(Repost) Linksys WUSB11 v2.6 Not Working on Win98SE

I recently purchased a WUSB11 v2.6 to add a PC to my already up and running
Linksys wireless home network. It will not work on my Dell Dimension XPS
T450 running Win98SE. I have spoken with four separate Linksys support
techs to no avail.

My original set-up:

PC1 = Dell XPS-T500 running Win98SE, connected by Ethernet
cable to a Linksys BEFW11S4 v2 WAP Router, which is
connected to a Motorola SB4200 cable modem.

PC2 = Compaq Presario Notebook P4 1.7Gh running WinXP
Home, with a Linksys WPC11 wireless card.

This set up has been running flawlessly for almost a year.

I purchased a new HP desktop P4 2.8Gh running WinXP Media Center. I
disconnected the Dell XPS from the router and
connected the router to the new HP. HP and Compaq networked fine together.
WEP-enabled, channel 6.

I moved the Dell XPS to another floor and connected it to a new WUSB11 v2.6
adapter, after first installing the software from the CD. The WUSB11 can
see the network SSID, signal strength excellent according to the WLAN
Profile screen, but cannot connect. When I try to connect, the msgsrv32
file stops responding. (BTW, I have no power saving options selected.)

Also, when I first install the driver, the software tells me that my TCP/IP
is setup for static IP and asks if I want to change to dynamic IP. But my
TCP/IP IS ALREADY configured for dynamic IP! If I click Yes, msgsvr32 stops
responding. If I click No adapter stops trying to connect.

With the WUSB11 2.6 software installed, the PC continually stops responding,
or crashes. I get error messages generated by the WLAN program. With the
software uninstalled, the PC runs just fine. I have removed and reinstalled
my TCP/IP protocol. I have NetBios installed over TCP/IP on all PCs in the
network. I disabled WEP encryption. I set my router to broadcast SSID.
All firewalls and antivirus software disabled. Nothing helps, because I
can't get by what seems to be a faulty driver. (?? - I'm guessing here).

My last e-mail to Linksys brought, in part, the following response:

"...it might be that your pc's operating system is already missing files to
properly install the Linksys software, but I've already seen that
"msgsrv32.exe" error with my win98se pc, whenever I would install a new
device, the only way I was able to get arround with that is I've reinstalled
the operating system. After that it did work with no problem. But win98se
deffinitely works with the WUSB11v2.6. MSGSRV32 is an operating system
file."

Now, the Linksys router had previously installed just fine on the Win98SE
Dell. However that connects via ethernet adapter. The new adapter is USB.
Could that be the problem? I tried installing two other USB devices just to
see if my USB ports or controller are the problem (digi camera & SmartMedia
card reader), and they install fine; no msgsrv32 problems. I really hate to
wipe out the HD and reinstall Win98SE if I don't need to. (XP is out -
enough folks in the Dell forums have told me the vintage hardware - video &
audio cards, etc. - just won't do well with XP).

Anyone know what the problem could be? If I decide it's a bum adapter, I
only have three more days to return it.

If I DO decide to reinstall, the Dell Resource CD offers these options:
Recover Driver & Install Files, Refresh Windows OS, Recover Hard Drive
Without Format, or Format and Recover Hard Drive.

What is recommended: try each incrementally? Or dive in and go for a
reformat?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

Jim McGowan

To re-install windows you may be able to navigate to c:\windows\options\cabs
and execute setup.

