Just installed Windows7, a few issues.

[Eaglestrike]

So I just installed it a few hours ago and here are the problems I've come to atm without an easy workable solution:

1) Mouse, even after software install, doesn't use buttons 4/5, which usually function as "back" and "forward" buttons. Can't find anywhere in the software to alter this. Kensington Mouseworks mouse. The software setup did stall and I ctrl-alt-del'd to close it, but it looks as if the installation was still successful.

2) Wireless USB Netgear WG111v3 adapter software doesn't work, stalls shortly after starting. Website mentions it being Vista-64 compatible, but download link was disabled. Currently planning to go buy a new one when stores open.

3) DVD-drive died. CoP killed it. I put the CD in and now it won't open more than half an inch. Is the best solution to take it out of the computer and manually open it? Or should I just buy a new one?

Any tips/tricks on how I can fix some of these issues?

[xopher]

DVD drives are less than $30 new on Newegg. Just replace it.

Try uninstalling the software for the mouse and re-installing.

Wait until the Vista 64 drivers are available again for the USB adapter.

Also google all of these problems. Other people may have found solutions.

[Olo401]

- In general, any drivers designed for Vista are supposed to work in Windows 7, so try those first. Then check out the hardware manufacturer's website for the most recent Vista version (or possibly a Win7 version). If all else fails, Google up the manufacturer, the part's model# and "Vista Driver" and start exploring forums postings. Someone out there is bound to have had the same trouble as you.

- Ugh.. wireless adapters are a pain in the ass to set up in Vista OR Win7 (as opposed to XP which just worked). I've tried two different adapters so far with both Vista and Win7 and neither worked with the manufacturer's most recent drivers.

SO.. after some Google mining I was able to find this forum thread that has info on how to get your adapter working under Vista. This info should also work for Win7.

- For the cd drive problem, straighten out a paper clip and stick it in the small hole on the front of the drive. That should pop the tray open manually and keep it open. Then gently tug on the tray until it's completely open so you can pop out the CD. The tray should now close normally when you push the eject/close button - if it doesn't, moves slowly or grinds up, one of the gear belts probably broke or came loose. If it's just loose you can fix it if you're good with that kinda intricate work and you have the right tools. Or drop 25 bucks on a new drive.

[Eaglestrike]

Update:

1) Mouse still not working. Tried to uninstall and re-install, checked forums and it spoke of installing a driver for a human interface device and then re-installing software. I believe I did that to no effect, but I'll try again once I get other things fixed up (the mouse software requires a restart each time I un-install and install...ugh)

2) Fuck wireless adapters. Got a 100' cable and connected through that. There's an easy fix for you.

3) Guy that sold me the cable got the DVD out. DVD-rom works fine now too.

New issue: I don't think my mic is working. It's a mic on my head-set, which claims to be full PnP and works with Vista. Hasn't worked plugging into mic plug of my mobo (I use onboard sound) or the plug for my speakers. Sound works fine otherwise, so not sure what the issue is. Logitech speakers that I can find to purchase on the logitech website (S-220) but haven't found them listing drivers anywhere for them. I think the headset/mic is also logitech, but not sure where the box for it is atm. But my issue may not be the mic per say, as my only test is the Sound Recording program in Win7, waiting for someone to sign onto Vent to test things out there.

[Tythera]

1) What brand/model of mouse is it?

2) I'm always a fan of that solution myself (I've got 30 foot>switch>50 foot run). I can't say I've used the wireless features in Win7 so I can't help you with the other option.

[Eaglestrike]

Kensington Mouseworks Model 72257

[Crowort]

Most drives have a small hole on them, if you stick a pin in it that will manually release the lock.

[Tythera]

Googled around, doesn't look like Kensington's software works in Vista, or at the very least Vista x64 (I'm including Windows 7 in this). I did find this much though, might help since you just mentioned the forward/back bit.

New solution found! Almost...
So I tried the tricks installing KMW 6.2.2 and then restarting, but no matter what it did, it could not find my driver for my mouse, so I only got the basic Vista mouse options screen. With this, only the scroll wheel and left/right buttons work, not buttons 3,4, or 5.

The new solution, almost is to install Intelipoint. Pick almost any mouse that has at least the same number of buttons as your Kensington Mouse, if not more. This almost works because you get the basic functions of buttons 3 and 4 (forward and back), but you cannot program them. So, right now, my little front button thinks it is number 3, not number 4 and vice versa. Even if I go into Intelipoint and change the task for the button, it still does not change on the mouse. But at least I have more functionality.

[Eaglestrike]

Well, this is interesting. I went to download intelipoint like you posted about, went to do the install, it said it failed to install because the software wasn't for 64-bit OS. Went to Microsoft's website to look for a link there, hit my button out of habit...they work! Thanks for the help.

[Olo401]

^^/ w00t

[Eaglestrike]

Yeah, so I realized shortly after making this post that the buttons are now switched, lol. What is supposed to be "Forward" is "back" and vice versa. Been using those buttons like that for years...gonna take a bit to get used to it lol.