Having problems with system using Microsoft wireless base station and adapter
and would sincerely appreciate any advice.
I've used the wireless network for a couple of years or so without any
problems.
I just replaced one of my PCs with a new computer running XP Media Center
edition. When I plugged in the wireless adapter and put in the broadband
wireless networking software installation CD, I got a message indicating a
"known compatibility issue" with Media Center version of Windows. I continued
and completed the installation wizard, but it wouldn't connect with my
network.
It did, however, seem eager to connect with the wireless networks of a
couple of my neighbors whose signals were strong enough. To my shame, I
hitchhiked on one of their connections long enough to look through
microsoft.com for info about this supposed compatibility issue, but couldn't
find a clue about what to do other than to download the latest broadband
networking software.
After running the install wizard from the downloaded software instead of the
CD that came with the adapter, I still couldn't get my network to connect. I
had been using encryption setting. Because I wasn't having any trouble
accessing neighbors' unencrypted networks, I thought perhaps the encryption
was the problem. I turned off encryption at my base station, but that didn't
do the trick either.
I've about run out of ideas. It appears that somehow the change to Media
Center version is creating the problem, but I'm open to any and all
suggestions.
As a last kick in the rear, perhaps unrelated I guess, I'll note that after
turning off the encryption setting, Microsoft Outlook suddenly started
throwing up error messages at me whenever I try to check my e-mail. I'm
having to use e-mail through my broadband provider's Web site.

The issue is the software you're using off the CD is probably the old
version of the base station management stuff and is not compatible with XP
SP2 (not specifically MCE). You really don't need that old software.

Try opening Control Panel, then going to Administrative Tools/Services.
You'll find toward the bottom an entry for Wireless Zero Configuration.
Enable that, and make sure it is running.

Now go to Network Connections and select the icon representing your network
adapter and select Properties. You'll see three tabs, General, Wireless
Networks and Advanced. First, go to the Wireless Networks tab and make sure
there's a check mark in the box near the top, "Use Windows to configure my
wireless network settings."

After that, you should see the Preferred networks section about mid-screen,
where your wireless network's name should be listed. Highlight that with a
single left-click, then select Properties. On the Association tab, make
sure the Network name (SSID) matches your LAN name, select Open in the top
box and then Data encryption of WEP (if that's what you're using. Put in
the Network key (and then confirm when the box appears below). If there is
a check mark next to "The key is provided for me automatically" remove it.
OK your way out, and restart the system.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone


"Bulldog Bob" <Bulldog Bob@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6B6C09DA-A920-4812-93D0-708D051DB2B1@microsoft.com...
> Having problems with system using Microsoft wireless base station and
> adapter
> and would sincerely appreciate any advice.
> I've used the wireless network for a couple of years or so without any
> problems.
> I just replaced one of my PCs with a new computer running XP Media Center
> edition. When I plugged in the wireless adapter and put in the broadband
> wireless networking software installation CD, I got a message indicating a
> "known compatibility issue" with Media Center version of Windows. I
> continued
> and completed the installation wizard, but it wouldn't connect with my
> network.
> It did, however, seem eager to connect with the wireless networks of a
> couple of my neighbors whose signals were strong enough. To my shame, I
> hitchhiked on one of their connections long enough to look through
> microsoft.com for info about this supposed compatibility issue, but
> couldn't
> find a clue about what to do other than to download the latest broadband
> networking software.
> After running the install wizard from the downloaded software instead of
> the
> CD that came with the adapter, I still couldn't get my network to connect.
> I
> had been using encryption setting. Because I wasn't having any trouble
> accessing neighbors' unencrypted networks, I thought perhaps the
> encryption
> was the problem. I turned off encryption at my base station, but that
> didn't
> do the trick either.
> I've about run out of ideas. It appears that somehow the change to Media
> Center version is creating the problem, but I'm open to any and all
> suggestions.
> As a last kick in the rear, perhaps unrelated I guess, I'll note that
> after
> turning off the encryption setting, Microsoft Outlook suddenly started
> throwing up error messages at me whenever I try to check my e-mail. I'm
> having to use e-mail through my broadband provider's Web site.

While the MSBBN software is essentially useless in Windows XP SP2, the OP
should benefit from downloading the latest/last release of the software for
the updated drivers for the network adapter (whatever it might be).

You can download it through here
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/814445

