This page is a scrapbook collection of information drawn from various sources, organized alphabetically, intended mostly to help me personally in my job.
Please, if you need detailed information about a particular router, network adapter, or wireless configuration utility program, refer to the manufacturer's documentation, which should be available at their support web site. A web search using the product name and model number will usually return links to what you need.
See also [HINTS and TIPS] and [HOWTOS] for other subjects and/or specifics in more detail.
General information about wireless: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi
"The wireless network appears to have been compromised and will be disabled for about a minute."
This message can appear with OSX 10.4 or 10.5 if the SSID of the wireless access point has recently been changed. Try shutting down the router or wireless access point and the computer, then restart first the access point, and then the computer and retry.
Network Leopard
OSX 10.5 (Leopard) basic screenshots only, but see also ...
Airport Tiger OSX 10.4 (Tiger)
only.
Some older versions of Airport software require that your WEP key be entered using a special prefix. See:
Apple support
#106864 -- AirPort Extreme: Getting an equivalent network password
Apple support
#58574 -- AirPort for Mac OS 9: Third-Party Wireless Software and Equivalent
Network Password
Belkin Wireless USB network adapter: the software presents tabs like:
-Link info
-Access point list:
-- Select
-- Connect
-- Profile
-Profile setting
-About
Used for example on some Gateway laptops:
NICs shown in Device Manager: -1394 -Broadcomm 802.* System Tray icons include: -Synaptics -AV disabled -AV -LAN connection -WXP wxp w'less conn -Broadcomm <<<<<< THIS IS THE ONE! --Enable --Disable --Utility Broadcomm wireless configuration utility: -Wireless networks --Available nets --Preferred nets ---Add (works like Windows XP with no Service Pack) -Link status -Statistics -Site monitor --Advanced ---Signal/noise etc. -Diagnostics -Information. Create a Preferred NetWork Profile (like Windows XP with no SP).Top
Most "I cannot connect" scenarios are resolved by:
1) Turn off the modem 2) Turn off the router 3) Check that the WAN or Internet port of the router is properly connected to the modem. 4) Restart the modem ONLY (usually after 20 seconds is sufficient). 5) Wait until the modem comes online (usually the Cable, Cable Link or Online light has to turn solid). 6) Restart the router.
Most often you will not also need to reboot your computer.
If you still cannot connect, then:
If using a wired connection between the computer and the router, check the cable is plugged in correctly. If using a Mac, put it to sleep, wait 20 seconds, then bring it out of sleep and retry. If using a Windows PC, first try to Repair the connection or use Diagnose in Internet Explorer Version 7. If using a Windows PC, and Internet Explorer says that it is working offline, click File then uncheck Work Offline (press Alt once to make the Menu Bar appear in IE7).
If you still cannot connect, then restart your computer and retry.
If using a wireless connection and you still cannot connect, you will need the name of your network and either the WPA passphrase or WEP key (these settings are stored on the router).
Try connecting manually to your wireless network. If you cannot see your wireless network, but you can see others, then confirm your router's wireless settings. If you cannot see ANY wireless networks, then check that your wireless network adapter is working (e.g. wireless switch on a laptop may be turned off, or the adapter may be disabled in Device Manager). If you can see your network but the system does not ask you for your Key or Passphrase (Windows) or Password (Mac OSX) then it is trying to use a previously stored profile for the same network name (SSID). These profiles can get corrupted. If this happens then you need to edit or trash the saved profile before retrying. How you do this depends on the software you are using: - In Windows XP profiles are either stored in the wireless connection properties (under Control Panel / Network Connections) or using the adapter manufacturer's software (see below). Go to the Wireless Networks tab in the Wireless Connection Properties and remove the preferred network profile. Then disable and re-enable the connection before retrying (also under Control Panel / Network Connections). - In Windows Vista the profiles are saved in Manage Wireless Networks (under Control Panel / Network and Sharing Center) Remove the profile for your SSID. Then disable and re-enable the connection before retrying (Network and Sharing Center / Manage Network Connections) - In OSX the profiles are saved under System Preferences / Network settings for Airport - If using Dell, Intel, Linksys, Netgear, SMC or other software to manage your wireless connection on Windows XP or earlier, you may need to reconnect and manually save the required profile.
