How to Troubleshoot a Linksys WPC54GS

The Linksys WPC54GS is a PCMCIA wireless Internet adapter normally only used in laptop computers. Linksys provides drivers and support for Windows XP, Vista and 7. Users with older operating systems may want to consider a different solution.

Things You'll Need

• Linksys WPC54GS device
• Laptop with a PCMCIA port to plug it in to
• Wireless router or gateway.
• Factory installation CD for the adapter is not essential but recommended.

Instructions

1. Ensure the adapter was recognized and that windows installed the drivers by checking the device manager. Cclick "Start," then "System," then "Device Manager." The adapter will appear under "network adapters."

   If the WPC54GS shows as disabled--a red X in XP, a down pointing arrow in Vista and 7--try to right-click it and enable.

   If it shows a symbol with a yellow triangle around a red exclamation point, Windows has not accepted the drivers and they will have to be re-installed, from the factory disc or downloaded from Linksys. To re-install drivers, right-click on the WPC54GS and select "Update Driver Software," then direct windows to the disk or download location.

   Restarting the computer is recommended after enabling or reloading drivers.

2. 

   Right-click the network icon in the task-bar. Lower right corner by the clock, it appears as two computers. Select "View Available Wireless Networks." If your router/gateway shows on the list, click "connect," otherwise click "Refresh Network List."

3. 

   Enter the WEP key when prompted. This is essentially a password to access your wireless Internet. It is not advised to operate an unsecured wireless network. If your gateway is the standard one supplied by your Internet provider, the WEP key will normally be an 11 to 16 character alpha-numeric code on a sticker on the gateway. Routers will normally ask you to select a WEP key during setup.

   Windows will establish the wireless network and show you the signal strength. It you fail to connect, repeat the process, or connect to the router/gateway with an Ethernet cable to check the settings in the router/gateway.

Tips & Warnings

• When troubleshooting networks it is better to start with a wired Ethernet system to make sure the connection is configured correctly before assuming it is the wireless setup at fault.

• Older laptops (2003 and older) had a technical issue with the WPC54GS that required a BIOS upgrade to correct. This is related to the laptop PCMCIA slot communicating in 8 or 16 bit and the adapter communicating in 32 bit. The problem caused freeze/lockup issues that newer laptops are unlikely to experience.

References

• Linksys: WPC54GS drivers support
• Microsoft: Wireless Setup Instructions