Missing Wireless Networks in WinXP

[KrisC]

I have an IBM laptop running winxp. Everything seems to be functioning fine, except I cant see any wireless networks.

I can access the network over a wire. (Cat5)
Hardware properties shows everything is fine.
I have uninstalled the adapter from within windows and updated the drivers.

I have connected an external usb wireless card with up to date drivers also. It shows intalled and functioning, yet still sees no wirelss networks.

I thought it may just be the internal minipci card just wiggled loose from its antena connection, but the usb card should have proven that wrong.

I have run Norton, spysweeper, spybot, and adaware.
All firewalls are turned off.

What could this be?

 

[KrisC]

up

 

[HN]

what router are you using?

 

[stash]

Is the wireless zero config service running?

 

[KrisC]

Yes it was. I just did a complete wipe/reinstall. All is well now.

The router didn't matter. It wouldn't "see" any networks. I tested it at many locations (Panera, Parents house, etc.)

 

[imported_TDOG]

If it's like 99% of wireless cards I've used you will have to go to the manufacturers site and download their utility to make it work. Like for the linksys card I have now windows recognizes it of course but it will not connect unless I have the linksys connection software installed that overrides the windows xp wireless config.

 

[Bluestealth]

Originally posted by: TDOG
If it's like 99% of wireless cards I've used you will have to go to the manufacturers site and download their utility to make it work. Like for the linksys card I have now windows recognizes it of course but it will not connect unless I have the linksys connection software installed that overrides the windows xp wireless config.

I would say that MOST are compatible with Windows Zero Config Service, however almost NONE of the linksys cards are compatible with the windows utility.

Also WHY does the windows icon not get out of the way once you have a third party utility? I mean who wants to be told twice that your wireless connection is unavailable, then twice that there are wireless networks in range, but you can only control it with one

Some third party utilities seem to have been designed by Satan himself, and some just don't work, or have broken functions.