"Jim McGowan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:%23hvict%(E-Mail Removed)...
> I recently purchased a WUSB11 v2.6 to add a PC to my already up and
running
> Linksys wireless home network. It will not work on my Dell Dimension XPS
> T450 running Win98SE. I have spoken with four separate Linksys support
> techs to no avail.
>
> My original set-up:
>
> PC1 = Dell XPS-T500 running Win98SE, connected by Ethernet
> cable to a Linksys BEFW11S4 v2 WAP Router, which is
> connected to a Motorola SB4200 cable modem.
>
> PC2 = Compaq Presario Notebook P4 1.7Gh running WinXP
> Home, with a Linksys WPC11 wireless card.
>
> This set up has been running flawlessly for almost a year.
>
> I purchased a new HP desktop P4 2.8Gh running WinXP Media Center. I
> disconnected the Dell XPS from the router and
> connected the router to the new HP. HP and Compaq networked fine
together.
> WEP-enabled, channel 6.
>
> I moved the Dell XPS to another floor and connected it to a new WUSB11
v2.6
> adapter, after first installing the software from the CD. The WUSB11 can
> see the network SSID, signal strength excellent according to the WLAN
> Profile screen, but cannot connect. When I try to connect, the msgsrv32
> file stops responding. (BTW, I have no power saving options selected.)
>
> Also, when I first install the driver, the software tells me that my
TCP/IP
> is setup for static IP and asks if I want to change to dynamic IP. But my
> TCP/IP IS ALREADY configured for dynamic IP! If I click Yes, msgsvr32
stops
> responding. If I click No adapter stops trying to connect.
>
> With the WUSB11 2.6 software installed, the PC continually stops
responding,
> or crashes. I get error messages generated by the WLAN program. With the
> software uninstalled, the PC runs just fine. I have removed and
reinstalled
> my TCP/IP protocol. I have NetBios installed over TCP/IP on all PCs in
the
> network. I disabled WEP encryption. I set my router to broadcast SSID.
> All firewalls and antivirus software disabled. Nothing helps, because I
> can't get by what seems to be a faulty driver. (?? - I'm guessing here).
>
> My last e-mail to Linksys brought, in part, the following response:
>
> "...it might be that your pc's operating system is already missing files
to
> properly install the Linksys software, but I've already seen that
> "msgsrv32.exe" error with my win98se pc, whenever I would install a new
> device, the only way I was able to get arround with that is I've
reinstalled
> the operating system. After that it did work with no problem. But win98se
> deffinitely works with the WUSB11v2.6. MSGSRV32 is an operating system
> file."
>
> Now, the Linksys router had previously installed just fine on the Win98SE
> Dell. However that connects via ethernet adapter. The new adapter is USB.
> Could that be the problem? I tried installing two other USB devices just
to
> see if my USB ports or controller are the problem (digi camera &
SmartMedia
> card reader), and they install fine; no msgsrv32 problems. I really hate
to
> wipe out the HD and reinstall Win98SE if I don't need to. (XP is out -
> enough folks in the Dell forums have told me the vintage hardware - video
&
> audio cards, etc. - just won't do well with XP).
>
> Anyone know what the problem could be? If I decide it's a bum adapter, I
> only have three more days to return it.
>
> If I DO decide to reinstall, the Dell Resource CD offers these options:
> Recover Driver & Install Files, Refresh Windows OS, Recover Hard Drive
> Without Format, or Format and Recover Hard Drive.
>
> What is recommended: try each incrementally? Or dive in and go for a
> reformat?
>
> Thanks in advance for any help or advice.
>
> Jim McGowan
>
>

Thanks Moshup.

But I'd really like to find out if I need to. The Linksys techs haven't
been real helpful thus far, and a common answer is, "Not our problem - must
be Microsoft! Replace your OS!"

I want to know if that really is the culprit, since everything else seems
fine with Windows - until I install their software.

