Windows will connect to a wireless network, but I can't change it. - by Tonamel
Tonamel on 2/1/2010 at 08:34
To elaborate:
When I start my computer up, it connects to wireless, no problem. Internet's working, everything's happy.
Except it's my neighbor's wireless. Which wouldn't be an issue if I didn't have a network drive plugged into my router with all my music on it. So I right click on the system tray icon, pick "view available wireless networks" and...
"Windows cannot configure this wireless connection." Well, that's no good.
I've found a few solutions across the web, but they all involve opening the properties for the connection, and enabling Wireless Zero Configuration in the "Wireless Connection" tab. Which would be awesome IF I HAD SUCH A TAB.
Any thoughts? Constantly disconnecting and reconnecting until I manage to find my network is more than a bit of a pain.
It's an HP Pavillion dv9000 running WinXP
Al_B on 2/1/2010 at 15:59
You've probably got some other software managing your wireless connection - which is why Windows is saying it can't manage it. Normally you should have another icon in your tray which will launch the appropriate wireless configuration tool.
On the "General" tab of the wireless adapter property information (where you've been looking for the "Wireless networks" tab - what is the name of the adapter? That might give some clues about which software you need to open and / or disable.
Tonamel on 2/1/2010 at 18:16
There is another icon in the system tray, but it only opens the HP Wireless Assistant, which reports on the wireless connections currently active. It doesn't let me configure them.
The "Connect using:" box says: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
theBlackman on 3/1/2010 at 04:28
Look at your NETWORK CONNECTIONS WIZARD in the ACCESORIES menu. There should be an option to search for active networks in your vicinity.
If you have a wireless setup in your home you should be able to configure it with the wizard.
If you don't have a wireless connection that YOU OWN, you can't from where you are. In an open WI-FI setting (a cafe, coffee shop etc.) you can open it and go on line.
There is a NEW CONNECTION WIZARD, and a WIRELESS NETWORK WIZARD. One of these should work. Also disable the neighbors wireless (delete the connection when it shows up)
Tonamel on 3/1/2010 at 05:31
Quote Posted by theBlackman
Look at your NETWORK CONNECTIONS WIZARD in the ACCESORIES menu.
Doesn't exist :(
Quote:
There should be an option to search for active networks in your vicinity.
That's an option under the New Connection Wizard, but it just pops up the same window that tells me Windows can't configure the connection.
Volitions Advocate on 3/1/2010 at 07:36
Don't just jump on this when I say it, do some research first and see if you can remedy this if it doesn't work..
But i'd say you should uninstall your HP Wireless Assistant. It might be what is messing you up. Like Al B said. I currently use Network magic to network my house together because I have a Vista, W7 and XP computer and its a nightmare to get them all running, but aside from that I also use Network Magic to connect to my wireless network. There is a little checkbox in one of the Network Magic windows that says something to the effect of: "Use network magic to connect to wireless networks" ...
If I go to the "wireless networks in range" in the system tray (as in the normal windows version) it says that another program is being used to connect and that windows has no control over it.
Your HP program has probably taken over and isn't letting you do anything about it. So if you can uninstall it, windows will take over by default and you should be able to adjust your setting properly.
but like I said. Make sure that getting rid of your HP bloatware won't hurt your installation first.
(I know all about bloatware, I'm running a gateway)
Fafhrd on 3/1/2010 at 07:42
You're on at least SP2, right?
What kind of router do you have?
Are your router and the neighbour's router using the same SSID? You might want to grab a cable and connect directly to your router and change that, if it is.
Is 'Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings' checked off in the Wireless Networks tab of the Network connection properties?
And what networks are listed in the 'Preferred Networks' heading of the Wireless Networks tab?
Tonamel on 3/1/2010 at 08:13
Quote Posted by Fafhrd
You're on at least SP2, right?
Of course :)
Quote:
What kind of router do you have?
Linksys wireless-B, which to be honest has never been that reliable, but I can't get a list of wireless networks anywhere, not just at home.
Quote:
Are your router and the neighbour's router using the same SSID? You might want to grab a cable and connect directly to your router and change that, if it is.
I have no idea who owns the other networks, I only know that I keep connecting to theirs instead of mine (the network names are different).
Quote:
Is 'Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings' checked off in the Wireless Networks tab of the Network connection properties?
And what networks are listed in the 'Preferred Networks' heading of the Wireless Networks tab?
The Wireless Networks tab does not exist.
Fafhrd on 3/1/2010 at 10:00
Quote Posted by Tonamel
The Wireless Networks tab does not exist.
Well that's just bizarre.
theBlackman on 3/1/2010 at 11:33
I am with Fafhrd. I show in Programs/Accessories/Communications a NETWORK CONNECTIONS, NETWORK SETUP WIZARD, NEW CONNECTIONS WIZARD, and a WIRELESS SETUP WIZARD.
XP PRO SP2
If you don't see it in the ACCESSORIES try the CONTROL PANEL and look for all three in the file list.
