XP connects to non-preferred network

[Guest]

Our XP clients are configured with our internal WLAN as the _only_ preferred
network, and "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks" is unticked.

Still at times our clients automatically connects to a nearby WLAN (this
happens exclusively right after a reboot). If we then do a Repair or
Disable/Enable of the wireless adapter the client connects to our preferred
network as it should.

Why is this happening? Am I right to consider this a security risk? The
behaviour has been confirmed to repeat itself even after reinstalling the OS.

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

Our XP clients are configured with our internal WLAN as the _only_ preferred
network, and "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks" is unticked.

Still at times our clients automatically connects to a nearby WLAN (this
happens exclusively right after a reboot). If we then do a Repair or
Disable/Enable of the wireless adapter the client connects to our preferred
network as it should.

Why is this happening? Am I right to consider this a security risk? The
behaviour has been confirmed to repeat itself even after reinstalling the OS.

It's a security risk since it's an untrusted network. If your computers are
properly protected, using a layered security strategy, it's probably not a fatal
one, it's just not a good idea.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html

Does this happen with all clients, equally? Do all clients use the same
hardware? Do you have current firmware on the AP, and WiFi drivers on the
client? Have you discussed this with the vendor of the equipment?
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/setting-up-wifi-lan.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/setting-up-wifi-lan.html

Are you broadcasting the SSID from your AP? Your problem is seen most
frequently when the SSID broadcast is disabled.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/disabling-ssid.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/disabling-ssid.html

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.