If you STILL cannot connect:
Try shutting down the computer and removing the A/C power cord AND the battery pack if present, then retry on A/C power. If still not connecting, check your IP address, and if it starts 169.254.*, check that firewall software is not blocking the connection. If all else fails, on a Windows PC you may need to uninstall/reinstall the device driver for your wireless network adapter.
See also http://m06orama.blogspot.com/2008/07/why-do-we-have-to-restart-routers.html
Top
Comcast-branded "Home Networking Gateway" devices are 802.11b+g wireless routers that include an integral cable modem, router, and wireless access point.
Examples are Linksys WCG200-CC, Netgear CG814WG, RCA DCW725.
Information about default settings is publicly available by web search.
Default wireless security settings are not published for obvious security reasons: sign in to the router to determine your current settings.
Administration features are limited: for example these routers cannot be configured to use a PPPOE connection, MTU and name servers cannot be changed, etc.
Firmware cannot be upgraded except over the network.
Firmware may be incompatible with some VPN or gaming applications.
Some older Linksys equipment, e.g. BEFCMUH4, uses settings as above OR default Linksys settings.
Newer routers are usually a re-branded Netgear WGR614v8 or 'v9 using Netgear retail firmware:
Username = admin Password = password Default gateway address = 192.168.1.1 Default SSID = "NETGEAR" Wireless is supposedly turned off by default, so you may find you have to connect using a wire to configure the router.
This information is also publicly available by web search.
Refer to Netgear's web site for documentation (use the router's model number and version information, usually found on a label on the base of the unit).
First, refer to your router manufacturer's documentation for information how to sign in to the router and access its configuration.
To set up the connection to Comcast:
1) No user name or password is required for the WAN connection 2) Get external IP address automatically (dynamically) using DHCP 3) Get name servers (DNS) automatically 4) No hostname or domain name is required.
These are usually the default settings for any retail router.
Note that Comcast and other cable networks usually provide one external IP address for whatever the next Ethernet device is connected to the modem.
Therefore, to get the router to be recognized you must force the modem to reload its configuration:
1) Remove the power cord from both the modem and the router so all the lights go out. 2) Wait at least 20 seconds. 3) Connect the WAN or Internet port on the router to the Ethernet port on the modem. 4) Reapply power to the modem first 5) Wait 'til the modem comes online, and THEN 6) Restart the router in order to change the device (MAC address) connected to the modem.
Sometimes you may need to repeat this procedure before the router gets a valid external IP address. Otherwise refer to the router manufacturer's documentation and/or web site using your router's model number.
Entry last updated 2009-09-07
TopMany users of 802.11* wireless equipment are not aware of its limitations.
If another network is interfering it will most likely happen all day, even if you cannot see the other network (i.e. if it is not broadcasting). You can use tools like NetStumbler (Windows) or KisMac (OSX) to get detailed information about other wireless networks in your location.
There are many other sources of possible interference. The most common are 2.4Ghz cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors.
Building construction can magnify the effects of interference. The wireless signals between your access point and your computer are absorbed and deflected by whatever obstacles are presented by features of your building construction. For example, you can easily lose about 10 feet of effective wireless range for each typical wood-and-plaster wall or wooden floor that your signals traverse.
In addition, brick, concrete or stone walls or floors, soundproofing, metal girders and pipework, metal foil mesh or studding in walls, other metal equipment, ceramic tiling, and water tanks are largely impenetrable to wireless signals. Since these travel in a straight line, and do not bend around obstacles, construction features or furnishings create "wireless shadows" and troublesome reflections.
