Wireless Zero Configuration Won't Start

[tehach]

My wife's Dell laptop (Inspiron E1405, Intel Core Duo T2050 @ 1.6GHz, 512 MB RAM, Windows XP SP2 MCE 2002) has an issue with the wireless configuration utility. It will not stay turned on when Windows starts and I have to go to the Services tab and start it manually.

I followed Microsoft's directions (tech article 871122), checked the services box marked "Automatic" (that stays checked), and start the service manually. That activates the "Wireless Networks" tab in the wireless network connection properties window. I then check the box "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings" box and all is well.

However upon reboot, the service does not start and I have to run through the procedure again to enable wireless. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling, disabling and enabling the wireless driver to no avail. Otherwise the system runs perfectly.

It used to work, the only changes were about a month ago I reinstalled a corrupted automatic windows update that caused some problems with the USB ports, and removed the trojan vundo. Generally she uses it on a wired network, no problems.

Any ideas how to make this service start automatically? Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

The utility is probably starting too. Most 3rd party uitlities switch WZC Off.

http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html

 

[nweaver]

I would uninstall the INtel Proset software, or just use it (I prefer the proset stuff myself)

 

[tehach]

Thanks, thats what I was figuring too. I just can't figure out what the 3rd party utility, probably from Dell, is called at startup. Whatever it might be, it doesn't work because when I try to view the available wireless connections, it defaults to the windows utility which tells me that windows isn't configured to manage the wireless.

I followed your link but regarding disabling the 3rd party utility, it only points to checking the startup services. I've scoured the list but can't figure out what it might be, what's switching off WZC at startup...

I watched the Dell tech rep try remotely, but he just tried all the same things I already tried then said to reinstall windows....

 

[nweaver]

what kind of card is in the laptop (it's one of the most important bits, and you forgot it )

If it's an Intel, it won't be dell branded S/W, it will be the Intel Proset software. otherwise, it's either broadcom/atheros, and it will be "dell wireless utility" type naming.

 

[tehach]

I don't see Proset software anywhere, its not listed in the add/remove programs list. Where do you suppose windows is hiding it?

 

[nweaver]

what is the wireless card in Device Manager?

 

[tehach]

Yes, I did forget that little tidbit...Its listed as a Dell Wireless 1390 WLAN Mini-card, manufactured by Broadcom...

 

[nweaver]

then it won't be proset, it would be broadcom's, which looks a LOT like WZC (depending on the version). Go download the latest from dell's web page and try it...I'm NOT a big fan of WZC, and just turn it off and install the mfgs utililty.

 

[tehach]

thanks, I'm gonna go try that, nice idea.

 

[JackMDS]

These two would help in finding out what is running. http://www.ezlan.net/infestation#startup

 

[tehach]

Ok, got it fixed. I found and went into the Broadcom utility and checked the appropriate radio buttons and let it manage... thanks for your excellent suggestions.