Topic: Vista wireless internet & unseure

[Andy K]

I've had alot of problems with my wireless since using vista 
and just wondered if it is a common problem with vista.

I've not had problems with XP or Win98


Currently using a PLEXUS USB reciever


Problem

1) When a neighbours unsecured network is switched on it won't let me connect to mine. So I end up manually connecting to theirs.

2) When theirs is off, I have to wait about 2-3 mins after switching the PC on before my PC will connect to my router.

My signal level is good (one down from the top)


my route is secure.

[Simon]

I'm not familiar with a PLEXUS USB reciever, Andy, but one idea might be to change the Wireless Channel that your router receives on, so it's different to your neighbour's.

The above should hopefully solve things, but you might want to get your neighbour to secure his network, as that would also hopefully stop any interference with your own, and would be good for his own protection. 

By the way, not a telling off, just an advisory, but did you know it's illegal to access another person's wireless network without their consent, as he could be facing a bill for your internet use, if he's on a capped service.  Of course, if you have an agreement with your neighbour, it's sort of OK, but may still be against the T&Cs of his ISP. 

[sam]

yeah, I'd go with trying a different channel before blaming vista - though I always like to get into a vista bashing..

[Andy K]

thanks for the replies.

I changed channel ages ago when I set it up, to make sure it wasn't on the same channel as anyone else.
This stop interferance or clashing I assume.

But my computer will still scan all channels.

how do I look at which channel the neighbour is on in vista 

P.S I don't know which neighbour is it.

[Simon]

This might help, Andy:  http://www.download.com/InSSIDer/3000-2085_4-10848357.html?tag=mncol

[Sandra]

Is there not an option to use preferred networks only in your wi fi network settings in Vista ?

[Andy K]

This might help, Andy:  http://www.download.com/InSSIDer/3000-2085_4-10848357.html?tag=mncol

Are you familar with this tool. I installed it, and I think it put it somewhere in program files, but I can find it / see how to run it ? 

I also noticed today and yesterday that sometimes it won't connect to either (manually), I reboot the machine and it's happy.

[Simon]

Are you familar with this tool. I installed it, and I think it put it somewhere in program files, but I can find it / see how to run it ? 

I've just installed it on XP and it appears in the Start Menu > All Programs list, under 'Metageek'.  However, when I tried to run it, I got the error in the attachment below, so maybe it will only run on Vista? 

I also noticed today and yesterday that sometimes it won't connect to either (manually), I reboot the machine and it's happy.

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the Plexus receiver, but I occasionally have to reboot my Vista laptop in order for it to connect to my wireless router.  I wouldn't like to say whether it's a Vista problem, or one of general connectivity, i.e, positioning, hardware, etc.

[David]

I have three machines using Vista and no problems I use a netgear adaptor on one the other built in,hope you get it sorted and this helps in some small way good luck

[Andy K]

Oh excellent. Thanks. It runs on my machine.

They are on different channels then.

My router is the top connection Orange

[Simon]

I can only suggest changing your channel to somewhere in the middle, say 6 or 7, so it's well away from the others.  Other than that, I'm a bit stumped for any more ideas.  Just a point, but you said you don't know which neighbour is affecting your connection, so how are you certain that it is one of them which is causing the disconnections?

[topquark]

There are a whole host of other devices that can affect the wireless signal.  For example wireless doorbells, video senders and cordless phones all use 2.4Ghz range signals.  You can normally set the channel on your router to auto and let it choose the best channel to use.

[Andy K]

The only device from that list I have is a wireless doorbell.

I don't think it is a hardware problem, but more of a software problem.

Once it connects it's fine for hours until the PC is shutdown.

I expect the only way I will solve it is to reinstall windows. 
And that is another story.

a) as normal I have no Windows CD provided
b) I can't see an option to create one off the HDD
c) I assume it's in a boot menu. Alt F9 ?

It's a zoostorm PC.

[Simon]

Have you tried removing all of the network settings, and starting again, Andy?

[Andy K]

don't think so.

what/how do you mean ?