Using Sierra Wireless USB 306 modem on Windows Server 2008

I recently started using Windows Server 2008 as a workstation platform on my Macbook Pro - yes the whole OS X thing was good, except for developing Windows software. Winding back to XP wasn't very appealing given the server features, terminal services & RAM restrictions, something that 2008 does not suffer from.

To my suprise the new Telstra/Next-G 21 meg USB modem, did not support Winodws Server 2008. How rude. I contacted Telstra and Sierra Wireless: Telstra had no idea what Windows Server 2008 even was, and Sierra Wireless simply stated they only supported Windows 2000, XP and Vista. So much for Vista drivers being compatible with 2008.

I investigated the various .INF hacks around for different devices - I used one to use Bluetooth on Windows Server 2008. There are often filters in the .INF's to tell it to only work on certain operating systems. Widening these filters often works, but there is the risk it will not.

Anyway, it turned out the solution in this case was a lot simpler, and much less risky and error-prone than editing .INF drivers. Here's the process:

• Insert the device and install it as per normal (it takes a few minutes); you'll find that it will say that it cannot find a driver for a bunch of devices near the end (it's actually all the one physical device).
• Choose "Locate and install driver software (recommended)"
• Choose "I don't have the disc. Show me other options."
• Choose "Browse my computer for driver software (advanced)"
  
• Point it to the path: C:\Program Files\Telstra\Telstra Turbo Connection Manager\DriverInstaller\Drivers\WinVista\32bit, and click "Next". Presumably the 64 bit Vista driver will work fine with 64-bit 2008.
  
• The device will install, click "Close"
• Repeat the above process of locating drivers as many times as it appears (8 or so); this will take some time to complete and you'll get the feeling of Ground Hog Day - but it does end.
• It's ready to use!