2
The system: ThinkPad T41, with Intel Centrino (PRO/Wireless 2100), WinXP/32 SP3
The problem: Windows XP does not show all wireless networks.
Usually, I have to click "Refresh network list" a couple of times until I see the network I want to connect to. My assumption is that Windows does not wait long enough to collect all SSID broadcasts. So:
Is there some timeout that I can adjust?
feklee
Posted 2010-10-03T11:13:23.563
Reputation: 1 194
2
First remark: If you are not on SP3, you should upgrade.
Second remark: When the network finally shows after several refreshes, how strong is its signal?
If it is very weak, then you should first improve the quality of the reception, before trying other measures.
Third remark: Use the latest drivers from the manufacturer. Intel's Update Intel® Wireless Adapters will let you download or automatically install the drivers and software. If it installs another wireless detector, then use it instead of Microsoft's built-in wireless neighborhood (you can always choose to go back to it).
harrymc
Posted 2010-10-03T11:13:23.563
Reputation: 306 093
1Yes, it's SP3. And, that happens even if the signal strength is very high. In other words: the problem simply doesn't seem to be related to signal strength. – feklee – 2010-10-03T16:04:43.157
Added 3rd remark. – harrymc – 2010-10-03T17:49:24.377
Just discovered that I indeed wasn't using the latest wireless driver. So, I just did an update from version 1.2.4.41 to version 1.2.5.37. I'll find out in the upcoming weeks, if that improves things. To my excuse: I believe that I installed the wireless driver as part of a package with other Intel drivers, and the latest version of that package includes an outdated version of the wireless driver. – feklee – 2010-10-04T09:13:29.763
For perhaps a year, I am now using Intel PROSet 7.1.4.7. As far as I know that's the latest version that supports my wireless adapter. Connections are noticeably more reliable than before, though not perfect. As a backup solution, I have an external USB Wi-Fi adapter, which can also be used for security audits with BackTrack.
– feklee – 2011-11-20T14:06:03.153
You need to make it clear whether you are using Windows' Zero Config or ThinkVantage Access Connections. – paradroid – 2010-10-03T16:43:50.863
I'm not using ThinkVantage Access Connections. – feklee – 2010-10-03T17:30:27.290