Default Windows XP Wireless Software vs. Intel Wireless Card Software.

This might be eligible for the Networking and Wireless forum, but it's primarily a Software related question, so I'm posting it here.

My question: Are there any major differences between having Windows XP or my Intel 2200BG card using its proprietary PROSet/Wireless software to manage all my wireless connectivity?

Are there any major differences, or is it just a matter of preference?

 

I have found Intel software to be able to connect on some difficult situation where Windows soft could'nt.

But if you are not having problem with WinXP software, I suggest you should just stick with it.

 

Right now I'm using the Intel software, but I notice that on startup it tends to take its sweet time connecting to things. I'm wondering if the default XP wireless setup will startup any faster.

 

I like the default Windows wireless software. I have never had problems conecting. However Intel Proset has given me problems. Try them both and see what works for you.
Tim

 

I ditched the Intel stuff when I found out that any AP you connect to and / or create a profile for is forever saved by the Intel software. You can not edit it, delete it or any such thing. So, if you created a profile and got a password wrong (WEP or WPA key too) you are cooked! The response from Intel support was to un-install then re-install the software! Dah...!!!
I use XP, un-install the Intel (but leave the Intel driver alone) and all is good.

 

Basically, even though you can disable Wireless Zero Config in Windows...you won't really rid yourself of the windows connection. Using a 3rd party software is usually more of a headache than you may think.

Stick with the windows soft. It doesn't require an extra program to start up either.

 

This might be a silly question, I can't think straight today, but will uninstalling the Intel PRO/Wireless software leave the driver on the system?

Once it has been removed will Windows' wireless network software take over, probably after a reboot?

 

You may have to manually start the WZC service. Right click on the My Computer icon -----> Manage -----> Services and Application -----> Wireless Zero Config

Once you uninstall Intel's software make sure this service is set to Automatic. If it is not, change it.

If uninstalling the software removes the driver, just manually install with the add hardware wizard. Point it to the directory with the driver file.

 

Thanks for the information!

I don't have that service though, just WMI Control and Indexing Service.

 

If you have XP SP2 you definately have the service. It's under "Services and Applications". Click "Services". You should see a big list on the right half of the window. Wireless Zero Configuration is near the bottom.

Make sure it says "Automatic" under startup type. If not right click, choose properties: Choose Automatic for a startup type and click the "Start" button. Then ok.

 

Ah yes, I am an idiot!

 

Since reading this thread I thought I would uninstall the Intel PRO/Wireless software and see how it goes with XP managing it, and so far so good. It has also got rid of nine processes that were running, along with a couple at startup.

Is there any way of getting a signal strength meter in the system tray when using XP's wireless management?

 

Well, if you mouse-hover over the icon it will say the signal strength. Otherwise you can get pretty widgets to do that for any desktop program you use. Maybe there are tray signal icons, though. Try doing a google search for one and let us know.

The Windows wireless config may feel gone when you install a 3rd party software program, but in reality it is not. Plus you gain excessive startup software and services. I did like the profile manager with the intel software. However, if you just take roaming frequency down to 0 in the driver properties dialogue, you can effectively do the same thing. I never use roaming with wireless connections anyway. Who really wants to disconnect from one and reconnect to another every few minutes? That feature is for pirates...arrrrrrgh.

 

Konfabulator (Yahoo Widgets now) has a great number of wireless signal strength widgets that you can download and use. Just go and download the Yahoo Widgets engine, then look through the numerous holdings of widgets available. They work fine.

 

I had been using the Intel Software, but just tried the windows one, and it works great. Now I can delete all that intel stuff and get rid of quite a few processes.

 

That's what I did and all is good!