Unidentified Network--Local Access Only... revisited

[indy-pc]

I know that this issue has been brought up before. I've searched these forums, Google and every other source that I can think of and I just can't find a solution. Here's the rundown:

Compaq Presario F700 Win Vista SP1 (fresh reinstall)
Linksys 310N Wireless-N Gigabit router (AT&T DSL connection)

I've tried the basics: disabled firewall, regedit, updated drivers, ipconfig /renew. Nothing works. This is a new system for my client (my in-laws, actually), so this isn't a case of "it just stopped working".

Here's the kicker...

This system connects just fine to my Belkin Wireless-N router and my laptop (also running Vista SP1) connects to their router without an issue.

What am I missing, here? I'm guessing it's an issue of a non-Vista compatible router, but I really don't want to have to buy them another router (they didn't have one before). I need your help.

 

[14049752]

The first thing I would do is update the OS. Put Sp2 on there, update the drivers, then let us know if it's still giving you problems.

 

[Boston Pro Comp Serv LLC]

Have a read of this. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928233
Maybe....

 

[indy-pc]

The first thing I would do is update the OS. Put Sp2 on there, update the drivers, then let us know if it's still giving you problems.

Sorry. I meant that SP2 is installed on both. Everything is current and up-to-date according to the manufacturer's (Compaq) website.

Have a read of this. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928233
Maybe....

Yes, I have seen that and I tried the regedit fix described (adding the DhcpConnEnableBcastFlagToggle = 1 entry) to no avail.

 

[ljtechservices]

I've seen this before. I occasionally get a laptop on the bench that this happens with.
The wireless card wouldn't happen to have an atheros chipset?
If you changed the security to WEP or Open on the router would it connect?

Just make sure the drivers are updated. See if you can turn promiscuous mode off if the option is available.

try changing the wireless password on your router as well.

I used to think that it was a problem with my router and the DD-WRT firmware since the devices seemed to be able to connect to a stock linksys with no problem. But then I started running into other devices like iPad's and iPhones that wouldn't connect via WPA unless the password is changed.

But the more I see it I'm pretty positive it's just a driver issue.

 

[datagnostic]

I had a similar issue with a Packard Bell laptop some months ago. It also had an Atheros chipset
Should revisit that customer to further troubleshoot some time...

 

[indy-pc]

I've seen this before. I occasionally get a laptop on the bench that this happens with.
The wireless card wouldn't happen to have an atheros chipset?
If you changed the security to WEP or Open on the router would it connect?

Just make sure the drivers are updated. See if you can turn promiscuous mode off if the option is available.

try changing the wireless password on your router as well.

I used to think that it was a problem with my router and the DD-WRT firmware since the devices seemed to be able to connect to a stock linksys with no problem. But then I started running into other devices like iPad's and iPhones that wouldn't connect via WPA unless the password is changed.

But the more I see it I'm pretty positive it's just a driver issue.

It is an Atheros wireless card, in fact. As you suggested, I changed to WEP and it connects just fine. I'll see if I can hunt down an updated driver, but it's current according to the Campaq's website.

I'll do a search for it, but do you know of a more direct link to a current driver off hand?

 

[Martyn]

It is an Atheros wireless card, in fact. As you suggested, I changed to WEP and it connects just fine. I'll see if I can hunt down an updated driver, but it's current according to the Campaq's website.

I'll do a search for it, but do you know of a more direct link to a current driver off hand?

You might be better off whacking in one of the Edimax usb dongles and have the latest n range technology and security. It's hardly worth spending the time on those old cards.

 

[ljtechservices]

I'll do a search for it, but do you know of a more direct link to a current driver off hand?

You would need to know which chipset you have before you could find a driver.
Finding the driver the next step. As far as I know Qualcomm doesn't publish drivers publicly since they only deal with OEM's.

good luck.

 

[rsarceno]

What am I missing, here? I'm guessing it's an issue of a non-Vista compatible router, but I really don't want to have to buy them another router (they didn't have one before). I need your help.

First time I heard of non-vista compatible.

If you can managed the router via HTTP, then most likely the PC, drivers and the configuration setting is good. The only thing that I would check on the PC is name resolutions. Try browsing using the IP address.

I would concentrate on the router. I normally carry a spare "AMPED" router. It serves me two basic purpose. First, I can verify if the ISP setting is good. Second it provides stronger signal and if it work, it's easier to sell to the client.

I read your post that there might not be any funds for the router but if it's the router, there's nothing you can do at the PC end to fix it.

 

[ljtechservices]

First time I heard of non-vista compatible.

If you can managed the router via HTTP, then most likely the PC, drivers and the configuration setting is good. The only thing that I would check on the PC is name resolutions. Try browsing using the IP address.

I would concentrate on the router. I normally carry a spare "AMPED" router. It serves me two basic purpose. First, I can verify if the ISP setting is good. Second it provides stronger signal and if it work, it's easier to sell to the client.

I read your post that there might not be any funds for the router but if it's the router, there's nothing you can do at the PC end to fix it.

google "atheros wpa2 problem vista" and be enlightened.

I think there was a short window when vista was being sold that this was an issue. I've noted the problem on ipads and iphones with iOS5 as well. it's crappy programming or chipsets from the vendors.

 

[uprighttech]

I have had this exact issue with multiple Compaq laptops running Vista. It is a problem with the outdated Atheros drivers provided by Compaq. Go to the following website and download the drivers for the chipset you need. I believe all the ones I have had problems with were the AR5007 chipset. I'm almost 100% sure this will resolve your issue.

http://www.atheros.cz/

 

[Steve202]

Had the same problem a few months ago, ended up installing a Edimax usb dongle. I spent hours looking at the problem and had to admit defeat by using another wireless nic.