Wireless Log On to Domain 2

[cburnsgcg]

Hi,

We have just installed WPC54GS cards in a few laptops at our office, and have set up WRT54GS routers throughout to provide a roaming wireless network for these users.

Problem is, when the computer boots up, the wireless network is not found until AFTER the user logs into the computer and the Linksys software starts up.

Can anyone help me to set up the machines/cards so that when the PC boots up the wireless connection to the network is established before logging on so that users can log on to our Windows domain without a problem? Machines are running windows XP.

Thanks
Chris

 

[bcastner]

Are you using the client software?

This issue should not happen with the Wireless Zero Configuration Service of XP.

I can give you a workaround if using the Linksys client, but this should not be an issue. I am very concerned that when XP SP2 comes around (soon), you are going to have many other issues.

Please advise with additional details of your install.

 

[cburnsgcg]

I tried to use the Wireless Zero Configuration Service as follows on 2 machines:

- Uninstall Linksys software (or use a fresh laptop that hasn't seen the card)
- Insert Linksys Card into PCMCIA slot.
- When prompted for drivers, insert Linksys CD so that it finds the card's drivers.
- It says that the card is found ok, but it won't find our wireless network. We have SSID brodcast enabled, so it should come up, but it doesn't.

We are using WPA and I've downloaded the windows XP update for that.

Any other details that you might need?

Thanks
Chris

 

[bcastner]

Possibly a TI PCMCIA chipset issue.

Use the alternative driver: ftp://ftp.linksys.com/beta/wpc54g_beta_driver.zip

 

[cburnsgcg]

That driver is meant for the WPC54G. We have WPC54GS cards (Speed-Booster Technology).

I have tried it in a different laptop, with the same results. Tried it in two Sony Vaios ... different models, and a Compaq Presario 1800. No luck.

Is there something im doing wrong in the installation of the card and the drivers?

-chris

 

[bcastner]

Test:

http://www.michiganwireless.org/tools/manufacturers/Linksys/network/wpc54gs_driver_utility_v1.0.zip

See before hand:

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/remark,9752046~mode=flat?hilite=WPC54GS

 

[cburnsgcg]

Those are the drivers that I installed. Its the same software package that is on the CD that comes with the card. I am chatting with Linksys support right now. We'll see if there's something they can do for me.

 

[bcastner]

Please post back here if your learn something that Linksys has not made available in regular channels.

 

[cburnsgcg]

I've fixed the problem. Here is the solution:

Do not install the wireless software provided by linksys. Instead use the Wireless Zero Configuration provided by WinXP.

Starting from scratch or having uninstalled all the linksys software and drivers from your machine, do the following:

- Insert the Linksys WPC54GS Card into your PCMCIA slot.
- When prompted to install drivers, insert the Linksys CD into your CDROM and proceed.
- Once the card has been installed and recognized, type Start>Run>services.msc
- Right click on Wireless Zero Configuration service, select Properties
- Under Startup Type, select "Automatic"
- Under Service Status, hit the "Start" button.

This will start the wireless zero config, and that allowed the card to recognize the SSID broadcast of our network. Once this was done, i did the necessary configuration (i.e. WPA keys, etc) through the wireless zero configuration utility and was able to connect up to the network.

Rebooted the machine and was able to log right on to the domain without a problem.

Hope this helps someone!!!

 

[bcastner]

I starred your post above. I hope this helps other users.