My Speedtouch 330 doesn't work with Windows 7, what's the most economical way to get back online?
CommentsWhat is the most economical way to connect with Windows 7? I have a Speedtouch 330 modem but it doesn't work with Windows 7.
As you'll know, the Speedtouch 330 is a very basic modem. Although it's used for ADSL Broadband it still 'dials up' a connection every time you go online and provides just one connection at a time without any of the great features possible in more modern modems such as firewall, routing, NAT or WLAN.
Not only is it old, you'll be hard pushed to find operating systems newer that work well with it. According to Thomson, who make the Speedtouch 330, it should be compatible with operating systems from Windows 98 up to XP as well as Mac OS 8.6, - X and Linux. However, since the new operating systems are only getting a more sophisticated it'll clearly be struggling.
Some users seem to be reporting that it's possible to connect to Windows 7 using a Speedtouch 330 by installing a Windows Vista driver, which is available free from the Thomson website. However, we haven't been able to verify those reports.
You should also be aware that downloading freeware drivers from unknown sources can be dangerous to your computer and make it harder for your broadband provider to provide you with support in the future
With all that in mind the most economical way of connecting to windows 7 is likely to be getting a new router altogether.
These days most ISP broadband packages will provide a fixed cabled modem for free so you don't have to worry about paying for the modem. If you want to buy just a modem then you can pick one up from around £10 (for example, I found a Amptek Ariel ADSL USB Modem for this much).
However, if you're willing to change broadband provider you'll be able to get a better quality wired router for free. For example, a SpeedTouch 516v6 1-Port wired Router is available with any of Plusnet's products and would work fine with Windows 7.
Although you state no interest in wireless routers they're the most common free modems to be bundled with broadband packages and you'll be given assistance installing them. A wireless router will allow you to surf anywhere you like, allow multiple connections, and can do away with any excessive cabling, although there is also a LAN port in the wireless router so you can connect your ethernet cable if you wish.
You can see which broadband deals come with wired or wireless routers in any of our broadband comparison tables.
Your other option would be the mobile broadband route - there are a variety from 'pay as you go' plans from around £10 per month to fixed data rates at £30. Any reputable high street brand such as Orange or Vodafone will do this.
This would be easy to install with windows 7 and have you up and running in no time.
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