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Microsoft Windows XP NIC connection

This just began. I have Microsoft Windows XP Professional. I am having trouble with one of my wireless connected laptop. Windows had a problem seeing the networks. Thus, I could not get an Internet Connection. I discovered in services tat Windows Zero Configuration no longer starts automatically when I reboot the computer. As a result, I cannot get out onto the Internet without going into services and started. What is causing this? How do I fix it.
Thanks.

EMJSR

I've had this before. Remove the wireless NIC from the Device Manager, uninstall the drivers completely, run a registry cleaner (CCleaner or the likes), then reboot and reinstall the wireless NIC drivers after that. Following another reboot that should be OK. The Zero Config service probably doesn't start, because Windows cannot address the NIC properly. I had the same problem on a laptop and reinstalling the NIC fixed it.

Other than that, try and do the usual and run a malware scan just in case. You never know!

Alternatively, if you have recently installed updates, perhaps to a restore, just in case a driver messed things up.

cpsimon

ASKER

Hi,
I did an uninstall and install. It fixes for the moment. I think you are correct that a registry
cleaner may be needed. I will try it and get back to you. There were some Windows updates. That may have set something.
Thanks.

EMJSR

Worst case, have a look int the Windows Updates driver section and disable the proposed driver update for your NIC if that is what's causing it. If there is no issue with the device or system stability, there is no need to update a NIC driver.

cpsimon

ASKER

I actually looked for an updated driver through device hardware. There was none available. I am about to run Registry Mechanic.

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EMJSR

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cpsimon

ASKER

Thanks. Good idea.

cpsimon

ASKER

I ran Wise Registry Cleaner. Rebooted. Windows Zero Configuration did not start automatically. Also I noticed that I had start it and go into properties in network connections. I clicked on Wireless tab and Windows became unchecked to handle wireless.
I am going run Norton 360. Perhaps there is something brewing.

Robert Retzer

It is possible to save battery power the wireless gets turned off. You have to remove the power settings on the wireless adapter.

cpsimon

ASKER

I checked the wifi light on the computer. It is always on. I am starting to think that something happened in the most recent Windows upgrade.

Robert Retzer

I am not talking about the light as that can be always on but the power setting on the driver could be set to turn off the wireless network card to conseve power.

cpsimon

ASKER

I have gone on the Net. Apparently, it is not so uncommon with Dells and their wireless utility which goes haywire. I wrote a batch file to put into start which turns the service on when I reboot. Thanks so much for all your help and the free registry cleaner.