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Connecting to a Network: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter User's Guide


Connecting to a Network using Intel(R) PROSet


Enabling Intel(R) PROSet to manage Your Wireless Connections

If you are using Windows XP as your wireless manager you must disable Windows XP before Intel(R) PROSet can manage your wireless manager.

  1. From the desktop, Click the Start button > Control Panel. Double-click Network Connections, right-click Wireless Network Connection, then click Properties.
  2. In Wireless Network Connection Properties, Click the Wireless Network page.
  3. Verify that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is clear (unchecked).
  4. Double-click the Intel(R) PROSet icon in the desktop task tray.
  5. If you have previously setup your profiles, click the Networks page. The Profiles List should display available networks to connect to. If no profiles have been established, refer to Creating a New Profile for more information.

Disabling Windows XP Wireless Manager

To disable Windows XP as your wireless manager from Windows:

  1. Double-click the Wireless Network Connection icon in the desktop task tray.
  2. Right-click Wireless Network Connection and click Properties.
  3. Click on Wireless Networks tab on the Wireless Network Connection Properties.
  4. Verify that the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings box is not selected. If it is clear the check box.
  5. Click OK. This confirms that the Intel(R) PROSet utility is configured to manage your network profiles.
Note: Click the Advanced button on the Networks tab and verify that the option Notify when Windows XP Zero Config is enabled is selected. This option prompts you when Windows XP starts to manage your network profiles.

Disabling Windows XP from Intel(R) PROSet

To disable Windows XP while using Intel(R) PROSet:

  1. If Windows XP is enabled the Intel(R) PROSet Networks page is disabled. The system task tray option Select Profile will also be disabled.
  2. Click Yes if the Intel(R) Configuration Service dialog is displayed. If you click No, Windows is enabled as your wireless manager.
Note: If Intel(R) Configuration Service is enabled the Configuration Service dialog will display prompting you to disable or enable Windows XP as your wireless manager. The Configuration feature Notify when Windows XP Zero Config is enabled can be enabled in the Advanced button on the Networks tab. This option prompts you when Windows XP starts to manage your network profiles.
  1. Click Open Network Connection Properties.
  2. Clear the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings checkbox on the Windows XP Wireless Networks tab.
  3. Click OK to enable Intel(R) PROSet.

Intel(R) PROSet Tabs (Pages)

Intel(R) PROSet utility provides the following tabs (pages):

General Tab

The General page contains basic information about your connection. If you are associated to a network it will contain information such as SSID, profile name, speed, AP settings such as 802.11 band, channel and security mode. The Signal Quality section of the General page contains information on the quality of the wireless signal. It varies from poor to excellent depending on the surroundings and quality of the signal from the access point. The current status of the radio is also displayed in the Intel(R) PROSet General page. Refer to Switching the Radio Off/On for details about how to switch the radio off and on. Click the details button on the General page to view detailed parameters of the access point and network adapter. 


Network Tab

The Network page displays the available profiles in the Profiles List. Profiles can be arranged in order of network connection priority. You can connect to one network using the first profile in the Profiles List then automatically connect to another network using the next profile. This allows you to stay connected while roaming freely from one wireless network to another. Although you can assign multiple profiles to a single network, you can only use one profile per connection. To add a new profile, use the Profile Wizard sequence of dialogs to configure the profile contents. The following sections discuss how to setup and configure a profile to connect to a network.


Adapter Tab

Use the Adapter tab options to configure ad hoc settings, set the power management and transmission power options.

Power Settings: These settings allow you to adjust the adapter's power transmission level, between the computer's power source and the battery life for maximum performance.

Ad Hoc Settings: This can be used to select the band and the channel on which the ad hoc network is created. This setting will be ignored while joining an existing network.


Troubleshooting

Use the Troubleshooting tab to access statistical information for the current wireless connection. You can also enable and disable logging and view log files from this dialog. To access the Statistics dialog click the Statistics button. 

Signal Quality and Strength display: View the current signal quality and strength in percent values. Shows how the adapter is communicating with the currently associated wireless router.

Missed AP beacons: Percent value for the number beacons missed by the adapter. The lower the number is, the better the signal is.

Transmit retries: Percent value for the number of data packets that had to be retransmitted by the adapter. The lower the number is, the better the signal is.

