Lightweight Linux distributions run beautifully on old 32-bit hardware and include modern, open-source 802.11n drivers (e.g., ath9k , rt2800usb , iwlwifi ). No hunting for drivers.
Even with the correct driver, Windows 7 can be finicky. Here are fixes for common errors: 80211n wifi driver for windows 7 32bit updated
These Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) numbers are the fingerprints of your hardware. You can search these codes online to find the exact manufacturer (Realtek, Ralink, Broadcom, Atheros, etc.). open-source 802.11n drivers (e.g.