Wireless issues.

Robert · 25 Apr 2008 at 10:46

Hi there,

Basically a friend of mine has just purchased an Acer laptop (1.8 Cel/1gb/Vista Basic). Now when he plugs it directly into the router - he cannot access the internet. He can see his wireless network - yet cannot connect (WEP security). Now I'm confident that I can fix this but I just wanted to run my ideas through you guys first.

I'm thinking it could be the Norton security software at fault, so I'll nuke that along with the virus scanner and install Kaspersky. He also has an Acer wireless manager, which I'll nuke and let windows manage it (seems to do a decent job) and I'll install netstumbler to check for channel clashes etc.

The laptop is so over bloated with crap it's untrue - when it boots up the CPU is constantly @ 100% and the RAM was chocked full. It has all kinds of Acer suites on and Norton internet security. One service which does hog the CPU's called CLMLServer.exe (Cyberlink) so I'll nuke that.

Would I have any issues nuking the Vista install and putting XP on to it?

Cheers for your input.

Sin_Chase · 25 Apr 2008 at 11:54

You will also want to firmware upgrade the router when using Vista with it.

Robert · 25 Apr 2008 at 12:17

Really could that be an issue? He's using Sky Broadband.

I'm guessing it's just a simple thing - log into the router's web panel and check for a firmware update?

Sin_Chase · 25 Apr 2008 at 12:24

No idea what kind of a router/modem Sky broadband uses but there are lots of issues with Vista, its dynamic MTU methods and older routers/firmwares not liking it.

Perhaps something to leave once you explore all other options. Do you have a laptop you can take up and try with?

Robert · 25 Apr 2008 at 12:45

Sin_Chase said:
No idea what kind of a router/modem Sky broadband uses but there are lots of issues with Vista, its dynamic MTU methods and older routers/firmwares not liking it.

Perhaps something to leave once you explore all other options. Do you have a laptop you can take up and try with?

Yes I have a laptop with XP/SP3 on so I'm going to that that.

Not sure if I should format it or not, I'll probably leave it.

Oh and I think Sky use rebranded Netgears.