Problem with Establishing a Wireless Connection with a Optiplex GX260

Question

I have a Dell Optiplex GX260 with 2gig processor running XP Pro SP2. I have a wireless network that I
have 2 other computers on without any problems. I have tried using 3 different model D-Link wireless
adaptors and a Linksys, all with the same results. The screen displays that it detects a wireless
network, but windows cannot connect to it. The icon shows up in Networking but has a red X. When
I select the icon and view the properties, the top only displays the "General and Advance" tabs. The
Wireless Networks tab is not displayed. If I try to make a connection, I get the message "Windows
cannot configure this wireless connection". I know the wireless cards that I am using are good and
compatible with XP Pro. I'm assuming because this is a Dell, I may be missing something in
software to bridge the connection. I have tried using the Microsoft recommeded steps, but none

of them work http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313242/...any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

muggymach3 · Answer

hello zyman,

you see the message that windows cannot configure the wireless connection because the card utility is managing your wireless n/w. you can try and use the utility to configure your connection. depending on the card manufacturer you would either have Dell Wireless WLAN card utility (for Dell w/l cards) or Intel Proset/Wireless utility (for Intel cards). you should be able to find one of these in the Start--> All Programs menu. if you would like to have Windows as your wireless manager then follow the steps below.

1) click Start --> Run

2) type services.msc and click OK

3) in the services window scroll down to find Wireless Zero Configuration and open it up

4) if the service status says Stopped then click Start and also ensure that the Startup type is Automatic.

now windows is your wireless manager and you will also be able to see the wireless networks tab

muggymach3 · Answer

hi,   oh i assumed u have a Dell or Intel wireless card. with a Linksys wireless card you would probably have their own utility. so wireless zero configuration service is started...hmm.....right-click on the wireless connection icon in the system tray (next to the time display) and click Open Network Connections. right-click on Wireless Network Connection and click Properties. if wireless zero configuration is functioning properly then you should see the wireless networks tab. on that screen do you see 'use windows to configure my wireless network settings'? make sure that it is checked and then search for networks   hope this helps

Zyman · Answer

Hello muggymach3,   I looked in the Start--> All Programs menu and do not have either 'Dell Wireless WLAN card utility (for Dell w/l cards) or Intel Proset/Wireless utility (for Intel cards) listed.'   Per your described steps, I went into 'Wireless Zero Configuration' and service status was Start and the Startup type is Automatic. I did some searching and found that for XP users it is highly recommended to use the Intel utility and not the Dell utility.  I can unplug and plug in the Linksys wireless card and windows responds with the message 'Wireless Networks Detected', but when I click on it to 'View Wireless in Range',  I get the 'Windows cannot configure this wireless connection'. This is fustrating.

Zyman · Answer

I guess that's what is driving me crazy. Nowhere can I find a checkbox that states: 'use windows to configure my wireless network settings'. I know once I find out what is missing or not configured properly, the answer will be easy. The fact that the pc knows there is a wireless network avalilable tells me I'm only a stones throw away from the answer, but I cannot find what direction the stone needs to be thrown ;-)

Akule50 · Answer

Have you updated your drivers with the latest from the Linksys website?

See if steps 1-7 in the guide here ("click here") might help. If not, maybe you might want to post the model of your Wireless PCMCIA card & Router...

Aloha,
Rod

Zyman · Answer

I noticed something else. I am not a networking guru, but for this issue, I wish I was!   I just bought this Dell a few days ago and am trying to get it on my wireless network for my wife. I had 0 problems with my Toshiba laptop or my other workstation.   I thought I would try to connect the Ethernet connection directly to the router. Well, I could not establish a connection with it as well. When I first make the connection, I receive the message 'Connected' and within a second or two it reverts to 'Acquiring Network Address' and then goes to disconnected and back and forth to 'Acquiring Network Address and disconnected'. I right clicked on the ethernet icon and viewed properties. I noticed that under the  'Authentication' tab, everything is greyed out and nothing is, or can be enabled. Obviously something is not set up or installed correctly and this is beyond my knowledge database....any ideas are extremely welcome!!! I truly appreciate the help and tips I have already received. They may come in real handy once I get past this new issue.  Arrrgh!

Akule50 · Answer

Because I'm not 'hands-on' at your computer, this might be a little difficult...I would suggest disabling/removing your Wireless PCI card and its' drivers (for some reason, I previously thought you had a laptop)... until you can establish a connection with the wired (RJ-45 plug) Ethernet adapter.Click 'Start'Click 'Run'Type: cmdAt the command prompt, type: IPconfig /all'Copy' & 'Paste' the results to your next post in this thread.Is this a 'Clean Install' of WinXP SP2? Are there any error messages or Unknown Devices in 'Device Manager' (if so, post the message)? Also, post the model of your 'Wireless PCI adapter' and 'Router'... plus the firewall you're using (i.e. - Windows Firewall, McAfee security suite, etc.).Aloha,RodMessage Edited by Akule50 on 10-09-2006 01:15 PM

Zyman · Answer

I met with a friend today who owns a networking company and is a guru. There were 3 processes that were not starting properly at boot up. He finally recommended to let XP format the drive and perform a clean installation. I then downloaded the audio, video and network adaptor drivers from Dell's website. Once they were installed, everything is working great.   I appreciate all the help, and suggestions from everyone who took their time to help me with this aggravating issue. Thanks!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Problem with Establishing a Wireless Connection with a Optiplex GX260

Was this post helpful?