For several weeks, I tried to install a bunch of USB Wireless Adapters without success. Whenever I tried to enable these devices, Windows was not doing it, or it was not allowing it. Moreover, the device manager was showing me the adapter(s) installed, enabled, and ready to use, but going to my adapter settings, the adapter(s) were in a gray color which means that they were not enabled or activated. I really thought that Windows or my PC were the problem, but I was wrong.

I did not know what to do, I had tried almost everything. For example, I went to the adapters websites in order to download the latest drivers, I went to check the Microsoft website to make sure that the device is compatible with Windows 7, I went back to the store returning the device and getting a different one, etc.

“None of them solved my problem.”

The solution that I found is relatively simple. For some reason the problem is with the Anti-Virus. if you have an Anti-Virus installed in your PC (I assume), it won’t let Windows 7 activate the adapter(s). “No matter what,” you gonna have to UNINSTALL the Anti-Virus.

If you decide to pause or to close the Anti-Virus, let me tell you something right now, “THE ANTI-VIRUS WILL CONTINUE BLOCKING THE ADAPTER(s).”

Therefore,

1. Uninstall the Anti-Virus software that you have.
2. Reboot your computer.
3. Install the USB Wireless Adapter(s).
4. Re-install the Anti-Virus.
5. Reboot your PC and VOILA!.

Recommended:

- Check if your USB wireless adapter is compatible with windows 7. (Click here to do that)

- Download the latest drivers and install them.

I’ve tested this solution with:

- Belkin Wireless G USB adapter
- RangeMax(tm) NEXT Wireless Adapter WN311B
- Linksys AE1000 Wireless N USB adapter

On Windows 7 Professional 64 bits; they work without problem following the solution shown lines above.