Throughput: Current throughput speed measured in mega-bits-per-second (Mbps).

Network Name (SSID): Name of the network that the wireless adapter is connected to.

Profile Name: Name of current profile being used.

Operating Mode: Name of the operating mode being used; Infrastructure (AP) or Ad hoc.

Speed: The rate of data transmission between the adapter and wireless router measured in mega-bits-per-second (Mbps). The transmit data rate can depend on how far the adapter is from the wireless router. The adapter automatically sets the data rate (802.11b - 11, 5.5, 2, or 1).

Channel (Frequency): Displays the current channel and frequency being used.

Band: Displays 802.11b.


Advanced Settings (System-Wide Options)

Use the Advanced Settings options to configure the wireless connections and profile management preferences. Use the import and export profiles button to access the into the Profiles list. The system wide Advanced Settings are global settings that affect all installed wireless adapters. To access the Advanced Settings click the Advanced button on the Networks page.

Advanced Setting Description

Name

Description

Auto-connection

Connect to available network using profiles only: (Default setting): Use the profiles in the Profiles List to connect to any available network.

Connect to any available network if no matching profile found: Connect to any available network without using a profile from the Profiles List.

Connect to any network based on profiles only (Cisco mode): Connect to any available network access point using profiles enabled for Cisco CCX (version 2) mode. This mode allows connection to access points that support multiple and blank network names (SSIDs).

Connection preference

To achieve the optimum transmit data rate it is important to identify the type of access point that the wireless adapter is connecting to. The Advanced Settings provide the mode selections to optimize your operating environment.

Connect to Infrastructure and ad hoc networks: (Default Setting): Use the profiles in the Profiles List to connect to infrastructure and ad-hoc networks.

Connect to Infrastructure networks only: Use the profiles to connect to infrastructure networks only.

Connect to ad hoc networks only: Connect the wireless adapter to ad hoc networks only.

Infrastructure wireless mode selection  

The following describes how the wireless preference modes operate using Infrastructure mode. The adapter can operate in three modes:

  • Connect to 802.11a and 802.11b networks: This option is not accessible.
  • Connect to 802.11a network only: This option is not accessible.
  • Connect to 802.11b network only: This option allows the wireless adapter to search for the best 11b wireless routers using data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, or 11 Mbps. The Available Networks list displays any 11b wireless router.

Note: The wireless mode (Modulation type) options determine the discovered wireless routers displayed in the Scan list.

Profile management

Display available networks when not associated: If no networks are available that match a profile in the Profiles List, the Configuration Service dialog is displayed, listing the available networks. Check "Don’t show this again" to stop the dialog from displaying again, if the adapter becomes unassociated. The Configuration Service will continue to function and attempt to connect, using a profile from the Profiles List, or to an available network (depending if 'Connect to available network using profiles only' is selected) and no matching profile is found in the Profiles List. If the connection attempts are not successful then the adapter will remain unconnected.

Notify when disabling profile management features:

  • Check: If Intel(R) PROSet is currently managing your wireless adapter and Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled, a message dialog displays "Windows XP is managing your profiles."

    • Select yes, Intel(R) PROSet will manage the wireless adapter.

    • Select No, Windows XP will manage the wireless adapter.

If any other wireless manager (not Windows XP wireless manager) becomes enabled the message dialog displays "Another wireless LAN utility is communicating with the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN adapter. To avoid conflicts, Intel(R) PROSet has temporarily disabled its Profile Management features."

  • Clear: If Intel(R) PROSet is currently managing your wireless adapter you will not be notified in the event that Windows XP Zero Configuration or any other wireless manager becomes enabled.

In the event that Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled, and this box is cleared, or you answer no to the above question, the Connect button on the Profile page cannot be used to connect to any available networks. The Scan button can be used to scan for available networks. However, the Connect button is non-functioning when used to connect to an available network. The following conditions also occur:

    • Ad hoc mode is disabled. The Connect button in the ad hoc connect dialog is non-functioning.

    • Task tray icon menu: Launching an ad hoc profile and applying a profile from the task tray menu is not available.

