So connection drops and you have to reconnect? Verify whether the network is fine on other devices, otherwise, check your router. Do not set the adapter to be turned off when computer goes to sleep...

If nothing wrong with the adapter, just keep the default settings. most of them are set to automatically adjust themselves.

The utility is optional. Even though it doesn't detect the adapter, should not affect the performance. Check the signal strength, make sure it's not too far from your router; verify connection from...

Yes. they are compatible. same way to pair

Try register from cloud website or the camera app. Any error if it failed? http://www.tp-link.com/en/faq-818.html

Usually old files will be replaced by new one when the card is full. If it didn't happen, then it could be some files in the sd card is affecting it. Try format the card.