Windows Network Conn dead?

Scott__ · 03-05-2007, 08:32 PM

i have a Toshiba satelite 105 with an atheros ar5005g wireless card built in. the system comes with a helper prog called Config free, which helps automate the wireless setup. lately the config free shows all the wireless access in my neighborhood as it always has, and I am connecting (usually), but the windows networking utility shows NO wireless networks available, when I know there are at least half a dozen, including my own, it takes a small act of congress, but I end up getting connected, but the windows utility still will show no networks.. Baffled...

Tried repair and it can't even finish as the windows network utility shows no networks available...

**JamesO** · 03-06-2007, 03:53 AM

The Toshiba ConfigFree over rides the Windows Wireless Zero wireless utility.

You can only have 1 wireless manager functioning at a time.

Although the Windows wireless icon may show a connection, once established, the Toshiba utility is managing the device unless you reconfigure which wireless manager controls the wireless card.

JamesO

Scott__ · 03-06-2007, 06:07 AM

James O,

Thanks for that angle, it may be the explanation. I have searched in the configfree setup and not seen an option to be the controlling agent. It seems I have seen this before, any idea where this selection might be made at?

It would make sense though, as the connection IS established, but the windows utility seems not to be active. This IS a change over how the system worked until a few weeks ago when this started. Previously the windows utility could see and control the link ups.

I'll keep looking but if anyone knows where this swap of controlling agent can be made. GREAT..

Scott

**JamesO** · 03-06-2007, 06:55 AM

Control Panel, Network Connections, right click the Wireless Network connection. Choose Properties, Wireless Network tab, top check box "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings", click OK.

This should?? cause Windows Wireless Zero to take control of the wireless configuration, BUT this is a Toshiba!

JamesO

Scott__ · 03-06-2007, 06:26 PM

Yes, it's a Toshiba.... That means yes I tried it and only seemed to disable the configfree from associating with the card, windows did not pick it up. Rebooted and ran the Zero Config Utility, neither of which seemed to re associate the card with the windows utility.

Hey I can live with this, just an annoyance when it won't connect or picks up the wrong access point. Not to mention it frustrate me to not be in control of my electronic device.... (computer)

I'll keep trying this a few more times before I call it not working..

Thanx James O. BTW I did find the options just where you said.. Certainly appreciate the advice.

**JamesO** · 03-06-2007, 06:50 PM

Are you also aware that the Toshiba probably has a physical wireless switch on the front or side of the machine to turn the wireless on and off?

Many folks are unaware of this and sometimes turn the wireless off by accident.

The other thing you can do is disable the Toshiba Utility via MSCONFIG in the start up list. Not sure what this utility is called, but some with some Google search you should be able to figure it out.

JamesO

03-05-2007, 08:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
Scott__ Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Central US Posts: 3 OS: win XP	Windows Network Conn dead? i have a Toshiba satelite 105 with an atheros ar5005g wireless card built in. the system comes with a helper prog called Config free, which helps automate the wireless setup. lately the config free shows all the wireless access in my neighborhood as it always has, and I am connecting (usually), but the windows networking utility shows NO wireless networks available, when I know there are at least half a dozen, including my own, it takes a small act of congress, but I end up getting connected, but the windows utility still will show no networks.. Baffled... Tried repair and it can't even finish as the windows network utility shows no networks available...

03-06-2007, 03:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
JamesO Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA USA Posts: 2,289 OS: 98SE, W2k Pro, XP Pro	The Toshiba ConfigFree over rides the Windows Wireless Zero wireless utility. You can only have 1 wireless manager functioning at a time. Although the Windows wireless icon may show a connection, once established, the Toshiba utility is managing the device unless you reconfigure which wireless manager controls the wireless card. JamesO

03-06-2007, 06:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
Scott__ Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Central US Posts: 3 OS: win XP	James O, Thanks for that angle, it may be the explanation. I have searched in the configfree setup and not seen an option to be the controlling agent. It seems I have seen this before, any idea where this selection might be made at? It would make sense though, as the connection IS established, but the windows utility seems not to be active. This IS a change over how the system worked until a few weeks ago when this started. Previously the windows utility could see and control the link ups. I'll keep looking but if anyone knows where this swap of controlling agent can be made. GREAT.. Scott

03-06-2007, 06:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
JamesO Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA USA Posts: 2,289 OS: 98SE, W2k Pro, XP Pro	Control Panel, Network Connections, right click the Wireless Network connection. Choose Properties, Wireless Network tab, top check box "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings", click OK. This should?? cause Windows Wireless Zero to take control of the wireless configuration, BUT this is a Toshiba! JamesO

03-06-2007, 06:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Scott__ Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Central US Posts: 3 OS: win XP	Yes, it's a Toshiba.... That means yes I tried it and only seemed to disable the configfree from associating with the card, windows did not pick it up. Rebooted and ran the Zero Config Utility, neither of which seemed to re associate the card with the windows utility. Hey I can live with this, just an annoyance when it won't connect or picks up the wrong access point. Not to mention it frustrate me to not be in control of my electronic device.... (computer) I'll keep trying this a few more times before I call it not working.. Thanx James O. BTW I did find the options just where you said.. Certainly appreciate the advice.

03-06-2007, 06:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
JamesO Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA USA Posts: 2,289 OS: 98SE, W2k Pro, XP Pro	Are you also aware that the Toshiba probably has a physical wireless switch on the front or side of the machine to turn the wireless on and off? Many folks are unaware of this and sometimes turn the wireless off by accident. The other thing you can do is disable the Toshiba Utility via MSCONFIG in the start up list. Not sure what this utility is called, but some with some Google search you should be able to figure it out. JamesO