How do I install a USB wireless adapter for Windows 2008?

First, you have to buy a wireless adapter that has a Windows 2008 driver?  If it lists Vista or Windows 7, it should probably work for Windows 2008.  Also, you’ll want to check if the driver exists for 32 bit or 64 bit.  I used the Belkin USB adapter and it worked for Windows 2008 64 bit.

Install the driver.

One thing most people don’t know — Windows 2008 has a wireless LAN service that has to be installed.

Windows 2008 has a new feature called the Wireless LAN Service. Until the feature is installed, wireless will not work.

To install the feature:

1) Go to Server Manager

2) Add a new feature

3) Select to add the Wireless LAN Service

4) Finish the installation

5) Install your WIFI drivers if not automatically detected.