"connect even if this network is not broadcasting" is not available for me

dukedaddy3 · 07-03-2009, 10:20 PM

I have a wireless network that is WPA encrypted and does not broadcast the SSID.

I work for an IT company and part of my job is to service 2 different networks.

I have two HP 8510p laptops. Both are running Windows XP sp2, but each has the OS installed from a different image that is specific to that company.

I have configured both laptops for the wireless network but under the network's properties screen only one of my laptops have the option to "connect even if this network is not broadcasting", on the other laptop this is not present.

I have admin rights on both machines and I desperately need to enable this on the other machine because of a project I must finish by Sunday (July 5, 2009).

Enabling the wireless network to broadcast the SSID is not an option.

Both laptops are using the same wireless network configuration program (windows)

Wireless network is at home but this should make a difference since the one who has the option available and enabled connects, (I'm using it to make this post)

And I set both networks up using the Windows XP wireless network setup wizard.

Here is a screen shot of both of the laptop's wireless network property:

Working Laptop:

Non-Working Laptop:

The SSID is present (I just blacked it out in the pics) and the WPA key is entered correctly.

I know there is a registry entry that handles this. It will display for use if the registry entry is restored to default and I have no idea why it's disabled.

The only thing that I can think of is there must be some old policy setting from that OS image; one that was in place before we started supporting this company but I can't find any help on which registry entry to modify from any Microsoft site.

What can I do to make this available?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

MikenandezNST · 07-03-2009, 10:44 PM

Are both of these using Windows Wireless Zero Configuration?

MikenandezNST · 07-04-2009, 12:35 AM

Also take a look here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917021

johnwill · 07-04-2009, 12:41 PM

FWIW, SSID hiding is an anemic protection, I'd simply enable it, much easier to live with your network that way.

A good read: The Six Dumbest Ways to Secure A Wireless LAN

07-03-2009, 10:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
dukedaddy3 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 4 OS: XP sp2	"connect even if this network is not broadcasting" is not available for me I have a wireless network that is WPA encrypted and does not broadcast the SSID. I work for an IT company and part of my job is to service 2 different networks. I have two HP 8510p laptops. Both are running Windows XP sp2, but each has the OS installed from a different image that is specific to that company. I have configured both laptops for the wireless network but under the network's properties screen only one of my laptops have the option to "connect even if this network is not broadcasting", on the other laptop this is not present. I have admin rights on both machines and I desperately need to enable this on the other machine because of a project I must finish by Sunday (July 5, 2009). Enabling the wireless network to broadcast the SSID is not an option. Both laptops are using the same wireless network configuration program (windows) Wireless network is at home but this should make a difference since the one who has the option available and enabled connects, (I'm using it to make this post) And I set both networks up using the Windows XP wireless network setup wizard. Here is a screen shot of both of the laptop's wireless network property: Working Laptop: Non-Working Laptop: The SSID is present (I just blacked it out in the pics) and the WPA key is entered correctly. I know there is a registry entry that handles this. It will display for use if the registry entry is restored to default and I have no idea why it's disabled. The only thing that I can think of is there must be some old policy setting from that OS image; one that was in place before we started supporting this company but I can't find any help on which registry entry to modify from any Microsoft site. What can I do to make this available? Any help is greatly appreciated!

07-03-2009, 10:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
MikenandezNST Tech, Microsoft Support Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,138 OS: Win Vista Ultimate EditionSP1/WinXPSP3 Blog Entries: 2	Re: "connect even if this network is not broadcasting" is not available for me Are both of these using Windows Wireless Zero Configuration? __________________

07-04-2009, 12:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
MikenandezNST Tech, Microsoft Support Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,138 OS: Win Vista Ultimate EditionSP1/WinXPSP3 Blog Entries: 2	Re: "connect even if this network is not broadcasting" is not available for me Also take a look here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917021 __________________

07-04-2009, 12:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 40,965 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: "connect even if this network is not broadcasting" is not available for me FWIW, SSID hiding is an anemic protection, I'd simply enable it, much easier to live with your network that way. A good read: The Six Dumbest Ways to Secure A Wireless LAN __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience