Any good Wireless Routers compatible with Vista?

By DaDude
in Microsoft (Windows)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Veteran

DaDude

Posted
Posted

I had an old Linksys wireless router, but since it's an old router, I had some compatibility problems with it. So, I bought the Netgear WNR834B, which is Vista compatible according to Microsoft's site. Now, the problem is, the router keeps on freezing. I just read some reviews and other people have the same problem with this router. I tried researching for other better routers but people always some sort of complaint about them. I even read the reviews on the newer Linksys routers and there are a ton of complaints on them. I guess they don't make wireless routers like they used to. But, I know there has to be some good wireless routers out there that's compatible with Vista. Can anybody recommend me any?

Grand Master

+Nik Louch Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

This is something I never understood. A router thows out a network (and Internet) connection over either a wireless or wired connection. Where does the OS come into this, as the router should be 100% independant. Surely the OS on the receiving PC needs only know how to use an Ethernet or wireless connection?

Veteran

DaDude

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yes, but the Netgear router I bought is freezing and my connection drops. I have to reboot the router in order to get the internet to work again. I never had this problem with my old Linksys ones. But according to reviews, the newer Linksys have that freezing problem now. So my question is: does anyone know a Vista compatible wireless router that works well and doesn't hang/freeze?

Veteran

DaDude

Posted
  • Author
Posted
A vista compatible router? I think that's just marketing, really. If you're experiencing connections being dropped, it's not Vista's fault.

What is so hard to understand about my question? It isn't Vista's fault. The Netgear router is freezing! The freezing has nothing to do with Vista. The router just sucks. I am looking for a router that performs better and doesn't freeze. Any recommendations?

Veteran

DaDude

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Best router there is.. Put on DD-WRT

Linksys WRT-54GL

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16833124190

I have had mine for almost 3 years... maybe one reboot in that time?

Oh wow! That's a bit outdated, if you ask me. I was looking for something a bit faster than that.

Grand Master

Brandon

Posted
Posted
Oh wow! That's a bit outdated, if you ask me. I was looking for something a bit faster than that.

It's not outdated.

Its 802.11G.

How much faster do you actually need? If you are looking for a draft N, then your limited . Its hands-down the best 802.11G router on the market, which unless you plan on transferring gig's of data over your network, its plenty fast for the internet

Heres this 802.11n router with DD-WRT

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16833124085

Not sure on it, but DD-WRT is the best firmware to date

Rising Star

Aldur82

Posted
Posted

There is actually such a thing as a Vista compatible router. It's due to the way Microsoft re-wrote the TCP/IP stack, and the traffic scaling it does. Some older routers have problems forwarding these packets.

What I would suggest is if your router is marked as being Vista compatible, download the latest firmware for the router from the manufacturers website and update it from a non-Vista machine. If the problem persists, then you might have a hardware fault in the router. In this case, just return it and ask for a replacement and tell them the reason you want one is that it hangs and needs a power cycle to get working again.

Veteran

DaDude

Posted
  • Author
Posted
It's not outdated.

Its 802.11G.

How much faster do you actually need? If you are looking for a draft N, then your limited . Its hands-down the best 802.11G router on the market, which unless you plan on transferring gig's of data over your network, its plenty fast for the internet

I'm not denying that it's the best router. I have a similar one. I'm not sure what model it is. When I get home, I can check. But I had a similar one and it was really good, but it wasn't Vista compatible.

Grand Master

Brandon

Posted
Posted
I'm not denying that it's the best router. I have a similar one. I'm not sure what model it is. When I get home, I can check. But I had a similar one and it was really good, but it wasn't Vista compatible.

Theres no such thing as "vista compatible"

It works. I've used my laptop with vista at a friends that has first gen 802.11B equipment and it works just fine.

Its just marketing.

If you get DD-WRT on any router, it will handle the way MS changed the IP packets in Vista even faster

Veteran

DaDude

Posted
  • Author
Posted
There is actually such a thing as a Vista compatible router. It's due to the way Microsoft re-wrote the TCP/IP stack, and the traffic scaling it does. Some older routers have problems forwarding these packets.

Bingo!! That was the exact problem my older Linksys router was having. That is why I bought the Netgear, but now it's not a TCP/IP issue. This time, the router is just crashing.

