Windows XP Wireless Network icon

[Purcy]

keeps popping up a little note saying the Wireless Network Connection "*****" (the name of my network) is now connected. I mean like every 10 minutes. I now am using a wireless D-Link router and have a Linksys Notebook adapter card plugged into the top slot of my T22. I am able to get onto the router right away, it works fine, nice strong signal; but I keep getting this blasted little pop up window from the wireless icon on the taskbar. Anyone know how to stop it??

Thank you

edited to say that I opened the Properties box of that little wireless icon and waited and for sure I am being dropped from the internet and then reconnected, that is when that little box pops up. I think I need some further configuring with my Zone Alarm firewall.

[rkawakami]

I think this is a result of Windows Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) service attempting to "help" you connect without any problems. If you have installed the Linksys drivers and wireless configuration utility for the PCMCIA adapter card, then you can tell Windows to go take a hike. I Google'd "windows wireless zero configuration" and this is the first hit:

http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/w ... hp/3577111

It suggests you open up Windows Administrative Tools Services control panel and disable the WZC service. You can try that or another way is to right-click the Network icon on the desktop, select Properties, right-click the Wireless Network Connection that's listed as "Connected" and again right-click Properties. This should display a small window with General, Wireless Networks, Advanced tabs. Click on Wireless Networks and un-check the box that says "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings".

I don't ever allow Windows to take control over the wireless card. The utility program that comes with most (all?) wireless cards I think will do a better job.

[Purcy]

Ray, thanks for answering; I just know it has something to do with that too; I did uncheck that box last night & I think I didn't have the little icon anymore, but then when I later wanted to connect, that icon was not there & when I inserted the card into the slot, I couldn't connect. I bought this Linksys card for $4 on Ebay,..... and well I didn't get any software. I went on the Linksys website & connected to their auto-configue tool, & it configured my card in my laptop for me. Seems I quite often take the sissy route. Well I got tired of that freaking pop-up, so I am typing this from my new Axim v51x! This works realy well with the router. By the way, what does "donor" in your sig mean?

[Stargate199]

I don't ever allow Windows to take control over the wireless card. The utility program that comes with most (all?) wireless cards I think will do a better job.

Then you have never used the wireless program that comes with Belkin wireless G cards. That absolutely sucks. The program will develop a problem a will require a reinstall. I loke the card because it picks up signals well, but the software is lousy. I have been using the WZC utility for sometime without any problems.

[Purcy]

Ray, that article was very informative, I have to try and find that Cisco/Linksys utility; hoping I get it to work with my XP.

This was my favorite part of the article though:

"In reality, disabling your SSID is no more secure than taping a broom handle across your steering wheel, hoping that thieves will mistake it for The Club. "

[rkawakami]

Then you have never used the wireless program that comes with Belkin wireless G cards.

I sort of do. For the PCMCIA adapters, I am using either D-Link DWL-650 (rev L1 or P1) or Netgear MA-401 cards. For MiniPCI adapters, I'm using a Broadcom 802.11b/g card with the Belkin Wireless Configuration Utility (V3.30.15.0)

I have never had a problem (software or hardware) with these Broadcom cards and Belkin utility program. I routinely hibernate my T23 at home where it's been talking to my 802.11b system and take it to work. I wake it up and within 10-15 seconds it sees the company's 802.11g AP. Both systems are configured as "preferred" networks and there has never been an issue with staying connected to either network.

[Purcy]

Alrighty then, I now have the Linksys WLAN Monitor installed and running and kicked that d**n WZC to the curb! I called Linksys and the nice lady guided me to download the newest driver for my card which included the WLAN Monitor, which definitely is supported by Windows XP. After installation I just re-installed my Linksys card, the computer found and installed it (again) and I opened up the WLAN Monitor and hopped onto my network. It has been 15 oh so blessed minutes without the dreaded "Wireless Network Connection Now Connected" greeting.

[Stargate199]

Ah, I see Ray. You are using the updated version. The cards I use is version 2.1. It always has some type of crash that will require a reinstall of the software. Had this happen with both the desktop and PCMCIA cards. Version 2.1 is very buggy and I keep clear of it. Besides, to even access my school's wireless, I need to use Windows ZGC config because there is plugin I must use to authenticate my computer. I could do it with the Belkin software, but it does not have the correct authentication server in it.