Notify when Windows XP Zero Config is enabled:

  • Check: If the box is selected, when Intel(R) PROSet launches, a message dialog displays "Windows XP is managing your profiles" indicating that Windows XP Zero Configuration is enabled and is managing your wireless adapter. You are prompted to answer the following question:

Do you wish to disable Windows XP management and let Intel(R) PROSet manage your wireless network?

    • Select Yes, if you want Intel(R) PROSet to manage your wireless adapter.

    • Select No, if you want Windows XP to manage your wireless adapter.

Clear: If the box is cleared, when Intel(R) PROSet launches, you will not be notified in the event that Windows XP Zero Configuration wireless manager is enabled.

Disable Windows XP Zero Config service silently: Select this option to automatically disable Windows XP Zero Configuration Service if it becomes enabled. The default is to prompt the user before disabling.

Do not cache credentials: Select this check box to be prompted for credentials each time wireless connectivity (authentication, re-authentication) is established using 802.1x profiles with either the ‘Use Windows Logon' credentials or the ‘Prompt for Credentials on Connection’ option. The default setting is to cache credentials in memory so that you are only prompted the first time before connection instead of each time you connect or disconnect to the network during the Windows log on session.

Enable Profile Management Features: Select this option if you want Intel(R) PROSet to manage your wireless adapter. Clear this box will disable Windows XP as your wireless network manager.

Advanced Security

Notify on 802.1x Challenge Failure: Select this box to display an error message dialog in the event of an 802.1x protocol failure.  

Enable Cisco Mixed Cell: Select this feature to allow the wireless LAN adapter to communicate with mixed cells. A mixed cell is a wireless network in which some devices use WEP and some do not. You must enable the Enable Cisco Compatible Extensions option in the Profile Wizard General Settings dialog for mixed cell support.

Single Sign On Feature Settings Switch to common and persistent profile management: Select this feature to enable the Common and Persistent profile option in the Profile Wizard Advanced settings. In this mode only Common and Persistent profiles are displayed in the Profiles list. User Based profiles are not displayed.

Enable Pre-Logon Connect: This feature allows your system to silently connect to an assigned wireless network using your Windows log on user name and password before logging on to Windows. Refer to Pre-Logon Connect for more information. This option cannot be enabled or disabled from this dialog, it only displays the current status selected during the installation process. Refer to Installing and Uninstalling the Single Sign On Feature for more information.

Enable Persistent Connect: This feature can only be used with Common profiles. A Persistent Connect profile takes precedence over all other profiles in the Profiles list after a Windows log off session. This feature enables or disables a profile with the Persistent feature selected in the Profile Wizard. This option cannot be enabled or disabled from this dialog, it only displays the current status selected during the installation process. Refer to Installing and uninstalling Software.

Profiles

Only connect with this profile:  Select this feature to specify which Common profile to use for connection to a wireless network. Selecting this feature disables profile switching in the Profiles List. Only Common profiles with or without Persistent Connect are displayed in the list. Common profile names are indicated with an asterisk (*). When the checkbox is selected and a Common profile is selected from the list profile switching in the Profiles List is disabled. Deleting, renaming or changing the state of the profile (Common to User Based) will cause this feature to be disabled. 

Edit Button The Edit button is used to enter the assigned password for the Advanced Settings options. This button is grayed out is there no password. The default setting is no password.

Password button

Use this feature to lock the system-wide options with a password so that even users with administrative privileges can not change the Advanced Settings options. The options can still be viewed after a password is applied and the OK, Edit, Cancel and Help buttons can be used. The default setting is no password.  Refer to How to Password Protect the Advanced Settings for more information.

Import/Export Button

Import and export profiles to and from the Profiles List. Refer to import and export profiles for more information.

OK button

Save settings and return to the previous dialog.

Cancel button

Close dialog.

Help button

Displays the help information for this dialog.


Administrator Privileges and Restricted Users

Your computer can be set up to allow or restrict users access to your computer.

Note: As shown below, when the Advanced Settings feature is enabled, it overrides Restricted users. Restricted users play a role only when this feature is unchecked.

Advanced Settings feature:


Switch to common and persistent profile management (Checked)

 

 

 

 

 

Administrator users and Restricted users behave the same when this feature is checked
(enabled).

