Hi,

I have a problem connecting my Laptop to my network.

I have been having problems as http://mgmcc.forumotion.net/internet-f6/internet-access-t224-30.htm
will show.

For a few days it has been OK, and I am using a Netgear router supplied by Virgin.

I set the router up on my laptop via a Ethernet cable, and it all set up as it should.
I set my desktop up with the new SSID, WPA key etc - all OK, and I have set my daughters Laptop up in the same way.

MY laptop will not connect via the wireless. The wireless is enabled, it sees the SSID, and when I click on connect, it asks for the key. I enter the key, and all i get is:

"Windows cannot connect to "MYSSID"
Wireless authentication failed because of a timeout.

It goes on about event viewer - text below (if it helps anyone?)

For complete information about this session see the Wireless Diagnostic Informational Event. Helper Class: Layer2 Security Initialize Status: Success Result of diagnosis: Problem found Root cause: Windows cannot connect to "VIKING-N" Wireless authentication failed because of a timeout. Detailed root cause: Layer 2 security key exchange did not generate multicast keys before timeout Repair option: View available wireless networks You can then try connecting to "VIKING-N" again or try connecting to a different network. If you own or set up this network, reset your wireless router or access point and try connecting again. Information for connection being diagnosed Interface GUID: {29323543-dc10-41ed-a2e9-4eff33c24355} Interface name: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection Interface type: Native WiFi Profile: Discovery connection SSID: VIKING-N SSID length: 8 Connection mode: Infra Security enabled: Yes Connection ID: 2 Security settings provided by hardware manufacturer (IHV): No Profile matches network requirements: Yes Pre-Association and association status: Success Security and Authentication: Configured security type: Wireless Protected Access with pre-shared keys (WPA-PSK) Configured Encryption type: TKIP Security connect status: Fail 0x00048005 Number of security packets received: 2 Number of security packets sent: 2 802.1X protocol: No Key exchange initiated: Yes Unicast keys received: Yes Multicast keys received: No

Can anyone help me here. I'm also sure I had this working earlier today just after I set up the router.

All PC's are running Vista HP
All PC's are using AVG8 and Windows defender & Firewall.

No configuratins have been changed at all

HELP ! - David

I have no idea what the error details mean. Try setting up a new WPA encryption key in the router, delete the existing 'profile' in the PC (and in any other PCs that connect "wirelessly") and then Connect again and see what happens.

Thanks Mike - I tried that, but it didn't fix the problem.

However the problem is fixed, and this is what I think it was:

The settings in the router were not for a specific channel (ie 1 to 13) but an "Auto" setting. This was not compatable with my 2 year old laptop wireless setup.

Once I used a specific channel (11), rebooted the router, and rebooted my laptop, everything clicked.

The problem from http://mgmcc.forumotion.net/internet-f6/internet-access-t224-30.htm is now sorted (see there for more detail)

Thanks

Dave

This problem resurrected itself again, and I installed software for my Dlink dongle, to eliminate the possibility of a fault with the wireless card in the Laptop.

It made no difference

I changed the router channel from 11 to 2, and hey presto - it connected OK.

There is an update listed for the wireless connector, so I'll install this in case it needs the update, but it seems OK now I've changed channels.

Thanks - Dave

Its possible that for this laptop you have neighbours knocking the connection out.

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago with one of our dekstop pc's.
It had been fine on the one channel for all of our computers and then out of the blue one wouldn't connect any more.

I changed the channel and that corrected the problem.

Later when I got a new Vista pc I installed the Gadget for the windows sidebar that lets you see what channels others around you are using ..... I couldn't believe the amount of neighbours who were on that channel we had been on when the problem had began.

Noticing the SIDD names too I was able to recognise one as the neighbour right opposite me ... I think his had been a new network and was just knocking our wireless out for my sons pc.

**Although not the best maybe it will work better with WEP as oppose to WPA ???

I've also read of some latop users saying if they plugged their laptop in to the mains they could connect ..... on battery the problem remained .. go figure

Hi Anne,

You're not going to believe this, but... (Thanks I think to a post from you earlier) I have also got Xirrus wiFi monitor installed, and I'm looking at it now, and there are 5 other SSID's visible, AND one is "Netgear" (assume that to be a neighbor who has not personalized his SSID). This is a new one (in the last few days - No it's not mine!!! - I've changed my SSID!) But is IS broadcasting on CH 11. How's that for coincidence? It does give me to think that you are totally correct. Mine is OK on CH 2, but I'll keep monitoring the neighbours!

Incidently, you can get the Xirrus gadget for XP. I have it on my XP Computer.

Here are the details from an email:

XP does not have a native gadget/widget framework like Vista, but there are various 3rd party framework options by Yahoo, Google, etc.
Alternatively, check out the new Wi-Fi Inspector which runs as a full app (not a gadget/widget mini-app) and is supported on both Vista and XP.
Links to all the above, including the Yahoo framework and user guides, are on the Xirrus web site at: http://www.xirrus.com/library/wifitools.php

I do find it a useful tool - got it on both Vista PC's, and my XP one as well. (Couldn't get the "WiFi Inspector" to load, but the Yahoo one worked OK

Thanks - Dave

Thanks for that Dave, I've downloaded it for future use.

Could be really handy if I'm trying to sort out wireless problems for a customer.

Hopefully Dave all will stay stable now on the new channel you are using.

It is not unusual to have others around you on the same channels as most people don't even know about changing channels and stick with the defaults, Netgears being 6 or 11.
Normally we can all get on with our networks even though on the same channels but if the router your neighbour has is one with a strong signal and wide radius I would imagine there can be interference.

Incidently I have also found a neighbour whose network was wide open ... I don't know who they are and so cannot let them know.

PS, thanks for the XP version, I'll bookmark that

Anne,

If you have this on a laptop, it has a "locator" mode.

Click on the open SSID, click again when prompted to "Locate". The PC will beep more rapidly as you get closer to the ofending router.

(Trouble is you might get arrested walking up and down with a Laptop!!! - so it's probably not to be recomended!!!)

Dave - Hope it's useful for you - I have emailed the guy who presumably wrote the program, and he was helpful when I had problems trying to set up the wifi inspector. (I have not yet tried his suggestions, as the other one worked, but have it all on file for future use when I have more time!)

Thanks - Dave

Hi Dave, unfortunately I don't have a laptop .... but maybe next time I am fixing one for somebody I could have a go (if they don't mind me installing the software)

Most of my home network is now ethernet but previously we had two desktops that were wireless ... there's less complaining from the kids when they are gaming online!

Bliss