Wireless Network Adapter and Windows 7

I have tried to install 3 different wireless network adapters on my Dell Inspiron desk top which is running Windows 7, 2 Linksys and 1 Netgear. All installations failed because the adapter could not be detected. With the second Linkysys, the AE2500, I tried an installation on an older lap top running XP Pro. No problem. The adapter installed in seconds. I am running Avast, a Zone Alarm firewall, and Super Anti Spyware on my Windows 7 machine. Does this sound like some software incompatibility? All the wireless adapters I have tried to install claim to be compatible with Win 7.

 

Figured it out- it was the Zone Alarm Firewall that was causing problems. Is there any reason not to use the MS firewall these days?

 

Hi Jess,

If your desktop is behind a good router and you're a careful surfer with a good set of layered protection, I don't see any real reason why the W7 firewall wouldn't be enough.

ZA can be pretty tricky, it does have a tendency to clash with other programs and Windows functions.