WG311v3

Wireless PCI Adapter Version 3.1

Published Feb 29, 2008

Driver Version:

Windows XP/2000: 3.2.43.306

Vista (32/64 Bit): 1.0.0.53

New Features and Fixes:

1. Fixed installation issues in Windows Vista

To Upgrade

Note that you will power off your computer and open the computer case during installation. Make sure you have the password to log in to the computer.

Instructions will be similar to the Windows XP screens shown here.

1. Download using the button below to a convenient place such as your desktop. Note that this is a large file! ( 14.7 MB )

2. If you already installed the adapter, and are upgrading, then first follow these instructions to uninstall the software and the adapter.

1. Select Start > All Programs > NETGEAR WG311v3 Smart Wizard > Uninstall NETGEAR WG311v3 Software.
2. Select Remove and click Next.
3. Click OK.
4. Wait until the Maintenance Complete window appears and click Finish.
5. Click OK when the "It is safe to remove..." pop-up appears.
6. Shut down your computer, unplug the power cord, and open the computer case.
7. Contrary to popular wisdom, it is easy to damage exposed electrical circuits in ways that are not obvious. Ground yourself against electrical shock (for example by touching the metal frame inside the computer).
8. Unscrew the adapter mounting to the computer, and physically remove it, taking care to touch the silver mount, and not any of the circuits.
9. Replace the computer case. Plug in your computer and power it on.

3. Run the file you downloaded in Step 1.

4. Click Accept.

5. Click Next.

6. Click OK.

7. Shut down your computer and unplug the power cord. Remove the computer case.

8. If you haven't already, ground yourself (as in Step 2g.)

9. Taking care to touch the silver mounting bracket, and avoiding touching any electrical circuits, physically insert the adapter in a PCI slot. Push gently, directly inward at each end.

10. Gently align the adapter bracket with the computer case, and use the screw to secure the adapter.

11. Orient the antenna pointing directly upward. (You may experiment with other positions. After the installation, start with Improving Wireless Range)

12. Replace the computer case.

13. Plug the computer in, and power it up.

14. Once your computer reboots, wait for the Smart Wizard screen to appear.

15. Select the country where the computer will be used, and click Agree. Incorrect selection may cause performance problems.

16. Select Yes to use the Smart Wizard to help with installation, and click Next.

17. Select Yes (recommended) and click Next. The Selecting a Network window appears.

18. Highlight the Network Name you want to connect to. If the Network Name (SSID) is blank, it means that network's router is not broadcasting its SSID. If you want to connect to that network, log in to the router, or ask your network administrator for the SSID.

19. Click Next. If the network you are connecting to has security, then screens display for you to enter the security information. This is the security for your network's router or access point. If you do not have them, contact the system administrator.

If the security information is wrong, you find out in the last step when the Wireless Assistant window appears, when you can correct it.

21. Click Next. The screen advances to " Saving Profile". The profile is option, but it's easier than reentering the network information every time you connect. (You can also do this at any time, later.)

22. Click Next, Finish to close the installer. In a moment the Smart Wizard utility appears.

23. The utility window displays. Now that the installation is finished, this is the window you will use in the future to examine available networks, etc. You may close or leave the Smart Wizard utility window open during normal operation.

If the status line has the word "Scanning" in red letters, then the adapter is not yet connected to a network. (It may flash between red and green.) This is probably because the incorrect security information was entered. You reenter the information using the utility.

For other problems, read Troubleshooting Wireless Networks.