Windows XP networking: refuses to get IP from DHCP server in router

JLamyJLamy UK
edited August 2004 in Science & Tech
Hi.
I been trying to setup wireless network at home. I have been trying to get the Netgear MA111 wireless usb adapter to work on my desktop system so i did a lot of enabling/disabling of my hardwired connection, testing the operation of the wireless. I having problems with the MA111 as it struggles to keep a signal even tho its under a metre away from the Linksys WRT54G router. When the wireless not working I just re-enable the hardwired network, to reconfigure router and to get online. I been doing this for a few times, but now I have run into a big problem. None of my network connections will get a IP from DHCP server in router any more - they will either get a Automatic Private Address (useless to me as I cant get internet access) or Invalid IP address. Yes DHCP is enabled in the router settings as my laptop is utilizing wireless DHCP as i type this, and the netowrking settings for the NIC card is set to get IP from DHCP. I have looked on the MS Knowledge base, none of the solutions have helped me. I'm fairly sure its just a software setting that got stuck somewhere, and I would rather not format and reinstall Win XP if I can help it, as the likely hood of it happening again is quite high.

Anyone any ideas on how to fix? Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • verselloversello New
    edited July 2004
    I've run into a similar situation before. Your network stack may have been corrupted. Try running winsockfix to repair it.

    As for your wireless disconnections, I've heard disabling "enable 802.x authentication" helps in situations like this. Also using windows' or your wireless NIC's manufacturer's wireless client may help (just have to try either out).
  • JLamyJLamy UK
    edited July 2004
    versello:
    THANK YOU! YOU ARE A GOD!!! That program you suggested fixed the problem, and now I can use internet from on board nic. However, seem to still have trouble with the wireless. The wireless dongle has valid IP from DHCP, but it cannt access the internet. All the settings seem correct. I have disabled Windows XP wireless control and using the Netgears own utility to "fully" configure it, as the pop up box from the netgear util says.

    Any ideas on why and how to fix this?

    Thanks in advance.
  • verselloversello New
    edited July 2004
    When you have your wireless card on, can you communicate with other computers on your network?

    Have you tried using XP's wireless client and to see what the effects are?

    Also, try using the latest drivers from netgear's website.
  • JLamyJLamy UK
    edited July 2004
    versello:
    (1) I not tried connecting to other computers on the network as I am setting it up to be internet access only at the moment.

    (2) I have switched to using XP's own wireless software, after loading the latest version 2 Netgear drivers, and finally this seem to make the dam wireless dongle to work, with internet access and valid DHCP IP. However, theres another problem. If I shut down and reboot windows when the dongle is working correctly, Windows doesnt see the dongle at all - not even in device manager. I have to unplug then re-plug it in, wait for detection, WinXP loads drivers etc, then ready for use. At this stage the dongle wont see a wireless network. I check the properties of wireless LAN, and sometimes my settings will be there, but sometimes all the settings are at defaults! This is annoying, as I dont know if it just software issue, or faulty dongle, or donlge too close to router??? Shall I just switch models or just go for a Belkin PCI wireless card? Do the internal cards give less headaches?
  • verselloversello New
    edited August 2004
    Hey, sorry for delayed response.

    Do you have the latest drivers for your computer? Netgear wireless USB? Motherboard chipset? If your motherboard is based off a VIA chipset, they usually include a USB patch update.

    Not sure why your settings are sporadic (sometimes they stick, sometimes they don't). Maybe driver issue?

    Wireless is either a hit or a miss... I've worked with a few different USB-based models, and while some were crap, others worked great.
  • JLamyJLamy UK
    edited August 2004
    Hi vesello.
    No problem. Mobo is based on Intel chipset of some sort, got a 2.7GHz Celeron in it. Have given up and going to buy a Belkin PCI wireless 802.11b adapter instead. I have read good reviews about it, especially on ease of setup and antenna on the lead instead of attached to NIC card, and good price. What you think?
  • verselloversello New
    edited August 2004
    I think I've dealt with Belkin's wireless products once. If the majority of reviews say it's good, I can't add anything else then.
  • edited August 2004
    The Netgear MA111 SUCKS! I have it and had the same exact issues you did. Called Netgear, they were useless. It seems no one has fixed the problem neither Microsoft nor Netgear. Please post something if you have found or find a solution to our problem.
  • JLamyJLamy UK
    edited August 2004
    The Netgear MA111 SUCKS! I have it and had the same exact issues you did. Called Netgear, they were useless. It seems no one has fixed the problem neither Microsoft nor Netgear. Please post something if you have found or find a solution to our problem.

    Don't think I will ever find a solution for that item as I have sent it back to my retailer, and waiting for a refund pending their tests to prove fault. Have purchased and installed the Belkin 11mbps internal wireless PCI card and that works flawlessly after I have switched to using the WinXP's "Zero wireless configeration" rather than Belkin's own utility. Dont know why this is.
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