Grand Master

Brandon

Posted
Posted
Bingo!! That was the exact problem my older Linksys router was having. That is why I bought the Netgear, but now it's not a TCP/IP issue. This time, the router is just crashing.

If its a 802.11G linksys router, put DD-WRT on there. That will solve your problem

Guest xiphi

Posted
Posted
Oh wow! That's a bit outdated, if you ask me. I was looking for something a bit faster than that.

Lmao outdated? I don't think so. That router NEVER gives me any problems, but if you insist on something that's "faster" rather than stable, then be my guest. lol

Here's a list of "compatible" routers, and here as well.

Veteran

DaDude

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)
Lmao outdated? I don't think so. That router NEVER gives me any problems, but if you insist on something that's "faster" rather than stable, then be my guest. lol

Here's a list of "compatible" routers, and here as well.

Just because it's "stable," it doesn't mean it will work on every computer. My laptop from work doesn't work on my older "stable" Linksys router because the router is so old. That's another reason why I bought that junky Netgear router.

And that list is not what I was looking for. I already saw those. Many of them have bad reviews and I believe them too because I had bad experience with the Netgear one. What I'm asking for is Vista compatible routers that perform well. Does anybody here have a Vista compatible router that performs well on their computer that they can recommend? Seriously! Is my typing gibberish or what? Why is everyone misunderstanding my question?

Edited by xraffle
Grand Master

Brandon

Posted
Posted
Just because it's "stable," it doesn't mean it will work on every computer. My laptop from work doesn't work on my older "stable" Linksys router because the router is so old. That's another reason why I bought that junky Netgear router.

And that list is not what I was looking for. I already saw those. Many of them have bad reviews and I believe them too because I had bad experience with the Netgear one. What I'm asking for is Vista compatible routers that perform well. Does anybody here have a Vista compatible router that performs well on their computer that they can recommend? Seriously! Is my typing gibberish or what? Why is everyone misunderstanding my question?

I feel like I'm taking to a brick wall :argh:

If you want a draft 802.11n, be prepared for problems here and there as there isnt a set standard yet. The linksys one I linked above got pretty good reviews and can have custom DD-WRT firmware. Almost all stability issues comes down to firmware problems.

Stop reading the damn reviews on everywhere BUT newegg. If you check the link the WRT54G router I posted had tons and tons of 5-star reviews, and as other members here have said it is the best router to date.

The WRT-54GL IS VISTA COMPATIBLE, just like pretty much every other router. (check the link above). Install the custom DD-WRT firmware on it, and your set. No worries.

Your old Linksys router may be 802.11a or something. There is no reason why your laptop should not even work on it as 802.11G is backward compatible with 802.11B and vice versa. You are falling for a marketing ploy with the "vista compatibility"

Veteran

DaDude

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Your old Linksys router may be 802.11a or something. There is no reason why your laptop should not even work on it as 802.11G is backward compatible with 802.11B and vice versa.

Well my laptop doesn't work with my older Linksys router because it doesn't work with old routers. It works with the Netgear one I got, but the router crashes, so that router is no good. This is why I believe the reviews now. Those reviews I saw about Netgear turned out to be true.

Grand Master

Brandon

Posted
Posted
Well my laptop doesn't work with my older Linksys router because it doesn't work with old routers. It works with the Netgear one I got, but the router crashes, so that router is no good. This is why I believe the reviews now. Those reviews I saw about Netgear turned out to be true.

hahaha. Thats like saying my laptop doesn't work with USB1.1 devices

Probably because it is different technology or something, like 802.11a as I had said. THat or your setting something up wrong

many coffee shops use 802.11b and many people connect just fine with this "old" hardware.

No piece of hardware is going to have perfect reviews. Hell look at the xbox 360's. My original launch console is working just fine. No RROD or anything

Veteran

Kraftman

Posted
Posted

This is painful to read...

Buy a WRT54GL & flash it with custom firmware (Tomato my preference over DD-WRT, as it is prettier :) )

If you want draft-N, I would suggest an Apple Airport Extreme.

No such thing as Vista compatible. Wi-Fi certified, however...

