Reference Manual

HOW TO fix Wireless LAN problems on Windows XP.

HOW TO fix Bluetooth problems on Windows XP SP2.

Problem

The WLAN adapter connects to an Access Point correctly but frequent dropouts occur.

This problem may be caused by two wireless configuration programs each trying to configure the adapter. Windows XP SP2 installs the Wireless Zero Configuration Service without first requesting permission from the user. In cases where your WLAN Adapter setup program has already installed a similar configuration program for the adapter, the resulting conflict causes the dropouts.

Solution

The solution is to disable one of the two programs. The WZCSV service can be disabled by setting its Startup type to Disabled using the Service Control Manager. Other Wireless Configuration programs can be disabled by following the vendor's instructions.

Microsoft acknowledges the above problem in this article: WiFi_SOHO_Tshoot.doc.

Another problem (described here) arises if your WLAN Adapter is incompatible with the WZC service. The hotfix for this problem is not readily available, so the best solution would probably be to disable the WZCSVC and to use only the vendor-supplied software to configure the adapter.

A lengthy article describing many possible WLAN problems and debugging techniques is available here.

A similar configuration conflict can occur when Bluetooth adapters are used with XP SP2. Full details are here.

SEE ALSO

Wireless Networks, Index