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Wireless USB dongle.

Dumb question, can I use a generic USB dongle to make my laptop wireless with my netgear router or does it have to be a netgear dongle?

My wireless card seems to have got lost during a fresh install of windows XP (it was temperamental before so I am not suprised) so I am hoping to be able to get away with buying a cheap one somewhere.

Thanks :D
Work like you don't need money,
Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching
Save the cheerleader, save the world!

Comments

  • Poppycat
    Poppycat Posts: 19,899 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes you can use a generic one, I got two generic ones on two pcs although they are pci cards. I did use a belkin usb thing with netgear router without any problems for years.
  • Edinburghlass_2
    Edinburghlass_2 Posts: 32,680 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes, I use one on the pc and it no longer "matches" the router.
  • iwanttosave_2
    iwanttosave_2 Posts: 34,292 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Coolio :D

    I thought that was the case but I had a niggle at the back of my head.

    M'off to ebay.
    >
    Work like you don't need money,
    Love like you've never been hurt,
    And dance like no one's watching
    Save the cheerleader, save the world!
  • philnicandamy
    philnicandamy Posts: 15,685 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    agreed...I use a buffalo usb adapter with a netgear router & no probs
    We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will
  • Poppycat
    Poppycat Posts: 19,899 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes they are fine dont forget to use encryption (WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) via the software supplied or use XP built-in encryption
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