Thinkpads Forum

I'm trying to avoid a story here, but yea..

Trying to install a Linksys wireless-G USB network adapter (WUSB54GV4) on a computer that previously used the same adapter. I downloaded the appropriate driver from Linksys, and ran the setup. When it says to plug the adapter in, I do so, then it says USB device malfunctioned, and doesn't have a driver. It never says that a Linksys wireless USB device is attached.

I point to the driver, and it says it can't find an appropriate driver. This is annoying.

Just to check if the device was still OK, I plug into my ThinkPad without installing the software. It immediately recognizes it, by its full product name. How does that work? Why wouldn't the PC see it the same way, running the same OS with all updates? The PC initially sees it as a new usb device, tells me everything is OK, then shows a yellow exclamation in device manager.

I've been through 3 reinstalls since I thought I screwed something up, and I'm about to just throw the adapter under/at a moving vehicle.

I tried talking to Linksys, but they tried to tell me it was my router (another Linksys product), but this clearly has nothing to do with the router!

Just a shot in the dark, but did you try another USB port? My husband's computer has two ports on the back and two on the front (for convenience I thought) but for some reason one of the ports on the front does not work, but if I switch ports it finds my device. Good luck, don't you just want to scream sometimes

I did a good bit of yelling at my computer yesterday. That was fun.

As to using different USB ports- I tried that. It has two on the back, one on the front, and each results in the same. An important thing I need to do, which could explain everything, is test the ports with a different USB device. If it doesn't work, then the problem is instantly solved.

Go in Device Manager, click on View and tick "show hidden devices".
If your'old' unit is there, uninstall/remove it. Try again.
If that does not work, uninstall all of your USB stuff.
Then reboot, and XP should reinstall it. Your adapter should now also be recognized (again).

I'll give that a whirl...but if it didn't work the first time I installed it (on three seperate fresh XP installs) why would it suddenly work then?

I know you're just trying to help, but I'm just wondering!

The computer does work with other USB devices, and they're auto-detected.

I found a forum that mentions using a different driver/program to run the Linksys adapter, I'll give that shot.

I'll tell you, I downloaded the utility driver for my Linksys wireless notebook card off of their website and it took maybe two minutes, very easy stuff

I gave up on this one. It boggles my mind why the adapter comes up immediately on three other computers as "Linksys USB Wireless adapter," but on the compaq it just doesn't know what it's doing.

I took the wireless PCI card from my desktop and put it in the compaq. I'll order myself a new one, and stop this headache in its tracks.

I wouldn't have anyway, but I'll never buy anything that says compaq on it...and definitely not any Linksys wireless adapters (though my WRT54G router has been a good experience).

Unless you found the same forum, here is some info on your adapter:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark, ... te=wusb54g

From the number of posts there about your USB adapter, there must be serious problems with it.
I'd buy another brand if you can't get it going, Netgear or D-Link or Belkin (if all else fails).