that? As it is it's not even partially functional. The only thing working is that you can see it in Device Manager.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

I thought I would post an update to this.

I managed to get a store exchange on my wifi adapter. But the odd thing is the previous one did work in the store. So I'm at a loss as to why it refused to work as advertised at home.

The replacement one is working fine on the PC but still I can't connect to my phone to use it's wifi and 4g data speeds. The original adapter did find the phone but after 20 minutes that crapped out and it wouldn't connect again regardless.

So I'm not fussed about not being able to use the 4G data speeds but hey that's life "shrug"

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Perhaps there are sources of interference nearby such as similar devices, badly shielded ignition systems, microwave ovens...

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Perhaps there are sources of interference nearby such as similar devices, badly shielded ignition systems, microwave ovens...

Yeah I'm at a total loss. It's working fine with the Belkin modem / router and I am using that now without the ethernet cable with no issue. Just it is annoying that it won't see the phone at all when I turn on wifi sharing via the phone. But it's no loss. I really can't be bothered to sit down with this for more time and see why it's not doing what it's supposed to be doing.

Oooh fun and games on Wednesday when I get my new motherboard. I anticipate fun times getting that working. Will be doing an in place swap so won't be reformatting but I will remove all my old motherboard drivers so there are no conflicts.

Hey one thing. Howcome when I plug in the ethernet that takes over, and when I unplug it the wireless takes over? Shouldn't it not change if I am using the wifi?

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

I assume the OS assumes that Ethernet is faster than wifi and therefore preferable if available. You could disable the Ethernet port altogether.

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

I assume the OS assumes that Ethernet is faster than wifi and therefore preferable if available. You could disable the Ethernet port altogether.

OK why didn't I think of that cool thanks

 

[MadMan1701A]

Or, you can priority of your network adapters. Just set the Wireless adapter higher than your Ethernet adapter.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2526067

I had a USB 802.11ac adapter that I was trying out, just die on my last night. In the middle of copying files, even.

-Ricky

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Or, you can priority of your network adapters. Just set the Wireless adapter higher than your Ethernet adapter.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2526067

I had a USB 802.11ac adapter that I was trying out, just die on my last night. In the middle of copying files, even.

-Ricky

I just did that but it keeps forgetting the change.

How can these things die just like that?

Today it's struggling to stay online more then a minute or two.

 

[MadMan1701A]

Hmm, weird.

A lot of times on those cheap USB adapters like mine, they cheap out on the USB power regulator. I've lost a lot of Flash Drives that way.

I'm amazed any of this stuff works, anyway.

-Ricky