Profile Wizard:

  • This profile can be used by all users (Common) check box will be checked and disabled (cannot be unchecked)
  • This profile will be used when no user is logged on (Persistent) will be visible. The check box can be selected or cleared

Network Page:

  • User Based profiles are not visible in the Profiles List
  • Edit, Add and Delete buttons are available for use with Common and Persistent profiles
    only
  • Connect button is not available for Persistent profiles but is available for Common profiles
  • Common and Persistent profiles can be prioritized in the Profile list
Switch to common and persistent profile management (Unchecked)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrator Users

Profile Wizard:

  • This profile can be used by all users (Common) check box is visible and can be selected and cleared
  • This profile will be used when no user is logged on (Persistent) is not visible

Network Page:

  • Persistent profiles are not visible
  • Connect, Edit and Delete buttons are available for Common and User Based profiles
  • Common and Persistent profiles can be prioritized in the Profile list
Restricted Users

Profile Wizard:

  • The (Common) check box is not accessible (grayed out)
  • The (Persistent Connect) check box is hidden
  • Buttons can only be used to view Common profiles contents
  • You can Edit all User Based profiles

Network Page:

  • Persistent profiles are not visible
  • Add button can be used
  • Connect, Edit and Delete buttons are available for User Based profiles
  • Connect and Properties button available for Common profiles
  • Common and Persistent profiles can be prioritized in the Profile list. Common profiles are also displayed.

Intel(R) PROSet Configuration Service

The Configuration Service feature operates in background constantly scanning for available wireless networks not listed in the Profiles List. If no matching network profiles are found in the Profiles List a dialog automatically displays the available wireless network access points and computers (ad hoc mode) within range of the wireless adapter. The Configuration Service can also be used if there is more than one wireless adapter installed using 802.11b band.

Configuration Service key features:

When the Connect button is selected on the Configuration Service dialog the following options display:

Enabling Automatic Connection

The Configuration Service also monitors for the "resume status" after a laptop computer suspend event. When this occurs, the Configuration Service will re-enable the automatic connection service. These features can be enabled again after rebooting your computer or after a suspend and resume cycle.

Features affected when another profile management application is detected

For AAA Client:

Select OK, and the AAA Client application will manage the adapter. The current connection will continue with the affected Intel(R) PROSet features show below. To avoid conflicts, the Intel(R) PROSet profile management features have been temporarily disabled. To re-enable these features, first disable the other LAN utility and then either:

  1. Re-enable from Intel(R) PROSet Advanced Settings.
  2. Resume after a computer suspend.
  3. Reboot the computer.
Note: AAA Client Wireless Manager - If Intel(R) PROSet detects another wireless AAA client manager, a notification dialog displays, if you choose "OK" on this dialog, the Intel(R) PROSet profile management features are automatically disabled. The Advanced Setting "Notify when disabling profile management features" check box must be checked in order to display the notification dialog if Windows XP Zero Configuration in not enabled. The default setting is enabled (checked).

For Windows XP Zero Configuration:

Affected Intel(R) PROSet features:

Note: If the buttons described above are used, the following message displays: "Another wireless LAN utility is communicating with the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN adapter. To avoid conflicts, Intel(R) PROSet has temporarily disabled its Profile Management features."

Scanning for Available Networks

A fast way to connect to a network is to use the Scan button to search for a network access point in range of your wireless adapter. When a network is found, you can instantly connect without a profile or create a new profile.

Note: Profiles with the Enable Auto-Import feature enabled will also be displayed in the Profiles List of available networks. Refer to Automatic Profile Distribution for more information.

To scan for available networks:

  1. From the General page, select the wireless adapter on the left side pane.
  2. Select the Networks page.
  3. Click the Scan button.
  4. The Available Networks dialog displays the names of the available networks. Click the Refresh button to refresh the list of available networks.
  5. Select the network from the list, and click the Connect button.
  6. Select the network profile name with <no profile> shown, and click the Connect button.
  7. Click the No, connect me directly without creating a profile option. Note, you can click Yes, create a profile for this network now to create a profile to be used later.
Note: If the selected network has 802.1x authentication, you must first create a profile using the Profile Wizard. However, if the network has no WEP security (Open), WEP 64 or 128-bit encryption, or WPA-PSK, you can enter the required security settings in the dialog that displays after clicking the Connect button. Then a one time connection without a profile can be made.
  1. Click OK to connect to a network.

