I've already tried 3 manufacturers' wireless network cards, Linksys, Netgear & Microsoft. All of them I couldn't install in my Compaq Laptop Presario 910. When I plugged my wireless card into the slot, it recognized the card, however, when I checked the device manager, the windows xp home recognized it in "Other Device", not in "Network Adapter". And it popped up the "Found new hardware wizard", so I followed their instruction, used the card's CD to install the driver. I even tried to use their latest driver software from the net. All didn't work, it kept saying "Cannot install this hardware - can't find the necessary software". I've tried both of the options on Found New Hardware wizard(automatically & specific a location of the software) and still not working. I called Microsoft support, they said that it's not the network card problem, it's either the OS or hardware problem. Then I tried to reinstall my Presario 910 using the Quick Restore disks that came with my Presario 910, still have the same problem!! Then I install the Win XP profession in my Presario 910, still have the same problem!!! I called Compaq Support Center, the rep said that everything works fine, not willing to help me. I need help from someone, so please HELP me!!! I'm thinking of there might be the hardware conflict problem.

When you boot, go into the bios. Check the devices, is the card listed? If not, talk to the mfg of the card. There may be a work-a-round for this type of error (bios flash?, change irq's of other devices before installing card? etc). If it is listed in the bios, it is probably a windows xp compatibility issue or an IRQ conflict. IRQ's can be changed, not sure what to do about xp compatibility. Good Luck.

hi Some vendors of wireless netcard say to install first drivers, and after that to shut down, insert card and turn on computer. Some drivers are not certify so you have to continue anyway to install drivers. In your case, I sugest to go to safe mode start->setings->controll panel->system (or right click My computer, choose properties) choose,hardware,device manager expand network adapters. delete every network adepter there. restart Install drivers of wireles net card. most of case is a setup.exe in root of CD or at DRIVER path. (make sure that if your adapter is cardbus yor computer must have cardbus pcmcia adapter, that you can check at device manager, expand PCMCIA adapters, you will read cardbus adapter. If you have cardbus adapter you can use every PCMCIA adapter if not do not buy cardbus adapter) Shut down. Insert card. Turn ON. IF windows ask you, select continue anyway. This will not be askt for microsoft adapter.

I finally made it work. It was the IRQ conflict problem. First, I've disabled all the devices listed under the Network Adapter in the Device Manager, then turn off my computer, put my card in, then reboot, let the Win XP reassign another IRQ #, which is 7, no other device using this #. Now it works, it found the card and I can install the driver. I'm so happy about it. It has been troubling me for almost 2 weeks. Anyways, thanks a lot for all your help. I really appreciate it. Teren