Im trying to get my 360 wireless controller to work on my Vista PC. I am aware that a Microsoft Wireless Reciever is used in this process however I was also told that any standard wireless receiver type is suitable providing the right drivers are used.

Is anybody else aware of this? I have pressed the home button after installing the official drivers and I can manage to get the green light on the controller to stop flashing. However my computer detects no hardware changes.

Some help would be appreciated.

I have no idea about that, I've all ways been told that you need the wireless receiver since the 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless 2.4ghz
and I just got done doing a search online and could not find any 3rd party or hacked drivers that allow it to work any wireless receiver.

" I have no idea about that, I've all ways been told that you need the wireless receiver since the 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless 2.4ghzand I just got done doing a search online and could not find any 3rd party or hacked drivers that allow it to work any wireless receiver. "

If you have one of the charging kits for the 360 controller i think you can just pop it straight into a usb port and boom your away. Unless you really want to use it wirelessly of course.

Do you own a wired controller?  It's always good to have one laying around, especially if you don't have a play and charge kit.  I ran out of batteries during Bioshock once, and it wasn't pretty.  I have a wired controller for the PC and it's just less hassle than trying to set up any of my wired controllers with the PC.  Get the PC specific one too, because trying a wired 360 controller that didn't come in the GoW package didn't go as smooth. 

At least this is all my experience.

" If you have one of the charging kits for the 360 controller i think you can just pop it straight into a usb port and boom your away. Unless you really want to use it wirelessly of course. "

ok thanks for the replies guys

What about getting this to work with the type of wireless receiver that Microsoft wireless keyboards and mice use?  I've got a Wireless Desktop 5000 setup, and the receiver looks an awful lot like the one they sell for 360 controllers.  Same company, maybe same proprietary wireless protocol?  Anyone?

" @WilliamRLBaker said:

" I have no idea about that, I've all ways been told that you need the wireless receiver since the 360 controller uses a proprietary wireless 2.4ghzand I just got done doing a search online and could not find any 3rd party or hacked drivers that allow it to work any wireless receiver. "

Microsoft does use a proprietary wireless signal and you need the receiver to be able to the 360 wireless controller with a PC.  I have a receiver and honestly, you are better off buying a wired controller and skipping out.  I have had so many issues with the drivers just stopping on me, or the controller randomly disconnecting. It's not worth the $19.99 for the receiver, when for $10 more you can get a wired controller.  (could just be I run x64) "