Depending on where your computer is relative to the wireless access point, these factors reduce the strength of the wireless signals that you send and receive, causing data to be lost and therefore having to be retransmitted. Together with interference from other sources, the result may be that your wireless connection will be slower and more unreliable than you might expect in a particular location within your residence. In extreme situations, your wireless signal may be blocked entirely, for example behind a chimney, a concrete core or an elevator shaft, or in a basement.
A useful exercise can be to measure the strength of the signal that you get in different places in your residence, and to plot this on a floor plan. This can help you to identify causes. Free tools like NetStumbler and KisMac provide a lot of useful information: channels in use, signal strength, noise, etc. Vendors like AirMagnet sell premium software including WiFi spectrum analyzers.
Channels 1, 6, or 11 are the non-overlapping channels in the 2.4ghz spectrum in North America and using one of these will supposedly result in the least amount of interference. 802.11a uses a different frequency but may not be supported by the router/access point.
"MIMO" routers use multiple input/output antennas and special software to sense and compensate for reflections as well as to focus on clients directionally. Hence they are able to provide much better signal strength at greater range than earlier designs. Many manufacturers now use MIMO technology in their higher-end routers. For example, see http://www.ruckuswireless.com/technology/beamflex.php.
See also Netgear's RangeMax lines of Wireless Routers & Gateways and network adapters for either 802.11g or 802.11n, as well as similar comprehensive and competitively-priced lines of equipment from other manufacturers like Apple, Belkin and Linksys. All manufacturers use the same standards, but implementations are different, so read reviews and shop around.
Manufacturers like Hawking make a range of "Hi Gain" wireless equipment.
Check out alternative "wired" solutions like "Home Plug" or other "Ethernet over power line" solution, or else lay CAT5 cables if you are in a bind.
See this great 2009/2 "Computer World" article about powerline solutions: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Networking+and+Internet&articleId=9127759&taxonomyId=16&pageNumber=1
See also Wireless
update below re. Windows XP
SP1.
See also http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3488126 (tutorial).
Do a web search for more information about AirMagnet, NetStumbler or KisMac.
TopThe utility presents a window containing several options and tabs:
Options: -Enable this program to manage your wireless networks -Display utility icon in System tray -Enable radio. Tabs: - Wireless networks --- Edit button -------- WEP (set the correct encryption strength) -------- Network key - Link status - Site monitor - Diagnostics - Statistics - Information.
Some versions have checkboxes that you can use to turn off the Dell WLAN Utility in order to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration instead.
The "Dell Quickset" icon may provide an option to disable radio on battery power.
As of 2008-06-12, see http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/network/p70008/EN/index.htm. This might not be the latest version. Use the model number of your computer to check at the Dell support web site for any driver, firmware, or other software updates that might be available for your specific computer model and operating system level.
TopTry accessing the configuration website at http://192.168.0.1, and login with default username admin and a blank password.
D-Link have some great online emulators for router configurations. Search their product web site http://www.dlink.com using the model number of your router.
For example for the router model WBR-2310, see http://support.dlink.com/emulators/wbr2310/login.htm as of 2008-01-25.
TopMS Overview document:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/shareresources.mspx
Message "Workgroup Name is not accessible. You may not have
permission to use this network resource. ".
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q318030
The main "it does not work" document is here
See also Windows_File_and_Printer_Sharing.html and HowTos
See http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx
See http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/shareprinters.mspx
TopSeems to present a series of tabs like this:
--Profile --Link status --Site survey --AboutTop
Manufacturers like Hawking make a range of "Hi Gain" wireless equipment.
TopSeems to present a series of tabs like this:
-Configure -Manage Power -Manage keyboard and point devices -Manage connections ---1) View or change wireless ---2) Network and dial-up settings ---2a) Wireless connection ---2b) ? -Manage your display -Manage other devices -Personalize Access IBM -System Information.
There are different versions.
Detailed online help is usually provided.
