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Resolved Question

XP SP3 issue causing wireless network problem

Oct 25, 2011 5:33PM PDT

I am trying to install SP3 to a new installation of XP Professional. Before I install my wireless connection works OK. After installation my wireless connection doesn't work, no wireless networks found?

There is at least 4 networks in my immediate 50 metre zone? When I restore back to a point before SP3 it then works again, no problems!

My question is: What's causing this? If I can't install SP3 can I just stop the update from keep reminding me?

If so how to set this up?

Thanks, Batch1082011

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Batch1082011 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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XP wireless issue
Oct 31, 2011 1:03AM PDT

Make sure that java, is up to date, download and run slim driver from cnet, turn off your antivirus and reset your wireless device.

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Answer
Re: hiding update
Oct 25, 2011 5:37PM PDT

If you wish, you can hide an update from Internet Explorer>Tools>Windows update. Hidden updates won't display and won't be downloaded. It's just as easy to unhide them later.

Kees

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Answer
The better solution
Oct 25, 2011 10:57PM PDT

The better solution, given that SP3 has security updates and what not in it, which you would definitely want on an OS that has had 10 years of people poking and prodding it for weaknesses, would probably be to update the driver for your wireless card. It's rare that a service pack would mess with drivers, and often times it means there's another underlying issue, but it does happen from time to time. Almost always it's resolved via updating to a newer version.

So that would be the first thing I would suggest trying. If there are no updates, then I would honestly suggest considering another wireless card. Seems like a better alternative to intentionally leaving your system open to potential attacks by not installing SP3. One trip to a Geek Squad like place to clear out a malware infestation and you've probably spent more than almost any wireless card would run you, and without SP3 there's every chance events will repeat themselves.

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Update to SP3 issue still
Oct 26, 2011 4:28PM PDT

I have updated to SP3, and updatede my wireless driver. My wireless networks now appear, but with the continuous 'Aquirring IP address', time and again. I have tried to release and renew through IPCONFIG but it says the device is not working correctly?

What else can I do, apart from restoring back to pre SP3 so that my wireless works and I can connect to the Internet initially and getting a new wireless card?

Thanks for your help

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Tried This?
Oct 27, 2011 1:56AM PDT

Download and run the free WinsockXPFix tool which should repair your broken connection software. (If you can't download on your current machine, use a friend or family member's computer to download the file, copy it to a flash drive, then transfer to the problem machine.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/WinSock_XP_Fix_d4372.html

If that doesn't work, then we simply purchase a USB wireless adapter, disable the old one on the computer in Device Manager, then install the new.. Quick, easy, and not too expensive.

And just in case the problem is caused by malware, consider downloading the two malware removal programs below, install them, update them, then run a full system scan with both. As before, you may need to download the items below on a separate computer, then transfer them over using a flash drive or CD.

Malwarebytes Installer Download Link (Clicking on the links below will immediately start the download dialogue window.)
http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe

Malwarebytes Manual Updater link
http://data.mbamupdates.com/tools/mbam-rules.exe
_____________________

SuperAntispyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/SuperAntispyware

Manual Update
rhttp://www.superantispyware.com/definitions.html

Hope this helps.

Grif