XP forgets the intstalled USB Wi-Fi adapters

  • Thread starter javaguy_in_wheaton
  • Start date
J

javaguy_in_wheaton

I have a new computer, with a fresh XP Pro installation on it. There
are logins for me (admin) and my kids (limited). I planned on
limiting internet access by installing a USB Wi-Fi adapter (802.11b)
and physically removing it when I didn't want them to go online.

I've tried two adapters now -- a LinkSys USB and a Netgear MA111 USB.
Both will install fine. The LinkSys adapter doesn't want to work with
another user. It forgets the WEP setting. Does so also after
disconnecting the adapter from the computer and reinserting it. Since
it is a removable device (USB), it ought to work after disconnecting /
connecting, no?

The Netgear adapter would survive reboots (well, I had a couple of
burps (XP critical error) after the Netgear adapter was installed, but
don't *quite* know why). The adapter was available from all user
logins. But if I disconnect the USB adapter and put it back in again
XP goes through the "Detected new hardware" business and wants me to
install drivers again. Bad news.

So, am I doing something wrong or is the expected behavior from USB
adapters?

TIA,
Jerome.
 
K

Ken Wickes [MSFT]

How about just disabling the adapter in the connections folder. A non-admin
can't reenable it.
 

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