Wireless Network and Windows XP SP1

[Modeps]

Alright, against my better judgement, I decided instead of running an ethernet wire down to my router (down 2 floors into the basement) I'd just buy a wireless PCI card for my desktop PC. I've always found solace in the wonderful hardwires.

Anyways, the speeds are just fine for it when it's connected, typically my signal strength is at "Low", but honestly I dont mind because there's no way I'm gonna get faster than 3mbit over my cable modem anyway. However, for whatever reason now and then it disconnects and the icon in the system tray produces a little bubble that says "One of more wireless networks are available, click here..."

This will happen while I'm away from my PC for a while (and XP drops to the user selection screen for me and me wife) or even when I'm just sitting at the computer, not using the connection. Any ideas as to how I can keep it connected all the time? I have my wireless laptop setup to use the printer on the desktop computer, and well... if I have to run upstairs to reconnect the wireless, that just defeats the purpose... Also, my laptop does not have these disconnection problems and is using Windows 2000.

 

[jonnyGURU]

If it helps any... I have the same problem and it's only in XP. In fact, I have a lot of networking problems in XP that I'm about to post. I'm sure they're all related, but....

For this particular problem, I've found a half-ass work around that is a pain, but it works. I turned DHCP off at the router and assigned my laptop a static IP address. When the laptop loses it's connection with the wireless router, I change the IP address from .10 to .11, for example, and then I'll magically reconnect.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: jonnyGURU
If it helps any... I have the same problem and it's only in XP. In fact, I have a lot of networking problems in XP that I'm about to post. I'm sure they're all related, but....

For this particular problem, I've found a half-ass work around that is a pain, but it works. I turned DHCP off at the router and assigned my laptop a static IP address. When the laptop loses it's connection with the wireless router, I change the IP address from .10 to .11, for example, and then I'll magically reconnect.

I've got no problem reconnecting, it's just that it loses the connection in the first place that's the problem. It's really annoying... I'm contemplating returning the wireless card and just running a wire to the router... even though it's going to be a total PITA. But I figured that I'd try these wonderful forums first...

of course, no forum really gets real traffic other than OT 🙂

 

[Sideswipe001]

I have seen that problem when using windows "built in" wireless networking. It was a Netgear wireless NIC, and all I did was install the newest drivers (with their tool that disables Microsoft's wireless connection manager). It worked solidly after that.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: jonnyGURU
If it helps any... I have the same problem and it's only in XP. In fact, I have a lot of networking problems in XP that I'm about to post. I'm sure they're all related, but....

For this particular problem, I've found a half-ass work around that is a pain, but it works. I turned DHCP off at the router and assigned my laptop a static IP address. When the laptop loses it's connection with the wireless router, I change the IP address from .10 to .11, for example, and then I'll magically reconnect.

I've got no problem reconnecting, it's just that it loses the connection in the first place that's the problem. It's really annoying... I'm contemplating returning the wireless card and just running a wire to the router... even though it's going to be a total PITA. But I figured that I'd try these wonderful forums first...

of course, no forum really gets real traffic other than OT 🙂

Well, my problem is on first power up too. I'll fire up the laptop and not be able to get online, unless of course I go into my TCP/IP properties and change the IP Address. Works the same way. Give it a shot. Wish I had a better answer, but it seems that TCP/IP in XP just plain sucks.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Sideswipe001
I have seen that problem when using windows "built in" wireless networking. It was a Netgear wireless NIC, and all I did was install the newest drivers (with their tool that disables Microsoft's wireless connection manager). It worked solidly after that.

For whatever reason, the connection tool for Linksys forces you to use the built in XP functions...

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: jonnyGURU

Originally posted by: Modeps

Originally posted by: jonnyGURU
If it helps any... I have the same problem and it's only in XP. In fact, I have a lot of networking problems in XP that I'm about to post. I'm sure they're all related, but....

For this particular problem, I've found a half-ass work around that is a pain, but it works. I turned DHCP off at the router and assigned my laptop a static IP address. When the laptop loses it's connection with the wireless router, I change the IP address from .10 to .11, for example, and then I'll magically reconnect.

I've got no problem reconnecting, it's just that it loses the connection in the first place that's the problem. It's really annoying... I'm contemplating returning the wireless card and just running a wire to the router... even though it's going to be a total PITA. But I figured that I'd try these wonderful forums first...

of course, no forum really gets real traffic other than OT 🙂

Well, my problem is on first power up too. I'll fire up the laptop and not be able to get online, unless of course I go into my TCP/IP properties and change the IP Address. Works the same way. Give it a shot. Wish I had a better answer, but it seems that TCP/IP in XP just plain sucks.

I think we're talking about two different issues actually. My problem isnt at boot up, it's a general problem that happens during normal operating... I rarely turn my desktop PC off, and it just randomly disconnects itself from the network.

 

[Modeps]

Alright, for my error I did a little searching around and found this:

Wireless Connection Drops with Windows XP Service Pack 1

This problem is believed to be fixed by Microsoft in Service Pack 2, which is available now. Otherwise, read this document for Service Pack 1.

These instructions apply only if you are using the Windows Utility to configure your wireless connection.

If a wireless connection drops every three to five minutes with Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), it may be incorrect authentication security settings. To avoid this problem, disable 802.1x authentication.

To disable 802.1x Authentication in Windows XP

1) Click Start, point to Connect To, Click Show all connections, and then double-click your wireless network.
2) On the General tab, click Properties.
3) Click the Wireless Networks tab.
4) Under Preferred Networks, click your home network and then click Properties.
5) Click the Authentication tab, and then clear the Enable IEEE 802.1x authentication for this network check box. (If you cannot click this check box, then you are not using 802.1x authentication or wireless security.)

 

[Modeps]

In case anyone wanted to know, the above worked splendidly... I've been connected for about 15 hours now.