what is the deal with access connections?

[sputnik611]

I have an x300 running XP. ThinkVantage Access Connections and Windows Network Connections seem to have all sorts of conflicts. For one thing, AC constantly turns off the wireless radio, for no discernible reason. Then, when I'm in any new location, AC won't connect at all. It gives me a message saying something about how I have to change my settings or properties (I can't remember the exact wording), and then I can't figure out how to do that. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I just uninstall Access Connections? Thanks!

[Marin85]

If you connect to many different networks both wired and wireless, AC is a very useful tool. But if you don´t, I don´t see a reason why to keep it and just let windows manage the connections. You may find the sticky Access Connections - some tips on how to use it very useful if you think you need to keep AC. Regarding AC turning off the wireless, this is a topic that has been covered here many times. It´s actually not AC that is doing this, but the power management. This thread should provide you with a solution to the wifi turning off issue. Other than that I´m not sure what other conflicts between windows network connections and AC you are experiencing. Also, if you let us know what the exact message of the error was, someone at this forum may be able to help you out.

Cheers,

Marin

[sputnik611]

Thanks, Marin. I'll try what you suggest. And next time I get the error message, I'll post it here and see if anyone can help me.

[kernelpanic]

You mentioned a conflict between windows wireless management and TP AC. You do know, don't you , that you have to disable windows wireless management (disable from the services control panel) in order to use Access Connections?

[sputnik611]

You mentioned a conflict between windows wireless management and TP AC. You do know, don't you , that you have to disable windows wireless management (disable from the services control panel) in order to use Access Connections?

I didn't know that, actually. I decided to uninstall Access Connections, so I'm not having any issues now. Thanks.

[jdhurst]

What others who use Access Connections need to know is that in Advanced Settings in the Wireless tab, you need to set card power management to maximum performance. .... JDH

[Maccess]

I've been noticing these conflict issues with recent updates to the Intel Wireless Driver and Access Connections. Sometimes it works fine, then several reboots later, AC just can't connect, I have to manually choose to "Let Windows Manage your Wireless Connection," effectively ignoring AC to make the connection. AC stays stuck with attempting to connect unless it is manually stopped.

I've only been able to fix it by re-installing the Intel Wireless Driver and AC....until the problem re-occurs several reboots later.

I like AC, when it works its great (although I'd like it to be able to also change my power profile with location profile changes), but with these recent conflicts, It has become annoying.