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General discussion

A really odd question about Vista/XP internet security...

Sep 19, 2007 6:48AM PDT

Hello everyone! I have a question regarding Windows Vista, and specifically the security settings.

I work in a library, and we provide wireless internet. When you use your laptop to connect to the internet, a pop-up screen appears that asks for your library card ID number, and once you type it in you can access the internet. Sometimes the computer's pop-up blocker will stop this screen from appearing, so you have to lower the security settings to "medium", wait for the message, and then raise the security level back up to high. However, with Windows Vista we're still having problems. No matter how low we put every security setting, this login screen never shows up.

Yesterday, I was helping someone who uses Vista, and we were trying everything, but with no luck. I had to leave for a moment to go help someone, and I told her I would be right back. When I returned, she said that she had switched from Vista to Windows XP, and then the login page had instantly come up. This seems to be the solution, so I need to know detailed instructions on exactly how to switch down to XP (if it is actually possible). If it's not possible, does anyone know what she meant? Or are there any wireless internet users who understand my problem and can tell me how to fix it?

Thanks so much for your time!

Discussion is locked

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Any ideas about the security setup?
Sep 19, 2007 9:28PM PDT

It's nearly impossible to suggest possible solutions because there are so many was the security login could have been implemented. On that font it would be best if you could contact the person who installed and/or maintains the system. It may be that it's incompatible with Vista and needs replaced.

With switching from Vista to XP, though, there's a simple explanation...she likely had a dual-boot system in which both XP and Vista were installed. Vista doesn't include XP and to replace Vista with XP it takes wiping the hard drive and starting fresh, a process that can take hours. Dual-booting, however, lets you switch from one installed OS to another at a moment's notice. That won't help your average patron but in her case she was prepared for compatibility woes.

John

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Re:
Sep 20, 2007 3:10AM PDT

Thank you so much! I've posted this request on five different forums, and you're the only one so far that's given me an answer. I really appreciate it!