Grand Master

RangerLG

Posted
Posted

I dual boot XP and Vista with my 54GL using Tomato firmware. No issues at all. A firmware upgrade may be all you need to get your old router working. Or, you say it won't connect. Do you have your new laptop to connect using some sort of authentication (WPA, WEP, WPA2) that your older Linksys router does not support? The 54GL will work with Vista.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • AMD 26.6.2 driver brings FSR 4.1 support to RDNA 3 RX 7000 series graphics cards

      By LoneWolfSL · Posted

      AMD 26.6.2 driver brings FSR 4.1 support to RDNA 3 RX 7000 series graphics cards by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe A new driver is rolling out to Radeon graphics hardware owners, and alongside support for new games, AMD has just made its FSR 4.1 upscaling tech available to an entire generation of its products. Last month, AMD announced it is answering community requests to bring FSR 4.1 to past generations of its Radeon graphics cards. This would be starting with RDNA 3 RX 7000 products. Right on schedule, this is what's rolling out now with the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.6.2 driver containing official support for over 300 games. Following this, AMD is planning to bring out RDNA 2 (RX 6000 series) support for FSR 4.1 sometime in early 2027. As for the games, this Adrenalin 26.6.2 driver is a recommended install for anyone jumping into Ubisoft's upcoming Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced remake or id Software's DOOM: The Dark Ages' Revelations expansion. The two fixed issues in this release are these: Intermittent application crash or driver timeout may be observed while playing RoadCraft on Radeon™ RX 7000 series products. Purple screen may be displayed when using an HP Reverb G2 headset with SteamVR on Radeon™ RX 6000 series graphics products. The known issues AMD is still working on are the following: Intermittent application crash or driver timeout may be observed while playing Battlefield 6 on AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. AMD is actively working on a resolution with the developer to be released as soon as possible. Texture flickering or corruption may appear while playing Battlefield 6 with AMD Record and Stream on some AMD graphics products. AMD FSR Upscaling and AMD FSR Frame Generation may show as inactive in AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition while playing Battlefield 6 when enabled on Radeon™ RX 9000 series graphics products. Failure to install may be observed while installing AI Bundle components in some regions with limited access to HuggingFace and GitHub. Model flickering or rendering failure may be observed in Maxon Cinema 4D and Blender on Radeon RX 7000 series and above graphics products. Users experiencing this issue are recommended to install AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.3.1. Intermittent application crash may be observed on some models while running Blender on Radeon RX 7000 and above graphics products. Users experiencing this issue are recommended to install AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.3.1. The newly released AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.6.2 driver is now available for download from the AMD Software app. Find the official changelog here.
    • Politically funny images of the World

      By +primortal · Posted

    • How to Do More with Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI-driven Economy —was $28 now FREE

      By News Staff · Posted

      How to Do More with Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI-driven Economy —was $28 now FREE by Steven Parker Claim your complimentary copy (worth $28) of "How to Do More with Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI-driven Economy" for free, before the offer ends on June 30. Description In today’s workplace, headlines about artificial intelligence can feel overwhelming. With headlines swinging between promises of utopia and warnings of mass unemployment, for most knowledge workers, the truth feels unclear. In this book, Sharon Gai cuts through the noise. Drawing from real-world examples and global insights, she explains how AI is reshaping the way we work—without hype or fearmongering. Instead of choosing between blind optimism or outright pessimism, she offers a practical, balanced perspective that helps readers make sense of the rapidly evolving AI landscape. You’ll learn how to: Reskill and future-proof your career in the face of AI disruption Identify which parts of your role can be automated, and which require human creativity and judgment Use proven frameworks to evaluate AI’s impact on your work and your organization Apply actionable tips and tools to boost productivity, make smarter decisions, and do more with less Gain clarity as a parent, leader, or professional navigating what this means for the next generation Whether you’re an employee anxious about your future, a parent concerned about your children’s opportunities, or a leader managing a lean team with tight budgets, this book provides the strategies and mindset you need to adapt so you can stop worrying and start preparing. How to download for free Please ensure you read the terms and conditions to claim this offer. Complete and verifiable information is required in order to receive this free offer. If you have previously made use of these offers, you will not need to re-register. Was $28, but is now FREE | Below free offer link expires on June 30. How to Do More with Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI-driven Economy The below offers are also available for free in exchange for your (work) email: The Vibe Coding Playbook: Building Your Tech Business with AI ($35 Value) FREE - Expires 6/23 The Persuasion Engine: How Any Business Can Use AI-Powered Neuromarketing to Understand and Win Customers ($28 Value) FREE - Expires 6/24 How to Do More with Less: Future-Proofing Yourself in an AI-driven Economy ($28 Value) FREE - Expires 6/30 Cloud Security Fundamentals: Building the Foundations for Secure Cloud Platforms ($131.95 Value) FREE - Expires 7/1 The Complete Free AI Learning: Master ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini & More ($21 Value) FREE How to Build an AI Design Workflow with Gamma ($21 Value) FREE The Ultimate Linux Newbie Guide – Featured Free content Python Notes for Professionals – Featured Free content Learn Linux in 5 Days – Featured Free content Quick Reference Guide for Cybersecurity – Featured Free content We post these because we earn commission on each lead so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. Other ways to support Neowin The above deal not doing it for you, but still want to help? Check out the links below. Check out our partner software in the Neowin Store Buy a T-shirt at Neowin's Threadsquad Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: An account at Neowin Deals is required to participate in any deals powered by our affiliate, StackCommerce. For a full description of StackCommerce's privacy guidelines, go here. Neowin benefits from shared revenue of each sale made through the branded deals site.
    • Microsoft admits one of the most crucial Outlook features is currently broken

