WPA ?

[J741]

I know that in order to use the WPA encryption protocol, both the wireless access point and the computer must support it. I understand that when using Windows XP, the WPA encryption protocol is only supported when Service Pack 2 for Windows XP has been installed.

However, I have found a few different situations where Windows XP has Service Pack 2 installed, and the wireless access point (a SOHO router) has WPA-SPK enabled, but the Windows XP computer can not connect to the wireless network. And as always the error message is very uninformative.

Upon closer examination, when this situation occurs, the Windows XP WZC wireless network browser shows the wireless network's SSID, and indicates 'security enabled wireless network', but on other computers (which do connect to the wireless network), the same screen indicates 'security enabled wireless network (WPA)'. So it seems to me that Windows is not detecting that the wireless network is using the WPA encryption protocol.

Anyone know why this would happen?

- James.

My memory is not as good as it should be, and neither is my memory.

I have forgotten more than I can remember

 

[bcastner]

XP with Service Pack 1 supports WPA if this Hotfix is installed (look in Control Panel, Add/Remove programs): Windows XP Hotfix (SP2)Q815485

Discussion: thread730-5822449

 

[J741]

Thanks for the info Bill, that's one more thing I did not know.

However the thread you reference does not seem to exist. I get a tek-tips' page not found message.

- James.

My memory is not as good as it should be, and neither is my memory.

I have forgotten more than I can remember

 

[J741]

Notice also that when this situation occurs, the exact message displayed by Windows XP is "Windows is unable to connect to the selected network. The betwork may no longer be in range. Please refresh the list of available networks, and try to connect again". This occurs even when the wireless network adaptor and wireless access poing are as close as 2 inches apart.

My memory is not as good as it should be, and neither is my memory.

I have forgotten more than I can remember

 

[bcastner]

I mis-typed the link above:
thread730-582449

In a nutshell:

. if the WPA hotfix (Q815485) is applied under SP1, and you are not using WPA, remove it. That is the gist of the discussion in the link.

I would also be certain you apply this hotfix, which is usually not pushed out with Windows Update:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=826942

Best regards,
Bill Castner

 

[J741]

Thanks again Bill, but detailed examination of both the link to the other discussion thread, and the Microsoft knowledgebase article reveal the following:

1) The other discussion thread details a problem which exists when both the specified hotfix is installed on the client PC, and the wireless network is NOT using encryption.

2) The Microsoft hotfix detailed in KBID 82694, is listed as already included in Service pack 2.

Now in the situation I describe, Service Pack 2 is installed, and wireless encryption is used (WPA-SPK).


To expand on the details of the problem situation, if I manually try to add the wireless network to Windows XP's list of prefered wireless networks, when I select the encription method, only two choices exist in the drop-down list; None or WEP. WPA does not appear as an option, as though it's not supported by the client computer.

Now, I have checked and double-checked that Service Pack 2 is installed, and that the newest available drivers for the wireless network card have been installed, but this problem situation still remains, and I don't know why.

- James.

My memory is not as good as it should be, and neither is my memory.

I have forgotten more than I can remember

 

[bcastner]

The underlying core driver will come from the adapter manufacturer.

XP does not supply drivers, only a service that the compliant driver can hook.

The options you see under XP's adapter configuration are drawn from the .INF statements in the driver installation.

In the alternative to what you are doing now, you can use the SP2 Wireless setup wizard. But until a newer driver set that is WPA compliant is offered to the Wireless Zero Configuration service, the options will still be missing.

If you specify the manufacturer, make and model # of the adapter, there might be some other issues I would be happy to research for you.

Bill Castner
MS-MVP Windows Networking

 

[bcastner]

Note the XP SP2 Wireless Network Setup Wizard is available through My Network Places, and the Control Panel. this uses a new feature known as the "Wireless Provisioning Service" or WPS.

It is a very cool feature, and will become even more valuable as support is adopted more widely by device manufacturers of printers, routers, and wireless adapters.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0604.mspx

 

[bcastner]

One last article to read, I promise:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;870702

 

[J741]

O.K. The wireless network card in question at this time is a D-Link DWL-605+ (H/W Ver.:B3). I have already downloaded and installed the newest drivers that I could find on D-Link's website, which claim to support WPA.

- James.

My memory is not as good as it should be, and neither is my memory.

I have forgotten more than I can remember

 

[bcastner]

I have never seen a 605+. And I honestly have never used the 650+. It might help for any enhanced mode addition adapter card to turn off their turbo or whatever they call the non-standard high speed setting.

 

[J741]

Thanks for catching my typo bill. The card is a DWL-650+ (not a 605+).

As for the 'enhanced mode', I have absolutely no idea about this, and therefore have no ide ho to turn it on or off. However, I have also tried a D-Link DWL-650 (without the +) with the same results.

- James.


My memory is not as good as it should be, and neither is my memory.

I have forgotten more than I can remember

 

[bcastner]

I am not passing the buck. There is a forum on the web of users arguing and supporting D-Link products.

I am confident several have used the 650+ in your setting, and I suggest you make a post there:

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/dlink

I will admit up front I am a BroadBandReports MVM, and I like the site quite a lot. So, ignoring any possible bias, I still think you will get a straight answer there.

Best regards,
Bill Castner