You may need to use the "WiFi Miniport" icon to turn on the radio.
Some versions have checkboxes that you can use to turn off the utility in order to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration instead.
TopTo uninstall QIC Assistant, follow the steps below:
Click on Start > All Programs > Insight Broadband > Uninstall QIC Service Activator.
TopUsually accessed from an icon in the "System Notification Area".
General tab
Network tab
There are different versions.
You may need to use the "WiFi Miniport" icon to turn on the radio.
Some versions have checkboxes that you can use to turn off the utility in order to use Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration instead.
TopSome retail-grade routers may carry ISP branding and/or use ISP-specific custom firmware.
Customizable options may be limited to:
Newer models may support WPA as well as WEP but not RADIUS.
Custom firmware is often not publicly available and/or not upgradeable without having a connection to the ISP.
Common limitations include:
As a result some applications might not work:
Try accessing the configuration website at http://192.168.1.1, and login with the defaults: blank or any arbitrary username and password admin.
Linksys do not seem to have online emulators for router configurations. However, they do provide a great deal of documentation. Search their product web site http://www.linksys.com using the model number of your router, e.g. WRT54G.
Entry last updated 2009-09-07.
On Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and Service Pack 3, if the Linksys Wireless LAN Monitor program is installed, even if it not being used to manage the wireless network adapter, the link speed for the connection may be mis-reported as "speed 1.0 mbps". One solution is to uninstall the Linksys adapter and utility (remove all files) from Control Panel >> Add/Remove Programs; then run the Add New Hardware wizard, and manually install the driver.
Tophttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/871122
(Error message if using OEM W'less s/w). |
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/815485/
(WPA update in WXP) |
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313242/
(How to troubleshoot wireless connections).
Click here for Windows
TopDefault username = admin, password = Motorola.
Click on "Wireless" on the side.
Do a web search on "CG814WG" for specifics like default IP address and sign-in information (user name and password).
This router usually has ISP firmware.
Presents tabs like this:
- Settings - Site Survey - About
Netgear CG814WG (router) | USB->XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge->Wall outlets->WGX102 54Mbps Wall-plugged Wireless Range Extender (default SSID "netgear").
E.G., for WGR614, set browser to http://192.168.1.1, Username=admin, Password=password.
See here for Netgear info.
Presents tabs like this:
Netgear WG111G v2 54mbps: Settings: --Profiles --New profile --Network name --Advanced settings button --Network type: access point or ad hoc --Security settings is on the right (a button): ---Disable ---WEP ----Create with passphrase ----Enter Networks: Statistics: About:
By default, set browser to http://192.168.1.1, Username=admin, Password=password.
Also seems to be an ISP router - refer to ISP for info.
How to Set Up Port Forwarding
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101145.asp#RP614Anchor
Port Forwarding Common Port Numbers
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n100495.asp
Mostly similar to WGR614v6.
"Logout" is at the lower left hand corner (Always log out in order to avoid getting message "192.168.1.x is managing this device" when trying to log in from another 'puter).
Netgear WGR614v8 has DMZ specification on the "WAN Setup" under Advanced
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/wgr614v8.asp |
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/wgr614v9.asp
Wireless is OFF by default.
Versions 7 and 8 of this router currently work with Vista. This version is 6
and mostly works but may have some bugs.
2.4 ghz wireless, 802.11g (54 mbps)
Default wireless channel is 11
Default Encryption: None
Firewall included, that can block keywords, domains, or particular programs.
To reboot, hold reset button for 1 second. To reset to factory defaults, hold
for 10 seconds.
This router has no usb capabilities. The wireless is OFF on this router by
default, so the first time setups must be done via direct ethernet
connection.
Remote management via public IP address is off by default.
GUI interface located at:
If have internet connection: routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1
If have no internet connection: routerlogin.net/basicsetting.htm
Default Username is admin
Default Password is password
As of 2006-06-03 this thread indicates that you may have to disconnect this router from the modem before you can configure it. Otherwise you might find yourself stuck in the router configuration.
