Hi Folks,

I have just reformatted my daughters PC with windows xp pro but can't seem to solve this issue:

The PC is connnected to the internet via a wireless adapter which is fairly new and I have had no problems with it before the reformat.

To get the computer to access the internet I have to change the following 2 settings before it allows access. I have to do this every time the PC is re-booted. The settings are always lost after a reboot.

Setting 1:
Control Panel/Performance and Settings/Administrative Tools/Services/Wireless Zero Configuration.

Once Wireless Zero Configuration is open go to Service Status and start it until it says Started next to it.

Start Up Type is set to Automatic

Next click Apply and come out of the screen.

Next

Setting 2:
Control Panel/Network and Internet Connections/Network Connections
Right-click the Wireless Network Connection and select Properties
Select the Wireless Network tab
Check the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box to enable automatic wireless network configuration.

Save and the close all windows.

The wireless adapter will then connect and we have internet access (Until the PC reboots)

Every time that the PC is switched off the two settings go back to how they were and I have to carry out the above 2 settings again.

I would be really grateful if anyone could help me to solve this please.

If anyone needs any screenshots of anything then let me know.

Thanks

Charllie

First and foremost ensure that you have the most up to date drivers for your wireless adapter.
In my opinion Wireless Zero Config is as terrible as Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).
When ever I set up a wireless connection I always ensure that both these setting are set to OFF.

It's then a simple case of setting up the wireless connection.
Ensure that your Wireless Access Point (Router) is open and will accept connection.

Easiest to disable ALL security for this part.
Enable the wireless adapter
Right click and search for wireless networks.
Highlight your network and connect.


Once this is achieved then its time to start turning on your security.

The way I attack WiFi security is threefold.

MAC address access list
WEP encryption (128 bit)
Hide SSID


I find that this works a treat.
Basically if the AP can't be seen then it presents less of a target.
The MAC and WEP adds more security without slowing access speeds.

I must admit I have only tried WPA once and I ended up locking myself out of the AP, so I stuck with the above method.

Hope this helps

Hi CurlyBen,

Thanks for your reply I really appreciate your help.

I am a little confused by what you mean. Any chance you could give me step by step instructions for a thick welshnman?

Sorry to be a pain.

Thanks

Charllie

No worries,
Could you give me some more info and I'll sort out some detailed instructions for you.
I need to know:

Make and model of wireless adapter
Make and model of Wireless Access point (Router)
Type of connection (ADSL or Cable)
IP range you are using (Normally 192.168.x.x)


Also if you make sue your daughter's computer is FULLY patched via Windows Update this will help a great deal.
This acticle (http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/webmaster/article.php/3577111) may help.

Hi CurlyBen,

Thanks again for your help.

Make and model of wireless adapter
Bt Voyager 1040 PCI

Make and model of Wireless Access point (Router)
BT Fusion Hub

Type of connection (ADSL or Cable)
AADSL

IP range you are using (Normally 192.168.x.x)
86.128.x.x

I hope this is enough.If you need any more info then let me know.

Thanks

Charllie

Thinking some more about this.
When you go into Zero Config, is it stopped ?
If so this could be due to a failure on boot.
Have you tried setting the recovery to restart the services on all failures.
Have a look at the attachment for some more guidance.

Hi CurlyBen,

Thanks for the reply and advice.

"When you go into Zero Config, is it stopped ?"
Yes it is stopped and always goes back to stopped after a re-boot.

"Have you tried setting the recovery to restart the services on all failures."
"Have a look at the attachment for some more guidance."

I tried that but got the same result after a re-boot.

I am stuck on this one, any more thoughts ?

Charllie

Have you patched this machine to SP2 at least as this gives more wireless support ?

If this doesn't work then an inplace repair of the whole OS maybe in order.

The same thing was happening to me and it cost me $100 to have a tech guy fix it. So here it is.. after re starting Zero configuration again.. go to START then to ALL PROGRAMS then find your wireless card.. ( wireless utilities).. I have a gateway laptop with XP.. so I have a BROADCOM WIRELESS.. go to its UTILITIES... UNCHECK.. the box that says.. LET THIS TOOL MANAGE MY WIRELESS CONNECTIONS... press apply and OK.. you shold be go to.. $100 over a little box.. DAMMMM.. :(

I agree with Robert on this one. Most of those adapters come with custom software for managing wireless networks. At work, we actually disable this on all of our laptops, as our security settings do not work with the custom utilities. If this doesn't fix it, then I recommend downloading the latest drivers for your adapter and ensuring they're installed properly. Since Zero Config is disabled after every reboot of the computer, it could be related to outdated drivers.

Again, try what Robert said first, then try the drivers. If neither of those work, then it may very well be time to take it to the repair man.

Oh, and Robert, the repair guy's mistake was telling you how easy the fix was... it's nice to know, but certainly makes you feel ripped off.