No wireless connectivity at hotspots

[John]

Hi there. How do I configure the wireless settings on my computer such that
I will pick up wireless signals when I visit various hotspots? When I go to
the Wireless Network Connection dialog and refresh the network list, I get
the message that windows cannot configure this wireless connection and that
if I have enabled another program to manage this wireless connection, to use
that software. Yes, I used to connect to the internet wirelessly through my
mom's desktop by virtue of a 2 Wire modem that was sent to me by SBC Yahoo.
However, I think I disabled abled it somehow when I moved and got a new
broadband internet connection. I really have absolutely no idea where to
begin here. Please could I have some pointers. Thank you.

John

 

[Frankster]

What this message means is that the vendor of your PC (or wireless card) has
included a utility to configure the wireless network. Only ONE program can
have control over configuring the wireless network. Not two. So, you have to
use the vendor provided program, not the Windows program.

Personally, I always disable any vendor supplied wireless configuration
utility. Most of them have a checkmark to check or uncheck to prevent their
use. After you disable the vendor-supplied utility, you will be able to use
the built-in Windows program to do it. I prefer the Windows program.

-Frank

 

[John]

Thank you for your reply, Frankster. However, you did not mention where or
how to disable the vendor-supplied wireless configuration. I went to Network
Connections >> Properties and did not see anything.

John

 

[Frankster]

Depends on the vendor. Use the start menu to open it, look around for a
disabling switch or checkmark. Alternatively, tell us the brand of your
PC/Wireless card and maybe someone here is familiar with it.

-Frank

 

[John]

Hi Frank. I have an Intel(R) Pro/Wireless 2200 BG. I used to connect to the
internet through the a 2Wire modem. Softare called "2Wire Wireless Client"
is installed on this computer. I saw this from the control panel's
add/remove programs feature.

John

 

[John]

Thanks. I just figured it out. Had to do with disabled services that usually
run at start-up. Thank you.

 

[Frankster]

Ah... who woulda thunk it! LOL. Glad you got it going.

-Frank