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Home / How to Install Wifi Adapter in Windows Xp

How to Install Wifi Adapter in Windows Xp

#1

Dmoney7195


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Posted 03 April 2019 - 06:51 PM

IBM thinkpad r51 1830

I got the computer used, had a non-genuine copy of windows 7 on it
I reformatted HDD and installed a copy of windows xp pro sp3
Everything worked on the windows 7 as far as wireless connectivity It had the icon at bottom for wireless networks when you clicked on it it would show all the networks in my area including my own
After the install of XP however it no longer shows wireless connection at bottom toolbar and when going through normal setup and menus it cannot discover network adapter
Reading allot online and nothing is working for me

Damn the paranoia of buying a used laptop!

I know the adapter has to be compatible with windows XP as the computer is designed for windows xp and he wireless adapter in not a accessible or removable type wireless (I believe its attached internally to the motherboard)

Please help!

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#2 JohnC_21

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Posted 03 April 2019 - 06:57 PM

Open Device Manager. There should be a network adapter with a yellow exclamation mark. Right click the device and select Properties. Under the Details tab select Hardware IDs in the dropdown box. Copy and Paste the first line into your next post.

Edit: I found this page for the Thinkpad R51 XP WIFI driver.

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/downloads/migr-67214

Edit: I would strongly advise you do not do any banking or internet purchases on the computer. XP is no longer supported with security updates and there are many security holes that have not been patched. If you only plan on doing email, browsing, consider installing a current linux distro. It would depend on the amount of RAM you have.

Edited by JohnC_21, 03 April 2019 - 07:04 PM.

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#3 MadmanRB

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Posted 03 April 2019 - 07:15 PM

Yeah I hope you didnt pay much for this thing,  small ram and Pentium M.... ounch

Whever you got it from ripped you off if this was anything over $20 because outside of vintage name and branding thats not a kind of machine to have in 2019.

Edited by MadmanRB, 03 April 2019 - 07:16 PM.

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#4 Dmoney7195

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Posted 03 April 2019 - 09:59 PM

The adapter does not show up with the yellow exclamation point only adapter shown is not the network adapter.

And I actually accidentally won the thing in an online auction was more just looking for something cheap I could use to do research and program my Uno r3 micro controller at this point Im wishing I just left the windows 7 on it but to me that seemed like to much of a security risk

Is XP really that susceptible to malware/spyware/etc ?

Thanks for your input!

-Dmoney7195

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#5 Dmoney7195

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Posted 03 April 2019 - 10:01 PM

Oh I forgot to note the computer although its age and capabilities only cost me $21.20 w/ 2 day shipping included so I think thats reasonable if its able to get on the internet but like I said havent been able to since the install of XP

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#6 MadmanRB

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Posted 03 April 2019 - 10:02 PM

Yeah as its unsupported.

So will windows 7 by years end.

So its kind of Windows 8. 8.1 10 Linux or bust by 2020.

Anyhow yeah $22 seems fair but its not going to matter much.

I mean you didnt have to buy the latest state of the art machine but at the same time you could have done better for another $80+

And yes i know money is an issue but computers are something to really look into.

Any machine made before 2003 is basically... junk unless you want something retro its not going to be up to the snuff of a more modern machine.

I say the oldest to invest in is say circa 2006-2008 as you have some good hardware even by modern standards.

Something with a core2duo and 4 gigs of ram is bare minimum to handle more modern OS's and tasks.

If you can score something cheap with a core2duo and 8 gigs then you have something at least capable into making a windows 10/Linux sleeper machine.

If you want a nice cheap machine try Craigslist as sometimes you can find good stuff, ebay too.

Amazon is a good option for some decently priced refurbs as well.

Edited by MadmanRB, 03 April 2019 - 10:12 PM.

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#7 johnmeehan

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Posted 04 April 2019 - 03:00 PM

Get a cheap USB wireless dongle should come with hardware to set it up.


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#8 mightywiz

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Posted 04 April 2019 - 05:04 PM

Get a cheap USB wireless dongle should come with hardware to set it up.

but make sure it supports xp.


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How to Install Wifi Adapter in Windows Xp

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/694428/windows-xp-new-install-cant-find-wireless-network-adapter/