Do I need ThinkVantage Access Connections?

[louise]

After having installed the newest version of ThinkVantage Access Connections and the newest driver for the Intel Pro Wireless, I now have to logon to Windows XP Pro.

I can't change this, according to MS, because a program (it is ThinkVantage), has installed tvt_gina.dll.

If I want fast user switching and automatic logon, tvt_gina.dll has to go....says MS.

IBM told me that ThinkVantage will create a more stable wireless connection than if I just use Windows. But is this true?

Thanks

Louise

[christopher_wolf]

That dll has to do with the ThinkVantage Fingerprint replacement logon window; it enables the default Windows logon to be replaced. It doesn't have much of anything to do with Access Connections unless you have tied Access Connections to the login; even then AC wouldn't have anything to depend on that dll for. If you disable the FPR login method, you can later re-enable fast-user switching and the default windows logon.

[K0LO]

In answer to your question, Louise, I found the opposite to be true. Connecting to different wireless networks has been easier, faster, and more stable since ditching Access Connections. Also, several of my co-workers who were having trouble with their wireless connections dropping at random also have had much better luck by uninstalling Access Connections and using the native Windows Wireless Zero to manage their wireless.

Access connections has some nice features that you might miss, but if you only connect in auto mode (using DHCP) all of the time, letting Windows manage your wireless is just fine.

Also, here's a thread discussing your problem: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... b66514fbe8. The last two posts on page 2 at the end of the thread may be the simplest solution for you.

Mark

[Kyocera]

I've had fine performance from both my laptops using windows to configure, never had any problems and I jump around on customers/home/work/driving around, and even use my laptop to test hardware on our customers wireless networks.

I have seen more than a few posts across all models with access connection problems, sometimes I wonder if it is really worth it. Using windows does not require a lot of effort to use across wired and wireless networks.

I second k0lo.

[louise]

I uninstalled Access Connections and I now have the normal Windows welcome screen.

If TV_Gina.dll is still floating around in my registry, it can stay there. Or, when I run JV16 registry cleaner, deleting it might be suggested - don't know yet.

Managing wireless in Windows has been MUCH faster and the connection seems to be at least as stable as it was with Access Connections - maybe moreso.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Louise

[DavidNZ]

I'm on one week using Windows to manage wired/wireless connections after doing a full re-install of XP. I'm thinking I may just not both with AC for the time being.

[Kyocera]

See how it works out for you, usually i'll be able to connect to every network that appears in the list, even if I can't get through their security (which I'm not supposed to anyway) i can still connect to their signal.