See http://www.portforward.com/ for lots of useful information.
You might want to consider using static IPs if you need to use port forwarding. See http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/ports.mspx for MS info about common applications that may require port forwarding or local (per machine) firewall changes.
Try opening ports 1024 through 5000 (very dangerous).
DHCP client 67 DHCP client 68
3389
Client Access is where your PC initiates the connection, sends a request,
and receives replies.
Server Access is where your PC takes requests from another system or systems.
Port TCP80 (HTTP): Client access to Port 80 to receive roomlists, and insider news.
Port TCP5050: Client access for the Yahoo! Messenger & Yahoo! Chat connection.
Port TCP80 (HTTP):Server & Client access to Port 80 to share files. If this is a problem (you already run webserver) you can change to another appropriate port.
Port UDP/TCP5000-5010: Client access to Ports 5000-5010. If UDP access fails, it will try TCP. So enable both.
Port TCP5100: Client access to Port 5100 to receive webcams. Server access on Port 5100 to allow p2p cam sessions may be required.
Port TCP5101: P2P instant messages may occur. For this, server access on Port 5101 is required!
Try Opening ports 5000-5190 TCP+UDP (unconfirmed). MIGHT NOT WORK
See this great 2009/2 "Computer World" article about powerline solutions: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Networking+and+Internet&articleId=9127759&taxonomyId=16&pageNumber=1
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/shareprinters.mspx
The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) has reserved the
following three blocks of the IP address space for private internets:
We will refer to the first block as "24-bit block", the second as "20-bit block", and to the third as "16-bit" block. Note that (in pre-CIDR notation) the first block is nothing but a single class A network number, while the second block is a set of 16 contiguous class B network numbers, and third block is a set of 256 contiguous class C network numbers.
Retail default LAN IP is 192.168.100.1, user name [blank] and password "admin".
"Online" light indicates synch (1st on the right).
Front of the Unit (from left to right):
here
1. The LAN indicators Eth1-Eth4 Indicates when an Ethernet interface is active. WLAN/USB indicates when either the wireless or USB interface is active. 2. Power Indicates when the unit is on. 3. The WAN indicators DS (downstream) flashes during the stage of DOCSIS startup when downstream connectivity is being established, e.g. while the gateway is scanning for a DOCSIS downstream signal. US (upstream) Flashes during a stage of DOCSIS startup when upstream connectivity is being established, e.g. while the gateway is fi rst transmitting to the cable operator to join the network. ONLINE Flashes during later stages of DOCSIS startup, e.g. while the gateway is getting an IP address, downloading confi guration info, and completing online registration. After completion of startup, indicates the state of the Internet On/Off button. 4. Internet On/Off Provides secure, positive blocking of Internet connectivity to your LAN-side button PCs with the press of a button. When Internet connectivity is On, the Online LED is lit solid. When Internet connectivity is Off, the Online LED is off.
Back of the Unit Description of Jacks and Switches (from left to right):
here
1. Antenna jack Connects to the 80 2.11b/g wireless antenna included with the gateway. 2. Power jack Connects to the AC power supply; requires 9-12 V AC. Important: Use only the power supply included with the gateway, otherwise you may damage the unit. 3. Ethernet jacks Connect to LAN-side PCs, printers, etc. using Ethernet cables. 4. USB jack Connects to a LAN-side PC using a USB cable. 5. RESET switch Enables two types of gateway resets. Pressing and releasing the button causes a reboot, e.g. the same as removing the power, and user configuration is retained. Pressing and holding the button for 15 seconds resets the gateway to the factory defaults, including deleting all user configuration. 6. CABLE jack Connects to the WAN-side coaxial cable jack from your cable company.