Jim McGowan

"Moshup Trail" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:%23aKk84$(E-Mail Removed)...
> To re-install windows you may be able to navigate to
c:\windows\options\cabs
> and execute setup.
>
> "Jim McGowan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:%23hvict%(E-Mail Removed)...
> > I recently purchased a WUSB11 v2.6 to add a PC to my already up and
> running
> > Linksys wireless home network. It will not work on my Dell Dimension
XPS
> > T450 running Win98SE. I have spoken with four separate Linksys support
> > techs to no avail.
> >
> > My original set-up:
> >
> > PC1 = Dell XPS-T500 running Win98SE, connected by Ethernet
> > cable to a Linksys BEFW11S4 v2 WAP Router, which is
> > connected to a Motorola SB4200 cable modem.
> >
> > PC2 = Compaq Presario Notebook P4 1.7Gh running WinXP
> > Home, with a Linksys WPC11 wireless card.
> >
> > This set up has been running flawlessly for almost a year.
> >
> > I purchased a new HP desktop P4 2.8Gh running WinXP Media Center. I
> > disconnected the Dell XPS from the router and
> > connected the router to the new HP. HP and Compaq networked fine
> together.
> > WEP-enabled, channel 6.
> >
> > I moved the Dell XPS to another floor and connected it to a new WUSB11
> v2.6
> > adapter, after first installing the software from the CD. The WUSB11
can
> > see the network SSID, signal strength excellent according to the WLAN
> > Profile screen, but cannot connect. When I try to connect, the msgsrv32
> > file stops responding. (BTW, I have no power saving options selected.)
> >
> > Also, when I first install the driver, the software tells me that my
> TCP/IP
> > is setup for static IP and asks if I want to change to dynamic IP. But
my
> > TCP/IP IS ALREADY configured for dynamic IP! If I click Yes, msgsvr32
> stops
> > responding. If I click No adapter stops trying to connect.
> >
> > With the WUSB11 2.6 software installed, the PC continually stops
> responding,
> > or crashes. I get error messages generated by the WLAN program. With
the
> > software uninstalled, the PC runs just fine. I have removed and
> reinstalled
> > my TCP/IP protocol. I have NetBios installed over TCP/IP on all PCs in
> the
> > network. I disabled WEP encryption. I set my router to broadcast SSID.
> > All firewalls and antivirus software disabled. Nothing helps, because I
> > can't get by what seems to be a faulty driver. (?? - I'm guessing here).
> >
> > My last e-mail to Linksys brought, in part, the following response:
> >
> > "...it might be that your pc's operating system is already missing files
> to
> > properly install the Linksys software, but I've already seen that
> > "msgsrv32.exe" error with my win98se pc, whenever I would install a new
> > device, the only way I was able to get arround with that is I've
> reinstalled
> > the operating system. After that it did work with no problem. But
win98se
> > deffinitely works with the WUSB11v2.6. MSGSRV32 is an operating system
> > file."
> >
> > Now, the Linksys router had previously installed just fine on the
Win98SE
> > Dell. However that connects via ethernet adapter. The new adapter is
USB.
> > Could that be the problem? I tried installing two other USB devices
just
> to
> > see if my USB ports or controller are the problem (digi camera &
> SmartMedia
> > card reader), and they install fine; no msgsrv32 problems. I really
hate
> to
> > wipe out the HD and reinstall Win98SE if I don't need to. (XP is out -
> > enough folks in the Dell forums have told me the vintage hardware -
video
> &
> > audio cards, etc. - just won't do well with XP).
> >
> > Anyone know what the problem could be? If I decide it's a bum adapter,
I
> > only have three more days to return it.
> >
> > If I DO decide to reinstall, the Dell Resource CD offers these options:
> > Recover Driver & Install Files, Refresh Windows OS, Recover Hard Drive
> > Without Format, or Format and Recover Hard Drive.
> >
> > What is recommended: try each incrementally? Or dive in and go for a
> > reformat?
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any help or advice.
> >
> > Jim McGowan
> >
> >
>
>

In article <(E-Mail Removed)>, "Jim McGowan"
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>Thanks Moshup.
>
>But I'd really like to find out if I need to. The Linksys techs haven't
>been real helpful thus far, and a common answer is, "Not our problem - must
>be Microsoft! Replace your OS!"
>
>I want to know if that really is the culprit, since everything else seems
>fine with Windows - until I install their software.
>
>Jim McGowan

This is strictly my personal experience and opinion:

I've had so many problems installing Linksys network adapters (wired
and wireless) and their drivers on multiple versions of Windows that I
no longer buy Linksys for myself or for my consulting clients.

I'd return the Linksys adapter to the store and get a different brand.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Windows Networking
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Steve Winograd's Networking FAQ
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm

"Steve Winograd [MVP]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> This is strictly my personal experience and opinion:
>
> I've had so many problems installing Linksys network adapters (wired
> and wireless) and their drivers on multiple versions of Windows that I
> no longer buy Linksys for myself or for my consulting clients.
>
> I'd return the Linksys adapter to the store and get a different brand.
> --
> Best Wishes,
> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
>
> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
>
> Steve Winograd's Networking FAQ
> http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm

Thanks Steve.

I sure appreciate your candor! You're right. I've put more hours into what
should have been a pretty simple task than I had imagined. I'll give
another a try.

Thank you,

Jim McGowan

"Steve Winograd [MVP]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> This is strictly my personal experience and opinion:
>
> I've had so many problems installing Linksys network adapters (wired
> and wireless) and their drivers on multiple versions of Windows that I
> no longer buy Linksys for myself or for my consulting clients.
>
> I'd return the Linksys adapter to the store and get a different brand.
> --
> Best Wishes,
> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Steve,

Any recommendations as to which brand/model wireless adapter to replace the
WUSB11 with? Is there an adapter that can plug into the ethernet card on
the PC instead of USB? (Since the ethernet adapter is now unused).

