New Hardware Device Wizard will not recongize folder with Drivers

I have a Dell Dimension 8100 with XP home edition, upgraded from Windows ME(gag). I am trying to install a D-link wireless USB adapter, DWL-G120. The computer will reconize the new hardware, but the driver install wizard will not accept the folder with the drivers. I have installed this same adapter on a Dell 2400 desktop with no problems.

D-Link support says the problem is with the operating system and I need to contact Dell. Dell support tells me the problem can be corrected for a meager one-time fee of $99 or a 3 year support plan for $249, both of which I cannot afford.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

What's the exact name of the folder in question, and does it have any subfolders?

 

Folder is: DWL-G120_driver_112.

There are no sub-folders

 

Are the underscores meant to represent spaces? Either way, might try renaming the folder removing them-- underscores or spaces-- and see if the wizard likes that better. Take out the dash, too. If it's on a CD, copy the folder to your hard drive, and point the wizard there.

 

Thanks,

I will try as soon as I can get access to the computer.

 

This folder wouldn't already be on your hard drive, would it?

 

I put it on the hard drive as well. The wizard will not recognize it in either location. What I find wierd is that I had no problems installing this adapter on another computer. This is an older computer I replaced 3 years ago. Is it possible that I need to download all the window updates I missed? I was just trying to get my kids additional internet access with the older computer.

 

I had a thought that the "folder" might be a zip file, which shows up in Windows with an icon that looks like a folder, but with a zipper on the left side of the icon. If you have things set to "hide extensions for known filetypes", it could be easy to overlook.

 

This may be a dumb question, but does the Dell 2400 have Windows XP or Windows 2000 on it, or is it using Windows ME as well?

A better question, was the USB adaptor installed on Windows ME before the upgrade?

Even if the answer is no, I think it would be a good idea to uninstall "ghosted" USB devices and/or wireless cards: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315539/en-us

Also, after checking for ghosted devices, right-click and uninstall the banged out adaptor, unplug it, replug it, let it re-detect, and point it back to the folder.

Last, dumb thing, right-click on the folder, go to properties, make sure it is not marked "read only".

Hope this helps!

 

Drop and drag that folder into program files then it will find it. ed