Wireless on laptop stopped working, other computer still works

Question

Hi,

I'm running an Inspiron 600M Windows XP Service Pack 2. I just did a total wipe of my computer. I have an Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Card.

I'm running only basic security, WEP 64. I can still connect to the router if I turn off the WEP, but as soon as I turn it back on it stops working. But, another laptop still connects just fine with WEP turned on. My wireless connection does two things.

1. It will just keep trying to connect for a long time before deciding it can't.
2. It will tell me that now it can't find the network I was connecting to, and maybe it's out of range (even though it comes up immediately when I refresh the available networks.)

I have installed the newest drivers, and then some older drivers just for kicks. I have tried it with Intel's proprietary connection software as well as Microsoft Wireless Zero Configuration. I have done all the WZC troubleshooting.

I don't know what to do anymore!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

jspangler · Answer

I formatted and re-installed WinXP. Before the format, I had no problems with the wireless, but my computer had become unbootable.

MRF4700 · Answer

What do you mean by 'A total wipe of my computer', do you mean you reformatted your hard drive and made a clean install of WinXP? or, did you use the PC Restore utility by Symantec(Ctrl + F11) to restore your system back to factory specs?

MRF4700 · Answer

Okay, since you reinstalled the OS on your 600m, have you power cycled your network?

jspangler · Answer

Yeah, a few times.

MRF4700 · Answer

And your positive the WEP encryption settings are identical for both the 600m and the router?( WEP and MAC address access settings) Is the Windows firewall enabled or disabled on both computers?

Message Edited by MRF4700 on 04-27-2007 05:31 PM

jspangler · Answer

Well, the other computer is my girlfriend's MAC. I'm positive MAC addresses are correct. I tried every possible combination of WEP settings, open, shared, different keys, etc. Also, before XP reinstall it worked with no special settings. I just realized that it's possible that I'm using a newer driver now than before. But it didn't occur to me because I could easily connect with no WEP. Could that be an issue?

jspangler · Answer

Hey, I got it working by using an older driver (it took me a while to find one). Thanks so much for your help MRF4700! I greatly appreciate it.

MRF4700 · Answer

Glad to hear that it's now working. Your welcome

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless on laptop stopped working, other computer still works

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