WinXP--can see, but can't connect to network

[geeyoff]

Hi. I'm using a Netgear MA-101 to try to connect to an SMC 2404WBR wireless router, and I'm running Windows XP Home with service pack 1 installed.

A little while ago, I could connect to the wireless network without any trouble. There's no encryption, so when Windows would start up, I'd get a bubble saying "One or more wireless networks are available. To see a list of available networks, click here." When I'd click that bubble, it'd bring up a dialog box where I could specify that I wanted to connect to the only listed network, even though it's not secure. Then I'd click the "connect" button, and viola, everything would work.

After messing around a little with the computer's hardware (NOTHING that should have affected Windows or the network--just a case fan), I can't connect to the network anymore. I get the same bubble saying "One or more wireless networks are available..." but after I go through the process of telling Windows to connect to it, that same bubble just pops up again. And again. Windows is aware that the wireless network exists, but it just won't connect anymore. I've experiment with different channels and preambles, I've messed around with the Wireless Zero Configuration, I've tried different drivers... but nothing has worked.

Has anybody had this or a similar problem before? Can anybody provide any insight? Thanks for any and all help.

--Geeyoff

[TK Doom]

Make sure that the Authenticate for 802.11x or whatever box is NOT checked.

[geeyoff]

Originally posted by TK Doom
Make sure that the Authenticate for 802.11x or whatever box is NOT checked.

Done. It's not checked, and it never was. The problem lies elsewhere... Any other ideas? BTW, thanks for responding.

[TK Doom]

Maybe a little more info?

So you are a using a wireless PCI card on a desktop computer (tower)?


Did you lose power to AP?

Assuming it is a PCI card, try a different slot?

Maybe you jarred it?

Dunno...

[geeyoff]

More info:
It's a USB wireless network adapter. Netgear's MA-101, using the most recent drivers, which are ver. 2.1

The router is an SMC Barricade Turbo, model 2404WBR, using the most recent firmware of 1.0.8

It's a mid-tower desktop running Windows XP Home with Service Pack 1 installed. The internet connection is a cable, but that shouldn't matter, because that's on the other side of the router that I can't even connect to.

The USB adapter works fine when I connect it to the laptop, which is also running WinXP Home. Therefore, I know that I didn't somehow break it. The router, too, is functioning properly with other computers. I'm on a laptop that's connected to it right now, and in front of me is the desktop, unable to connect to it, but aware of its existence. (This is proven when I click on the bubble saying that one or more wireless networks are available, and I see the SSID of the network listed.)

If there's any other info that I can provide, please let me know; I really appreciate the help.

--Geoff

[TK Doom]

Ok, that is really weird. :(


I really can't think of anything else, as my wireless network (except for my recently fixed laptop problem) runs solid and I've never had any problems.


How important is this computer...

How about the almighty format/re-install? :D



But before you do that, maybe you should screen by screen, dialogue box by dialogue box look at all the network setups and make sure they are the same? Between the desktop and the working laptop?

Sorry couldn't be of more help.

[Greenstead]

Annoying problem. I have seen it occasionally.

SP1 did introduce some new problems on wireless networking. The most noticable is the wireless connection is lost on resume from hibernate or standby.

Generally the solution is to disable/enable the connection. Or a reboot of the PC.

Also try a hard reset on the router (and configure it again).

btw Thats good advice to compare settings between laptop and desktop.