RTL8187 -> open config util
--general
--profile > edit and set default
--av nets -> select -> click
--adv
--ez config
--stats
E.g for SMC EZConnect smc2862WG:
- Configuration -- Common ---- Network name (SSID) -- YOU CAN CHOOSE ---- Network type (infrastructure) ---- Transmit rate (auto) ---- Power save (disabled) ---- Operating mode (Select both 802.11b and 802.11g) -- Security ---- Security (on) ---- Sec type (WEP) ---- Key type (128-bit or 128-bit ASCII) ---- Passphrase (xxxx) -OR- ---- Keys (need to be entered) ---- Auth type (open) ---- Key (1) ---- HIT "APPLY CHANGES" (flips to "Link Information") -- Advanced. - Link Information - IP information - Site survey - Version information
Make sure that you save your profile, or you will have to keep reconnecting manually. Use "Auto profile ON" to use the profile to reconnect automatically.
TopIf you have functionality questions regarding the Playstation adapter, please visit the Sony support site at this site: http://www.us.playstation.com/support.aspx.
TopSee http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=813444
This can happen with Windows XP SP2. If you try to connect to some wireless networks using "View Available" the connection becomes stuck "validating identity" (looking for a certificate).
Try going: Start/Control Panel/Network Connections/Wireless Connection Properties/Wireless Networks. There, unset "Enable IEEE 802.1x" on the Authentication tab for the Preferred Network entry that is giving you the problem. Also, unset "The key is provided for me automatically" on the Association tab for the same Preferred Network entry, and re-enter the Network key and Confirmation key.
Alternatively, trash the Preferred network entry, and handcraft a new entry.
In some cases a driver update for the wireless network adapter fixes the problem.
In some cases, disabling WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) on the router fixes the problem.
Updating the router's firmware may also fix the problem.
The problem only seems to happen if the wireless network is using WEP.
2009-01-18
TopSee http://img300.imageshack.us/my.php?image=networksszp8.jpg.
This profile cannot be deleted: it just comes right back.
The user is running a new Netgear USB network adapter.
Cause unknown as of 2009-01-18.
TopThis works: SB5100->Vonage->port 2 on LAN side of WRT54G router and PCs get addresses like 192.168.102.101 with default gateway 192.168.102.1.
Tophttp://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/onlineWirelessRouterIncompatible.jsp
TopSee http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457095.aspx re. port forwarding for XP and router firewalls.
To customize the right pane of the Start menu
You can add or remove items, such as Computer, Control Panel, and Pictures, that appear on the right side of the Start menu. You can also change some items so that they appear as links or menus.
1. Open Taskbar and Start Menu Properties by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Taskbar and Start Menu.
2. Click the Start Menu tab, and then click Customize.
3. In the Customize Start Menu dialog box, select the options in the list that you want, and then click OK.
To restore Start menu default settings
You can restore the Start menu to its original, default settings.
1. Open Taskbar and Start Menu Properties by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Taskbar and Start Menu.
2. Click the Start Menu tab, and then click Customize.
3. In the Customize Start Menu dialog box, click Use Default Settings, and then click OK.
http://www.vistasimulator.com/vista.php
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=B5B681F5-F366-4AD2-BA10-6A7D209DE7BD&displaylang=en Vista SP1 Release Notes.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936330/en-us How to obtain the release notes for Windows Vista Service Pack 1.
http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/2/3/323eb61d-35d9-42d8-a76f-bfc0044e38d1/relnotes.htm
This problem occurs when you try connecting to a wireless network, but receive an error that it requires a username, password, and domain name (for example when connecting Windows to a Netgear WGR614) -OR- you get a certificate error (for example Windows XP wireless connection shows "validating identity" owing to "enable IEEE" being checked in the preferred network profile). The way around these errors is to manually connect to the network.
