Wireless Device Driver Update for Windows

[Nov 23, 2009 10:11] Windows Live student email is currently unavailable. ITC is working with Microsoft to develop a solution.

You may need to update your wireless device driver software in order to connect to, or maintain a reliable connection on, the University wireless network. Driver updates can fix compatibility problems between wireless cards and the network, as well as add new authentication and encryption capabilities to your card. You can get available driver updates for your wireless card either from the manufacturer of your computer (e.g, Dell, HP, etc.), if wireless is built into it, or from the manufacturer of your wireless card (Linksys, Netgear, etc.), if it was purchased separately.

If you are not comfortable performing device driver updates, contact a service provider to do the work for you. Device updates may change the behavior of your system.

Updating Wireless Device Drivers

Identify your wireless card manufacturer and model

Updates are specific to the manufacturer and model of your wireless card. If your card is external you can usually find the manufacturer and model printed on the front or back of the card. Alternatively (and for built-in wireless cards) you can usually get the required information via Windows:

  1. Open the Network Control Panel (Start | Control Panel | Network Connection) or (Start | Control Panel, then select Classic View, then select the Network Connections Control Panel)
  2. Right-click on the icon for your wireless network interface and choose Properties.
  3. At the top of the properties window the manufacturer and model of the wireless device are listed in the box "Connect using:"

Use Microsoft Windows Update (Windows XP)

Some manufacturer's driver updates can be obtained through the Microsoft Windows Update web site. If an update is available there it can save you a lot of effort over the manual process.

  1. Open "Windows Update" (Start | Windows Update).
  2. Click the "Custom" button.
  3. Click "Hardware, Optional" in the left hand column.
  4. Look for an update listed for your wireless card as identified in the previous section.
  5. If an update for your card is available, click the checkbox for it and then "Review and Install Updates," follow the prompts to complete the installation.
  6. If an update is NOT available proceed with the section below: Obtain and Install Update Manually.

Obtain and Install Update Manually

Manufacturers of commonly used wireless cards at the University of Virginia. Please choose the best option from the following list for your wireless card as identified in the above section:

Built-in Wireless Cards
Cisco 352 Card
Other Cisco Card
Linksys Card
Netgear Card
Other Vendor

Information for cards built-in to your system, Dell, HP, etc.

For built-in cards on a Dell laptop you can get updates from Dell. You will need your system service tag (on the DCI label or on the bottom of the laptop).

For other manufacturers, find their web site by searching with Google. Once you reach the manufacturer's site, look for links named "Downloads", "Support" or "Products". The manufacturer will usually provide instructions for downloading needed software on a model-by-model basis.

Cisco 352 Cards

An updated Windows XP driver that supports WPA Enterprise on the Cisco 352 wireless card is posted on ITC Software Central.

Other Cisco Cards

Note, Linksys cards are co-branded Cisco. If you card says Linksys see the Linksys instructions. For other Cisco wireless cards go to the Cisco Software Download page and follow the link for "Wireless Software." Note that you will need to register for tech support in order to use the link. (There is a "Register" link at the top of the software downloads page in case you have not yet registered.)

Linksys wireless card information links

Go to the Linksys download site and select your model number and operating system. A product information page will appear, offering links to instructions for downloading and installating the driver you need.

Netgear wireless card information links

Go to the Netgear downloads site and choose your product model number in the product selection menu. Available driver updates, and instructions for installing them are on the product information page.

Information for cards other than Cisco, Linksys or Netgear

Find the manufacturer's web site by searching with Google. On the manufacturer's site, look for links named "Downloads", "Support" or "Products". The manufacturer will usually provide instructions for downloading needed software on a model-by-model basis.

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