Connecting to a Network Using an Access Point

An infrastructure network consists of one or more access points and one or more computers with wireless adapters installed. Each access point must have a wired connection to the Local Area Network (LAN).

You can connect to a network by first creating a new profile using the Profile Wizard, then selecting that profile to connect to the network access point using the Connect button. You can also connect to a network, by using the Scan button. Refer to Creating a New Profile for more information.


Connecting to a Peer-to-Peer (Ad Hoc) Network

Connect or Start an Ad Hoc Network
Start an Ad Hoc Network
Ending an Ad Hoc Session
Creating an Ad Hoc Profile Using the Profile Wizard

In peer-to-peer (ad hoc) mode, you can send and receive information to other computers in an ad hoc network. All wireless clients in the ad hoc network must use the same network name (SSID) and channel number. For a list of allowed 802.11b ad hoc channels, refer to the Adapter Settings for more information.

Note: While scanning with an ad hoc profile set to a specific transmit channel, if an ad hoc network is found on another channel, you will be connected using the new channel. The new channel number is displayed in the Adapter Settings.

Connect to an Ad Hoc Network

Note: For information about connecting to an ad hoc using a profile, refer to Create an Ad Hoc Profile using the Profile Wizard.

Connect to an ad hoc network using a profile

Join an ad hoc network without a profile

Start an Ad Hoc Network

You can start an ad hoc network by using your computer as a wireless station. This method uses your computer's SSID to establish the ad hoc network for other users to connect to. When you are the originator of an ad hoc network, all other users must use the channel and SSID.

Ending an Ad Hoc Session

To end an ad hoc session, click the default profile in the Profiles List and click the Close button.

Creating an Ad Hoc Profile Using the Profile Wizard

The following describes how to create a new ad hoc profile using the Profile Wizard and connect to an ad hoc network

General Settings

  1. From the General page, click the Networks page.
  2. Click the Add button. The General Settings dialog displays.
  3. Enter a profile name in the Profile Name field.
  4. Enter the network SSID, in the Network Name (SSID) field.
  5. Click Ad hoc operating mode.
  6. Click Password protect this profile to set a profile password.
  7. Click Next.

Security Settings

  1. Select either None, WEP for the data encryption.
  2. If WEP is selected, select either 64 or 128-bit for the Encryption Level.
  3. Select the key index 1, 2, 3 or 4.
  4. Enter the required pass phrase or hex key.
  5. If the Password Protection check box was checked on the General settings page, then
    click Next to display the Password page.

Password Protection Settings

  1. Click the Password protect this profile check box.
  2. Enter a password in the Password field.
  3. Reenter the same password in the Confirm New Password field.
  4. Click the Back button to change or verify the settings or click Finish when you have completed the profile settings and return to the Networks page.

Connect to the Network

  1. Changing the default transmit channel from the Adapter page: Unless the other computers in the ad hoc network use a different channel from the default channel, there is no need to change the default channel. If you want to change the default channel, click the Adapter page, and click Configure under Ad Hoc Channel Selection. Choose the operating band select a channel. Click OK to save the setting.
  2. Select the Networks page
  3. After creating the new profile, click the profile in the Profiles List. Profiles using ad hoc mode are indicated by a computer icon next to the profile name.
  4. Click the Connect button to connect to the ad hoc network.

Switching the Radio On and Off

When your computer is switched on, if the radio is enabled it is constantly transmitting signals. In certain situations, such as landing or takeoff of an airplane, the radio signals may need to be turned off, if not these signals may cause interference. The following describes how to use your keyboard (if this option is available) and Intel(R) PROSet to switch the radio on or off.

The radio can be enabled or disabled from your computer keyboard, the task tray wireless menu option and from Intel(R) PROSet. The current status of the radio is displayed in the task tray wireless icon and on the General page.

Using the optional hardware radio on/off switch

The radio can be enabled or disabled from your keyboard, or from an external hardware switch if these options are available. Refer to your computer manufacturer for more information. Intel(R) PROSet displays the current state of the radio on the General page if one of these options is installed.

Using Intel(R) PROSet to switch the radio On or Off

The radio can be switched on or off from General page in Intel(R) PROSet.  The current state of the radio is displayed in the wireless adapter task tray menu option. The General page also displays the current state of the radio if the hardware option is installed.