In Windows XP: -Go into network connections -Right click the "wireless network connection" -Choose properties -Go to the wireless networks tab -Remove their network if it already exists in the preferred networks list -Click add -Type their SSID in the Network name box -Remove the check next to "the key is provided for me automatically" -Type their security key or passphrase -Click OK twice -Right click the "wireless network connection" again -Choose repair You can also edit the preferred network, unset "enable IEEE" on the Authentication tab, and then unset "the key is provided for me go In Windows Vista: -Click Start > Connect To -Click Set up a connection or network -Click Manually connect to a wireless network and click Next -Enter the Wireless network information and ... -Check the box to connect automatically .... click Next -DO NOT click "Connect" - HIT CLOSE.
If Repair gives message "Windows could not correct the problem because the following could not be completed: querying the ARP cache", try:
Netsh WinSock Reset or "netsh interface ip delete arpcache"
For "Certificate" issue when connecting to WGR614 using WEP, see above
http://forums.speedguide.net/showthread.php?t=214308
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
PROBLEM FIXED: Cannot Reconnect to the Preferred Network After an Unsuccessful Key Exchange
See http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=826942
With Windows Vista you can get into a situation where you cannot browse the Internet even though you may otherwise have a proper connection. When this happens, in Control Panel / Network and Sharing Center you will see that the network is connected with ""Access local only". You want this to say ""Access local and Internet".
This situation can occur whether or not you are using a wireless network adapter.
An easy solution in some cases is to shut down the computer, remove all power (A/C connection and battery if present), and then restart. If this solves the problem but it keeps happening, Power Management settings may be the cause. On some computers (desktop or laptop) Power Management may be set to turn off your network adapter(s) in order to conserve power, and/or if the computer goes into Standby mode then upon restart the network adapter and connection are not reactivated properly. To check this, in Control Panel, go into the Classic View, then go into the Properties of the network adapter in Device Manager. Usually you do not want to "Allow the computer to tun off this device to save power" (or words to that effect), but rather select the "High Performance" setting for the device. Also check the settings for the computer as a whole under Control Panel / Power Management. In some cases you might also need to update a device driver: check your computer manufacturer's web site and find the support information for your particular computer model.
Otherwise, the problem can be hard to get rid of but it can be done without having to change Registry settings directly. From memory:
Good luck!
See also [HOWTOS] for other topics.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
PROBLEM FIXED: Cannot Reconnect to the
Preferred Network After an Unsuccessful Key Exchange
When a wireless client key exchange operation is unsuccessful, the client
fails the connection and blocks any attempts to automatically reconnect. You
must then manually try to reconnect to the wireless network.
See http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=826942
See also [HOWTOS] for other topics.
TopSee http://support.microsoft.com/kb/908874:
For more information about how to determine whether your networking hardware is compatible with Xbox LIVE, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 944293 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/944293/ ) How to find out if your networking hardware is compatible with the Xbox LIVE Service If your device is not on the compatible list, and if you experience the symptoms that are described in the "Introduction" section, you can try to open the following ports:
TCP 80 UDP 88 UDP 3074 TCP 3074 UDP 53 TCP 53
For information about how to configure port settings on a firewall, on a router, or on a gateway, please see the documentation that was included with that device, or contact your network administrator or local technical support for help.
You can also review Xbox documentation online about port forwarding. To do this, visit the following Xbox support Web site: http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/nxe/xboxlive/getconnected/CompatibleNetworkEquipment/CompatibleNetworkingEquipment.aspx
For graphical instructions on how to set up Xbox Live for use with your Broadband Internet connection, please visit the following links:
Original Xbox
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox/default.htm
Xbox 360
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemsetup/xbox360/default.htm
Links for connecting the Xbox to Xbox Live:
Original Xbox
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/connecttolive/xbox/default.htm
Xbox 360
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/connecttolive/xbox360/default.htm
See also [HINTS and TIPS] and [HOWTOS] for other subjects.
Updated:
2009-10-13
2009-09-07
2009-02-19
2009-01-18
2008-12-07
2008-08-20
2008-07-14
2008-06-17
2008-01-16
2008-02-15
2008-03-01
2008-04-01