--
Gary Tsang
http://www.gtsang.com

Microsoft MVP - Windows Media Center
http://www.microsoft.com/mvp


"Chris H." <winxpnews@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:%2346DfBBIHHA.3872@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> The issue is the software you're using off the CD is probably the old
> version of the base station management stuff and is not compatible with XP
> SP2 (not specifically MCE). You really don't need that old software.
>
> Try opening Control Panel, then going to Administrative Tools/Services.
> You'll find toward the bottom an entry for Wireless Zero Configuration.
> Enable that, and make sure it is running.
>
> Now go to Network Connections and select the icon representing your
> network adapter and select Properties. You'll see three tabs, General,
> Wireless Networks and Advanced. First, go to the Wireless Networks tab
> and make sure there's a check mark in the box near the top, "Use Windows
> to configure my wireless network settings."
>
> After that, you should see the Preferred networks section about
> mid-screen, where your wireless network's name should be listed.
> Highlight that with a single left-click, then select Properties. On the
> Association tab, make sure the Network name (SSID) matches your LAN name,
> select Open in the top box and then Data encryption of WEP (if that's what
> you're using. Put in the Network key (and then confirm when the box
> appears below). If there is a check mark next to "The key is provided for
> me automatically" remove it. OK your way out, and restart the system.
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "Bulldog Bob" <Bulldog Bob@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6B6C09DA-A920-4812-93D0-708D051DB2B1@microsoft.com...
>> Having problems with system using Microsoft wireless base station and
>> adapter
>> and would sincerely appreciate any advice.
>> I've used the wireless network for a couple of years or so without any
>> problems.
>> I just replaced one of my PCs with a new computer running XP Media Center
>> edition. When I plugged in the wireless adapter and put in the broadband
>> wireless networking software installation CD, I got a message indicating
>> a
>> "known compatibility issue" with Media Center version of Windows. I
>> continued
>> and completed the installation wizard, but it wouldn't connect with my
>> network.
>> It did, however, seem eager to connect with the wireless networks of a
>> couple of my neighbors whose signals were strong enough. To my shame, I
>> hitchhiked on one of their connections long enough to look through
>> microsoft.com for info about this supposed compatibility issue, but
>> couldn't
>> find a clue about what to do other than to download the latest broadband
>> networking software.
>> After running the install wizard from the downloaded software instead of
>> the
>> CD that came with the adapter, I still couldn't get my network to
>> connect. I
>> had been using encryption setting. Because I wasn't having any trouble
>> accessing neighbors' unencrypted networks, I thought perhaps the
>> encryption
>> was the problem. I turned off encryption at my base station, but that
>> didn't
>> do the trick either.
>> I've about run out of ideas. It appears that somehow the change to Media
>> Center version is creating the problem, but I'm open to any and all
>> suggestions.
>> As a last kick in the rear, perhaps unrelated I guess, I'll note that
>> after
>> turning off the encryption setting, Microsoft Outlook suddenly started
>> throwing up error messages at me whenever I try to check my e-mail. I'm
>> having to use e-mail through my broadband provider's Web site.
>
>

Thanks Chris. I'll give this a shot when I get home tonight and keep my
fingers crossed. Sounds like good advice, though.


"Chris H." wrote:

> The issue is the software you're using off the CD is probably the old
> version of the base station management stuff and is not compatible with XP
> SP2 (not specifically MCE). You really don't need that old software.
>
> Try opening Control Panel, then going to Administrative Tools/Services.
> You'll find toward the bottom an entry for Wireless Zero Configuration.
> Enable that, and make sure it is running.
>
> Now go to Network Connections and select the icon representing your network
> adapter and select Properties. You'll see three tabs, General, Wireless
> Networks and Advanced. First, go to the Wireless Networks tab and make sure
> there's a check mark in the box near the top, "Use Windows to configure my
> wireless network settings."
>
> After that, you should see the Preferred networks section about mid-screen,
> where your wireless network's name should be listed. Highlight that with a
> single left-click, then select Properties. On the Association tab, make
> sure the Network name (SSID) matches your LAN name, select Open in the top
> box and then Data encryption of WEP (if that's what you're using. Put in
> the Network key (and then confirm when the box appears below). If there is
> a check mark next to "The key is provided for me automatically" remove it.
> OK your way out, and restart the system.
> --
> Chris H.
> Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
> Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
> Associate Expert
> Expert Zone - www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
>
>
> "Bulldog Bob" <Bulldog Bob@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:6B6C09DA-A920-4812-93D0-708D051DB2B1@microsoft.com...
> > Having problems with system using Microsoft wireless base station and
> > adapter
> > and would sincerely appreciate any advice.
> > I've used the wireless network for a couple of years or so without any
> > problems.
> > I just replaced one of my PCs with a new computer running XP Media Center
> > edition. When I plugged in the wireless adapter and put in the broadband
> > wireless networking software installation CD, I got a message indicating a
> > "known compatibility issue" with Media Center version of Windows. I
> > continued
> > and completed the installation wizard, but it wouldn't connect with my
> > network.
> > It did, however, seem eager to connect with the wireless networks of a
> > couple of my neighbors whose signals were strong enough. To my shame, I
> > hitchhiked on one of their connections long enough to look through
> > microsoft.com for info about this supposed compatibility issue, but
> > couldn't
> > find a clue about what to do other than to download the latest broadband
> > networking software.
> > After running the install wizard from the downloaded software instead of
> > the
> > CD that came with the adapter, I still couldn't get my network to connect.
> > I
> > had been using encryption setting. Because I wasn't having any trouble
> > accessing neighbors' unencrypted networks, I thought perhaps the
> > encryption
> > was the problem. I turned off encryption at my base station, but that
> > didn't
> > do the trick either.
> > I've about run out of ideas. It appears that somehow the change to Media
> > Center version is creating the problem, but I'm open to any and all
> > suggestions.
> > As a last kick in the rear, perhaps unrelated I guess, I'll note that
> > after
> > turning off the encryption setting, Microsoft Outlook suddenly started
> > throwing up error messages at me whenever I try to check my e-mail. I'm
> > having to use e-mail through my broadband provider's Web site.
>
>
>