How to Switch the radio On or Off

Note: When your laptop is switched on the radio is constantly transmitting signals. In certain situations, such as in a plane, signals from the radio may cause interference.

To switch the radio Off: From the General page click the Off button next to Switch Radio On/Off. 

To switch the radio On: From the General page click the On button next to Switch Radio On/Off.

When the radio is on, an attempt will be made to associate with the network access point using the last profile. If the adapter cannot connect to the access point, the Configuration Service will attempt to find an available network. Refer to Configuration Service for more information.

Switching the radio on or off from the Task Tray menu option

Right-click the wireless icon in the task tray and select the wireless adapter being used. Depending on the previous state of the radio, select Switch Radio Off (radio is already ON, select to turn OFF) or Switch Radio On (radio is already OFF, select to turn ON).

This wireless status icon also displays in the task tray.

Radio switched off using task tray option

Location of icon in system tray (lower right corner of Windows desktop)


Disabling the Radio in Windows

The radio can be disabled (made non-functional) via the Windows operating system using Device Manager. 

For Windows XP and 2000:

  1. From your desktop, right-click My Computer and click Properties.
  2. Click the Hardware page.
  3. Click the Device Manager button.
  4. Double-click Network adapters.
  5. Right-click the installed wireless adapter in use.
  6. Choose Disable from the pop-up menu.
  7. Click OK.

Viewing Adapter Advanced Settings

The following advanced options are only available in the Windows Device Manager Advanced page if Intel(R) PROSet is not installed. If PROSet for Wireless is installed the Advanced page displays the Open button. Selected this button to open PROSet for Wireless.

To access the Advanced options:

  1. From your desktop, right-click My Computer and click Properties.
  2. Click the Hardware page.
  3. Click the Device Manager button.
  4. Double-click Network adapters.
  5. Right-click the name of the installed wireless adapter in use.
  6. Select the Advanced page.

Advanced page option under Windows XP and 2000:


Single Sign On Feature

The Single Sign On feature 'Use Windows Logon' allows you to make fast wireless network connections using pre-configured profile information such as the server, domain, user name and password every time you make that connection. This feature allows 802.1x credentials to match your Windows log on user name and password and will synchronize user credentials when using 802.1x authentication types MD5, TTLS, PEAP, and LEAP. TLS authentication does not require a username and password. When using MD5, TTLS, PEAP, and LEAP the username and password fields are disabled on the authentication Credential dialog if Use Windows logon is enabled.  Refer to Credentials Dialog for more information. Refer to Installing and Uninstalling Single Sign On Feature Set for more information.

Note: If Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Service is enabled, the Single Sign On feature is disabled. However you can enable the run-time Advanced Setting configuration option Disable Windows XP Zero Config service without prompting to automatically disable Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Service if it becomes active.

The Single Sign On feature set consists of the following features:

Pre-Logon Connect

This feature allows you to establish a wireless connection using your Windows Log on credentials before you log on to Windows.

Pre-Logon Connect key points:

Creating a Pre-Logon Connect Profile

To enable a profile with the Pre-Logon Connect feature:

  1. From the General page, click the Networks page.

  2. Click the Advanced button.

  3. Verify that Enable Persistent Connect is checked. If it is not checked this feature was not installed during the installation process.

  4. Click OK to close the Advanced Settings dialog.

  5. The Pre-Logon Connect profile will be applied at Windows user log on time. Refer to Pre-Logon Connect for more information.

  6. Click OK to close the Intel(R) PROSet.

Using the Pre-Logon Connect Option

The following describes how the Pre-Logon Connect feature functions from system power-up. The following assumes there is a saved profile with valid security settings marked with “Use Windows Logon” or “Save Credentials” that can be applied at the time of Windows logon.

  1. Power-up your computer or from your keyboard press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys.

  2. Enter your Windows Log On user name, password, and domain.

  3. Click OK.

  4. The Pre-Logon profile Status dialog is displayed. The progress of the network connection displays. After the wireless adapter is connected to a network wireless router the Status dialog will close and the Windows log on process will complete.

  5. If the corresponding wireless router rejects your credentials during the Pre-Logon connect, the profile Credentials dialog will display prompting you for your user credentials. If you click OK after entering your credentials, the profile is applied and the Status dialog will display the progress of the connection status until you are logged on to Windows. You can also select Cancel on the Credentials dialog to try another profile.

