Wireless Configuration Lockdown

[jdw2]

Hey guys,

I have a wireless modem/router that users bring out on the job with them. I configured the laptops to automatically connect to the wireless router by default using the Windows Wireless Configuration tool built into WinXP.

What I am trying to do is lock down WinXP's wireless configuration so that they can not change the password that I put in by accident or connect to someone else's SSID. I am unable to find a way to do this. Is this possible? It would save me much frustration in the future. Thanks in advance.

 

[JackMDS]

The solution is Not controlling the Wireless via the Laptops, but via RADIUS Server.

Employees? Not using their Work Laptops elsewhere is more of a disciplinary issue rather than technology.

 

[jdw2]

That's what I was afraid of . The laptops are pretty locked down so that they can not go around changing settings and the only thing that is really concerning me is the wireless part. The less changes they can make the better. Thanks Jack.

 

[spidey07]

Well I'm sure this is something you can do from a group policy (sorry, don't know squat about that or machine administration), it may be better to use the wireless configuration utility provided with the cards and disable windows zero configuration.

 

[jdw2]

As far as group policy's go I couldn't find one that would do what I'm trying to achieve. I like your idea of using the manufacturer's utility instead. In the past I've always sworn off the 3rd party ones in favor for the built in Windows configuration but this is definitley worth a shot. Since these laptops have Intel cards I'll download this. I'll give it a shot tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[spidey07]

Take this to heart - the provided utility of most cards (especially Intel) is far superior to windows zero config in every way. But it comes with an administrative high cost by trying to manage all those cards and their utilities.

The choice of using using zero config vs. card utility is an extremely pro versus con decision based on your environment. There is no right answer here, and it's the most difficult decision I face as it involves client operating system management, how well that is done and the mix of the clients you have now and could possibly ever use in the future.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Take this to heart - the provided utility of most cards (especially Intel) is far superior to windows zero config in every way. But it comes with an administrative high cost by trying to manage all those cards and their utilities.

The choice of using using zero config vs. card utility is an extremely pro versus con decision based on your environment. There is no right answer here, and it's the most difficult decision I face as it involves client operating system management, how well that is done and the mix of the clients you have now and could possibly ever use in the future.

I see you are a connoisseur of fine network adapters. Unfortunately if you get the Dell, Belkin, linksys, and other crowds involved things aren't so rosy. Intel's might be top notch but most everything else out there but zero config is absolute crap.