T42p Networking Issue

[BrianR]

I just got a new T42p 2373KXU with Windows XP Pro SP1.

Instead of seeing the standard Ethernet NIC and WiFI nics under Network Connections I see three items: Network Bridge, Local Area Connection, and Wireless Network connection.

The problem with this is that it looks like the two NICs are sharing a single piece of hardware. For example. While both connections appear to be active, I only get one IP address (assigned to the bridge, not to the individual NICs).

The other problem is I find no way to turn on XP's built in Firewall. (Yes I could use a 3rd party product, but I connect to a customer who has software that checks for the MSFT one to be enabled).

Any thoughts/ideas about what is going?

Cheers,

Brian Randell

[jdhurst]

I would start by disabling or deleting the Network Bridge. You don't need it in a normal environment. I don't recall that the Network Bridge appears by default when you set up XP.

Then, Local Area Connection *is* your Ethernet NIC. Right click on it to see the properties. Under Advanced, you will find the Microsoft Firewall.

In a like manner, Wireless Network Connection *is* your Wireless NIC. Right click on it to see the properties.

In an environment where a wireless signal exists and you are on a wired connection, there can be conflicts. Either disable the NIC you don't normally use, or use Access Connections to manage the connections. I am still using Access Connections 3.1. It works fine. V3.2 is most definitely a dud. V3.21 is supposed to be a fix, and does work for some folk, but I can easily make it fail (Windows hangs on shutdown trying to release network connections). V3.1 is known good.
... JDHurst

[BrianR]

Thanks JD.

I'll give it a try and report back.

Cheers,

Brian

[BrianR]

Well that worked!

Lfie is good. Thanks again.

Cheers,

Brian