Resolved Can't configure WiFi in XP

Hi all,

I'm trying to help someone to setup a wireless connection in Windows XP.

I had him make sure that Wireless Zero Config was set to "Automatic Started" in Services.

However, in Control Panel | Network Connections, there's only two listings: New Connection Wizard, and Network Setup Wizard. There is no Wireless Connections listed.

I had him check the Registry (HKLM-System-CurrentControlSet-Services-WZCSVC) and Start and 2 are there, as well as Wireless Zero Configuration.

Still no Wireless Config in Control Panel.

What do I do now?

 

Is his wireless card driver installed? Check out the device manager to see if there are unknown devices. In my experience with XP the Wireless Connections won't be listed unless a wireless driver is installed.

 

Under "Network Connections" you set up a "new connection" - either directly wired or wireless.

Mitch

 

@kmstrube81,

Nope - no yellow "! "'s in the Device Mangler; and there is a Network adapter installed.

@Mitch,

We've been trying that for New Connection and there's no listing anywhere for Wireless, only Dial-up or hard-wire DSL.

 

Is there a Wireless Network Adapter installed? Giving us the system specs would be very helpful.

Mitch

 

Hi Mitch,

Sorry for the tardy reply, but I have to wait till he's home (which ain't often).

He's got an AT&T 2-Wire modem (DSL and wireless combo) and he's got the "rabbit ears" that plug into the back of the router\modem. He's got his computer hard wired to the modem and he's trying to piggy-back off his neighbors wifi. She gave him her password and everything. He's got signal (the light on the modem) but every time he tries to connect (by clicking Connect in Network Connection) it starts, and then after a few seconds it disconnects.

 

The Hardwired to HIS modem is overriding the wireless. If he wants his neighbors wireless, what is he doing hardwired into his modem. Unplug his hardwire and see what happens.

 

@Bill,

So, he should hookup the "rabbit ears" directly to the back of his computer and not use his router\modem?

@Tony,

Client Mode sounds good. How do we get there?

 

I have no idea. Haven't done this before. I don't have neighbors close enough to try to do this. I just use my own Modem/Router and go from there.

What happens if the neighbors stuff goes out and they are gone for a month? I don't like to depend on anybody but myself if I can help it.

 

I doubt the antennae can be used by the computer in the first way you described.

I doubt your router has client mode but to find out try to go to http://192.168.1.1 , http://192.168.2.1 , or http:// 192.168.0.1 to login into the router and see if it has any thing of the sort listed.

I can almost guarantee that a dsl modem/wifi combo wont have client mode though. He'll probably need to buy a wifi adapter or more preferably internet service as using his neighbors wifi is most likely against the terms of service they agreed to when they got wireless internet

 

Hi KMS,

His neighbor is the one who suggested he use her wifi. He did have DSL, but, since his neighbor (who is on the same phone circuit — although they have different numbers) also has AT&T DSL, they disconnected him because "the CPUC says that you can't have two DSL lines on the same circuit. "

I know it makes no sense, but AT&T is adamant on the point.

 

DSL is dedicated to a cable pair with or with out a phone number attached to it. You can not be on a party line and have DSL unless they have changed it. Worked for Bell and AT&T for over 30 years and that was a rule. Don't believe that somebody has the story straight unless it has changed.

 

@MrBill,

He's not on a party line. His stuff is separate from hers. As far as the story not being straight, I agree 100% — I don't think AT&T knows what they're talking about. He did have DSL through DSLExtreme and then through AT&T for about 4 months, then they cut him off with the "no two connections . . " stuff.

Since you worked for AT&T, are you still in contact with anyone? I'd kinda like to know what this is all about.

 

No I am not in contact with anyone. Been gone from there to long. They do still have supervisors and are handled by the PSC is some states. That would be the route that I would go.

 

Update

He got a USB wifi hookup and it didn't work. AT&T sent two guys out to try to figure out why he couldn't connect. After maybe an hour, one of the guys went out to the truck and got one of his USB adapters and, lo' and behold(!) perfect connection.

Finally.

Anyway, thanks for all your input.