Very strange Windows XP Wireless LAN Problem

[Jeff Kelly]

Since a few weeks ago I have a very strange Windows XP Wireless LAN problem.

I can no longer connect to certain access points. If I try to connect to my own W-LAN box for example I always get the error message (paraphrased) "Windows couldn't connect to the wireless network. It might be out of range or is switched off". I get this error message although I have maximum signal strength and am standing right next to the access point.

I have tried everything. Changing channels, trying different encryption modes (WEP. WPA, WPA2, no encryption), disabling firewalls and virus scanners, you name it. Yet I cannot connect to my access point.

If I try to connect via Linux or Mac OS X on the same computer (I own a MacBook Pro) it works without problems so I do not think that it is a hardware problem. It also worked on Windows before.

Has anybody encountered something like this?

I use Windows XP professional with current patches.

[Trippy]

Do you see your router/bridge in the list of sites you can connect to? Have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling your wireless drivers?

[Engels]

Windows wireless stuff is reliably unreliable, I've found.

Are you using a 3rd party WLan utility, for example the one that comes with Dell laptops? I've also found that wireless info gets 'stuck' sometimes on the adapter itself. I'd right click on 'My Network Places', select Properties, and disable and re-enable the wireless card from there, then see if it shows up. You can also do this manually from a command prompt by typing ipconfig /release and then using the wireless gui again to reconnect.

[Brolan]

Have you tried rebooting your WAP by unplugging it for about 30 seconds?

[Ironwood]

If you're Using the Default XP Wireless controller, don't.  Find out what Network adapter you have and use their utilities.

Otherwise, that is a puzzler.

[Lt.Dan]

I had a similar experience but moving to a different channel fixed it. 

[Jeff Kelly]

OK a quick update:

I have rebootet/resetted/ my WAP and set to default config.
I use the standard Windows XP wireless selection tool (there are no tools from the manufacturer)
I have tried three different channels (1, 6, 11)

I can see the network in that Windows XP Tool and it is shown with maximum signal strength.

Strange.

[Trippy]

Did you turn on some sort of security restriction on the router like MAC addressing? Are you using the same security protocol on both ends (WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, etc.)?

[Jeff Kelly]

Did you turn on some sort of security restriction on the router like MAC addressing? Are you using the same security protocol on both ends (WEP, WPA-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, etc.)?

mac filter is off. I have tried all different security settings (WEP, WPA (TKIP and AES), WPA2 and even switching off encryption alltogether.

[Arthur_Parker]

Ignore me, I can't read.

[Trippy]

Does your access point have a status display showing who is trying to connect to it? If so, does it show your Windows box trying to connect?