Thank you,

Jim McGowan

An Ethernet controller won't accept a wireless adapter. You'd need to get
an internal PCI wireless card to replace it with.

--
Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x) (E-Mail Removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies to the newsgroup so all may
* benefit from the discussion. Private mail is usually not replied to.
Help US help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


"Jim McGowan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:u%23%(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> "Steve Winograd [MVP]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> > This is strictly my personal experience and opinion:
> >
> > I've had so many problems installing Linksys network adapters (wired
> > and wireless) and their drivers on multiple versions of Windows that I
> > no longer buy Linksys for myself or for my consulting clients.
> >
> > I'd return the Linksys adapter to the store and get a different brand.
> > --
> > Best Wishes,
> > Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
>
> Steve,
>
> Any recommendations as to which brand/model wireless adapter to replace
the
> WUSB11 with? Is there an adapter that can plug into the ethernet card on
> the PC instead of USB? (Since the ethernet adapter is now unused).
>
> Thank you,
>
> Jim McGowan
>
>

In article <u##(E-Mail Removed)>, "Jim McGowan"
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>"Steve Winograd [MVP]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>news:(E-Mail Removed).. .
>> This is strictly my personal experience and opinion:
>>
>> I've had so many problems installing Linksys network adapters (wired
>> and wireless) and their drivers on multiple versions of Windows that I
>> no longer buy Linksys for myself or for my consulting clients.
>>
>> I'd return the Linksys adapter to the store and get a different brand.
>> --
>> Best Wishes,
>> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
>
>Steve,
>
>Any recommendations as to which brand/model wireless adapter to replace the
>WUSB11 with? Is there an adapter that can plug into the ethernet card on
>the PC instead of USB? (Since the ethernet adapter is now unused).
>
>Thank you,
>
>Jim McGowan

I've had pretty good luck with the Netgear MA101, but its driver
program seems to cause infrequent system crashes.

The Linksys WET11, D-Link DWL-810+, and Netgear ME101 plug into an
Ethernet card and don't require loading any drivers. They might be
more reliable. I haven't tried them.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Windows Networking
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Steve Winograd's Networking FAQ
http://www.bcmaven.com/networking/faq.htm

"Steve Winograd [MVP]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> In article <u##(E-Mail Removed)>, "Jim McGowan"
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> >"Steve Winograd [MVP]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> >news:(E-Mail Removed).. .
> >> This is strictly my personal experience and opinion:
> >>
> >> I've had so many problems installing Linksys network adapters (wired
> >> and wireless) and their drivers on multiple versions of Windows that I
> >> no longer buy Linksys for myself or for my consulting clients.
> >>
> >> I'd return the Linksys adapter to the store and get a different brand.
> >> --
> >> Best Wishes,
> >> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
> >
> >Steve,
> >
>
> I've had pretty good luck with the Netgear MA101, but its driver
> program seems to cause infrequent system crashes.
>
> The Linksys WET11, D-Link DWL-810+, and Netgear ME101 plug into an
> Ethernet card and don't require loading any drivers. They might be
> more reliable. I haven't tried them.
> --
> Best Wishes,
> Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Thanks again, Steve. I bought another USB adapter today and tried it; a
Netgear MA111. Still not working, so it appears I am having a problem with
98SE.

Before I left unhappily to return the Netgear adapter, I quickly ran the
Belarc Adviser just for the heck of it, and found, to my surprise, a big red
X! Never had one show before, as I'm very careful to have all my critical
updates and hot fixes up-to-date. The X indicates that Telnet 98 is not
working, and I need to re-install it. I suspect that when the Linksys
support tech had me removing and reinstalling the TCP/IP protocol, I lost
Telnet somewhere along the way. So after much online reading, I'm now off
to run the Msinfo32.exe and SFC to see what I lost. Then see if I can get
that all back in shape.

Also, I now wonder if I "overfilled" my Telnet MRU Connect List. (See, told
you I've been reading). Since I already had the ethernet card working with
the router, and also my dial-up modem (for faxing), adding the Linksys USB
adapter - several times, due to Linksys support having me install so many
different driver versions - I may have filled the Connect List in the
registry. I'm going to delete the appropriate values from the
HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Microsoft\Telnet registry key to clear the
list. (Per MKB Article 148820).

I'll let you all know how I make out.

Thanks,

Jim McGowan