New Linksys PCI G card

[Redfallon]

Picked up a new Linksys Wireless PCI card the other day at bestbuy. After installing it in my system, I couldn't get it to connect to the net. Windows XP recognized and installed the driver from the included CD. After running the Linksys install software, and running their included "monitor" I had perfect connection. Right clicked on the monitor tab in the taskbar, and elected to use "Windows XP wireless zero configuration service" and I lost my connectivity? I'm wondering what the difference is. Prefer not to have the linksys software running if not required. I did notice I can no longer change the channel on my PCI card as I could on my previous (moved to a new computer).

[glc]

When you switch to ZCU, you have to reconnect the Windows way, searching for available wireless networks and hitting Connect when it finds your SSID, and entering your encryption key. It should then automatically be added to the list of preferred networks as an auto connect. You can't manually change the channel using ZCU, it autoscans.

[Redfallon]

It sees the network, asks for my WPA key, and connects, but I get the limited connectivity. Sorry for not being 100% clear. DHCP or static IP neither allows full connectivity, can't even surf into the router.

[glc]

Try running winsockxpfix. What security software are you using? I had a customer with similar issues on an Alienware laptop using an internal Intel G adapter, and it turned out to be Panda Platinum causing it.

[Redfallon]

I was thinking of trying winsockxpfix tonight after work. I am using AVG free edition, no software firewalls including xp's built in, the router is a linksys WRT54G with semi-updated firmware (I haven't checked it in probably 3~4 months, but did flash it once for port forwarding reasons, I believe).

[glc]

Make sure you are using a matching WPA algorithm - such as WPA-PSK with TKIP on both.

[Redfallon]

Yep, thought it may be security related, no go even with security turned off. I appreciate all the help on this one G. I will attempt a winsock XP fix tonight after work. I know it's something basic I'm missing, as the linksys utility connects no problem. It reminds me of the linksys software that one has to install when running Windows 98. I just cannot for the life of me get the card to work without it.

[glc]

Now that's strange. I just did one the other day - a WPC54G card with XP SP2 - and it connected right up using ZCU when I disabled the Linksys utility.

[Redfallon]

Agreed. I didn't mess with it any last night. I should have some time tonight. I don't even know the model number of the card I bought off hand. I've got a few things to try when I can get around to it. I was thinking at first defective card, but with the Linksys utility it seems to work flawless.

[Redfallon]

Well I got the card to connect, using the Windows ZWCU, but after about 5 minutes of inactivity it's timing out/dropping connection. This is, again, on a desktop and I've checked/turned off any "power save" functions. Really starting to irk me. I didn't do anything different to get it to connect. Shut off all security again, cycled the router, rebooted, shut off linksys monitor after it connected, and windows ZWCU then connected, reinstituted security, and it reconnected, but won't keep the connection up.

[glc]

Then use the Linksys utility.

[Redfallon]

That's the route I've gone with now. I can't for the life of me get it to work without it. Thanks for the help g!