Note: Select the Cancel button to terminate the wireless connection and continue with the Windows log on process.

Persistent Connect

A Persistent connection can be established only with Common profiles that are marked as persistent. A profile using the Persistent Connect feature allows your wireless adapter to maintain a continuous wireless connection after you log off from your current Windows session until the computer is turned off or a different user logs on. This feature allows you to reconnect automatically while logging off and on during a Windows session.

Persistent Connect key points:

Note: Refer to the Advanced Settings Persistent Connect option for more information.


Windows XP Welcome Screen and Fast User Switching

Fast User Switching is enabled by default if you're using Windows XP Home Edition. Fast User Switching is also available on Windows XP Professional if you install it on a stand alone or workgroup-connected computer. If a computer running Windows XP Professional is added to a domain, then Fast User Switching option is not available. Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when the Single Sign On Feature Set options are installed.


Intel Administrator Tool Kit

The Intel(R) PROSet for Wireless Advanced Settings (System-Wide Options) can be remotely set and updated using a small file named swo.ini. The swo.ini is used to import System-Wide Options. It contains all of the System-Wide Options as settings, lists the purpose of each setting and the possible values for the settings. When the swo.ini is placed in the auto-import folder Program Files\Intel\PROSetWireless\PROSet\Import, PROSet will automatically apply the settings from the swo.ini if any of the settings in the System-Wide Options are different from those of the swo.ini.

 The swo.ini can also add, change, or remove the password from the System-Wide Options. If no password is set on the System-Wide Options when the swo.ini is imported, the settings will be applied from the swo.ini to the System-Wide Options including a password for the System-Wide Options if a password is included in the swo.ini. If there is a password on the System-Wide Options when the swo.ini is imported, the password in the swo.ini must match that of the System-Wide Options, otherwise no changes will be made. There are two fields in the swo.ini for passwords on the System-Wide Options: Old password and New password. The Old Password entry is used to match the current System-Wide Options password to allow for swo.ini changes. The New Password entry is used to add a password to the System-Wide Options when used by itself, or change the password of the System-Wide Options when used in conjunction with the Old Password entry.

There is a utility file named swo.exe which allows for the entry of an alphanumeric string which will be converted to an encrypted password when the Encrypt button is clicked. This encrypted password can be copied into either of the password entries of the swo.ini. Please see the contents of swo.ini for additional details on usage. The swo.ini and swo.exe files are located in the following path: <your drive letter> (e.g. C:) \PROSet\AdminKit.


Common Profiles and User Based Profiles

There are two types of profiles that display in the Profiles list for connection to wireless networks:


Administrator Privileges and Restricted Users

Your computer can be set up to allow or restrict users access to your computer. When using Common profiles some restrictions apply for non-administrator users.

Note: As shown below, when the Advanced Settings feature is enabled, it overrides the Restricted Users right. Restricted Users play a role only when this feature is unchecked.

Advanced Settings feature:


Switch to common and persistent profile management (Checked)

 

 

 

 

 

Administrators users and Restricted users behave the same when this feature is checked
(enabled).

Profile Wizard:

  • This profile can be used by all users (Common) check box will be checked and disabled (cannot be unchecked)
  • This profile will be used when no user is logged on (Persistent) will be visible. The check box can be selected or cleared

Network Page:

  • User Based profiles are not visible in the Profiles List
  • Edit, Add and Delete buttons are available for use with Common and Persistent profiles
    only
  • Connect button is not available for Persistent profiles but is available for Common profiles
  • Common and Persistent profiles can be prioritized in the Profile list
Switch to common and persistent profile management (Unchecked)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrators Users

Profile Wizard:

  • This profile can be used by all users (Common) check box is visible and can be selected and cleared
  • This profile will be used when no user is logged on (Persistent) is not visible

Network Page:

  • Persistent profiles are not visible
  • Connect, Edit and Delete buttons are available for Common and User Based profiles
  • Common and Persistent profiles can be prioritized in the Profile list
Restricted Users

Profile Wizard:

  • The (Common) check box is not accessible (grayed out)
  • The (Persistent Connect) check box is hidden
  • Buttons can only be used to view Common profiles contents
  • You can Edit all User Based profiles

Network Page:

  • Persistent profiles are not visible
  • Add button can be used
  • Connect, Edit and Delete buttons are available for User Based profiles
  • Connect and Properties button available for Common profiles
  • Common and Persistent profiles can be prioritized in the Profile list. Common profiles are also displayed.