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      Microsoft admits one of the most crucial Outlook features is currently broken by Sayan Sen Microsoft is making some decent progress when it comes to Windows 11. Recently we have confirmed reports of some rather useful improvements landing in the next version of the OS, 26H2, wherein GPU driver TDR crashes may finally be fixed, plus the company is also allowing users to disable web content on the Search. On the Outlook front though things have not been so rosy. Last month in May we reported several problems affecting basic functionalities on the app. These included a problem where documents would open blank or corrupt themselves. Following that, Quick Steps, a very useful feature, would no longer work correctly, and finally, Microsoft acknowledged a problem wherein images would fail to load up properly inside the email. Microsoft had resolved those bugs later and almost exactly a month after we reported on them, the company has now admitted a new similarly basic issue, this time on Macs. Users recently started noticing that Outlook would no longer display email threads properly as the original message itself was not displayed. An affected user Tsoumpas, C (ngmb) nicely described the problem in a forum post they made on Microsoft's site. They wrote: "Description of the issue: After updating Outlook for Mac [Version 16.110 (26061317)] on 18/6/2026, replying to any email no longer includes the original message in the reply window. Prior to the update, replies correctly contained the original email text below my response. Expected behavior: The original message should be included in the reply, as in previous Outlook versions and according to the configured reply settings. Actual behavior: The reply window contains only a blank composition area (or only my response), with none of the original email text included." Obviously this must be a highly frustrating for users as noted by several in that thread. The post, at the time of writing, has also been upvoted by more than 40 users indicating that is a fairly widespread bug. Thankfully Microsoft seems to have acknowledged the problem right around that time as it opened a new issue on its official website. In the support article, the company recommends switching to Outlook for Mac from the legacy app, where the problem appears to be happening.
    • PotPlayer 260622

      By Copernic · Posted

      PotPlayer 260622 by Razvan Serea PotPlayer is an extremely light-weight multimedia player for Windows. It feels like the KMPlayer, but is in active development. Supports almost every available video formats out there. PotPlayer contains internal codecs and there is no need to install codecs manually. Other key features include WebCam/Analog/Digital TV devices support, gapless video playback, DXVA, live broadcasting. Distinctive features of the player is a high quality playback, support for all modern video and audio formats and a built DXVA video codecs. A wide range of subtitles are supported and you are also able to capture audio, video, and screenshots. A comprehensive video and audio player, that also supports TV channels, subtitles and skins. Its been described on the Internet as The KMPlayer redux, and it pretty much is. Daum PotPlayer 260622 (1.7.22963) changelog: Removed Kakao TV Added pause function when navigating via the navigation bar Significantly improved internal stability Fixed an issue where colors appeared strange during RGB24 processing Improved playback for some HTTP streams Improved sync processing for the built-in audio renderer Fixed an issue where certain MP4 files behaved abnormally during playback Download: Daum PotPlayer (64-bit) | 54.7 MB (Freeware) Download: Daum PotPlayer (32-bit) | 61.1 MB View: Daum PotPlayer Home Page | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware

  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      tuben earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Week One Done
      mnsgroup earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Conversation Starter
      sumytbe earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Year In
      B4dM1k3 earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Year In
      DarkWun earned a badge
      One Year In

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      523
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      199
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      94
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      82
    5. 5
      neufuse
      68
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!