How do i switch to windows wireless configuration utility
If you are using Windows XP, Vista, or Server 2003, you have an option in how your wireless network card is managed. You can choose to use your manufacturer's Configuration Utility software, or you can use the configuration software built in to Windows.
If you wish to switch between your manufacturer's Wireless Configuration Utility and the Windows Wireless Zero Configuration service:
1. Go to Network Connections (from the left panel of My Network Places)
2. Right click on the icon for your wireless network card, and choose Properties
3. In the Properties dialog box, choose the middle "Wireless Networks" tab
4. Check or Uncheck the box on the top that enables Windows management of wireless connections
5. Click OK
A reboot is recommended. If you are using any form of WPA or 802.1X security, you will likely need to reboot the computer before you will be able to access your wireless Access Point -- even if it is configured correctly.
Even when both the manufacturer's software and the Wireless Zero Configuration services are running, the Configuration Utility should detect when Windows is not managing the connection and give you access to its own configuration options.
Likewise, Windows should detect when it is not enabled to control the wireless network configuration, and disable access to the Windows configuration options.
Advanced Troubleshooting:
Before proceeding, be sure to download a local copy of the manufacturer's software and driver should you find yourself with a disabled network card and a need to reinstall the software.
A. If you suspect that Windows is interfering with your wireless network, regardless of the setting, you can disable the underlying service. If the Wireless Zero Configuration service is disabled, Windows will not be able to manage the wireless network -- regardless of any setting. To permanently disable the Wireless Zero Configuration service, click Start, Run, and input services.msc and press Enter. In the Services window that follows, find the Wireless Zero Configuration service, double-click it, and change the startup option to Disabled. Reboot. If you still have issues, uninstall and reinstall your manufacturer's software now that the Wireless Zero Configuration Service is disabled. It should set itself up correctly now.
B. If the Manufacturer's configuration software is interfering with Windows' management of your wireless card, consider uninstalling your Manufacturer's software. Windows only needs the driver in order to communicate with your card and manage the wireless network. Everything else is optional. Remove the software from Add/Remove programs. The uninstall program might give you an option to uninstall everything except for the driver, or it might have separate Add/Remove Program entries for the utility. If it does not, then reinstall the software using the local copy you downloaded and look for an option that installs only the driver.
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