 


Install and Uninstall the Intel(R) PROSet Software

The first time the Intel(R) PROSet software is installed, by default the Single Sign On Feature Set and the Pre-Logon Connect feature are not installed during the initial installation process. To install the Single Sign On Feature Set and Pre-Logon Connect feature use the Custom option during the installation process. The Single Sign On Feature Set can also be installed or uninstalled after Intel(R) PROSet has been installed. Refer to Installing and Uninstalling Single Sign On Feature for instructions.

To install the Intel(R) PROSet software:

  1. Insert the Installation CD in your CD drive.
  2. Click Install Software on the Intel(R) PRO Network Connections screen.
  3. Click Next on the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Intel(R) PROSet screen.
  4. On the License Agreement screen, after reading the license agreement, select I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next.
  5. Select one of the following options and click Next.
  • Typical: This option installs the Intel(R) PROSet utility without the Single Sign On Feature Set. Proceed to step 7.
  • Custom: This option allows you to install the Single Sign On Feature Set and choose which one of its options to install. Proceed to step 6.
  1. Select one of the following features to install or uninstall:

Single Sign On Feature Set: These features include Use Windows Logon, and Persistent Connect.

  • Install: Click Single Sign On Feature Set. Select This feature will be installed on local hard drive. Click Next and proceed to step 7. Note: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when the Single Sign On feature set options are
    installed.

  • Uninstall: Click Single Sign On Feature Set. Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicating that it will not be installed. Click Next and proceed to step 7. Note: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen will be enabled when the Single Sign On feature set options are uninstalled.

Pre-Logon Connect: After installing this feature you must reboot the system.

  • Install: Click Pre-Logon Connect. Select This feature will be installed on local hard drive. Click Next and proceed to step 7. Note: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when the Single Sign On feature set options are
    installed.

  • Uninstall: Click Pre-Logon Connect. Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicating that it will not be installed. Click Next and proceed to step 7. Note: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen will be enabled when the Single Sign On feature set options are uninstalled.

  1. Click Install.
  2. After the software is installed on your computer, click Finish. Note: If the Pre-Logon Connect feature was installed you must reboot the system.
  3. Click Close to exit.

Installing and Uninstalling the Single Sign On Feature

The Single Sign On Feature Set and the Pre-Logon Connect feature are by default not installed during the initial software installation process. However, you can install or uninstall each of these features after Intel(R) PROSet has been installed.

To install the Single Sign On Feature Set and the Pre-Logon feature after Intel(R) PROSet has been installed:

  1. Click Start àSettings àControl Panel àAdd or Remove Programs àIntel(R) PROSet.
  2. Select Change.
  3. Click Next on the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Intel(R) PROSet screen.
  4. Select Modify on the Program Maintenance screen and click Next.
  5. To install or uninstall select one of the following options and click Next.

Single Sign On Feature Set: These features include Use Windows Logon, and Persistent Connect.

  • Install: Click Single Sign On Feature Set. Select This feature will be installed on local hard drive. Click Next and proceed to step 6. Note: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when the Single Sign On feature set options are
    installed.

  • Uninstall: Click Single Sign On Feature Set. Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicating that it will not be installed. Click Next and proceed to step 6. Note: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen will be enabled when the Single Sign On feature set options are uninstalled.

Pre-Logon Connect: After installing this feature you must reboot the system.

  • Install: Click Pre-Logon Connect. Select This feature will be installed on local hard drive. Click Next and proceed to step 6. Note: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen are disabled when the Single Sign On feature set options are
    installed.

  • Uninstall: Click Pre-Logon Connect. Select This feature will not be available. A red x displays next to the option indicating that it will not be installed. Click Next and proceed to step 6. Note: Windows XP Fast Switching and the Welcome screen will be enabled when the Single Sign On feature set options are uninstalled.

  1. Click Install.
  2. After the software is installed on your computer, click Finish. Note: If the Pre-Logon Connect feature was installed you must reboot the system.
  3. Click Close to exit.

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