[Walrus5241]

For whatever reason, my wireless card has randomly stopped detecting wireless networks...when I KNOW wireless networks are present (I live in a dorm, and all my roommates can detect them...one who sits literally three feet away from me).

I have tried:
Disabling/enabling the wireless card
Restarting the computer
Making sure Wireless is "On" from within the computer
Making sure the Wireless button on my laptop is "On"
Verified that the device was working properly through Device Manager
Running virus scans from both Norton 360 and Windows Defender (both detected nothing)

The only suspicious thing I'd encountered was something called "Program DJ" which suddenly popped up, and had a "wireless switch" with it. I promptly got rid of the program after deducing that it appeared to be spam of some sort.

What should I do? What more could be wrong? I am using an Intel Wireless Wifi Link 5300. My laptop is a custom built CyberPower PC. I have Windows XP Service Pack Three, with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU P8600, 2.39 GHz.

I have followed the rules stated at http://www.geekstogo...-Log-t2852.html.

Edited by Walrus5241, 04 March 2009 - 01:39 PM.

[Advertisements]

Hey Walrus5241 -- welcome to G2G

Thanks for starting this thread with such an in-depth post -- it helps

Can you please remove the HijackThis log from your post -- if you feel you have an infection, then you are more than welcome to post your HJT log in our Malware Forum -- simply create a new topic.

However, I'm inclined to say that your issue is more likely due to security software interference. Have you tried connecting your computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable, and seeing if the issue persists? If you can't connect while wired to your router, please try an Ethernet connection when in Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 1 - Restart your machine in Safe Mode with Networking:
Please restart the problematic machine in Safe Mode with Networking and then see if you can get an Internet connection; can you?
*Note: You will not be able to use a wireless connection while in Safe Mode; please ensure all tests are performed with a wired (Ethernet) connection.

Also, to test your wireless, restart your computer in a clean boot state and see if you are able to get a wireless connection.

Step 2: Start your machine in a clean boot state:

• Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK
• In the new window, select the General tab and then select Selective Startup
• Click to clear the Process SYSTEM.INI File check box.
• Click to clear the Process WIN.INI File check box.
• Click to clear the Load Startup Items check box. Verify that Load System Services and Use Original BOOT.INI are checked.
• Click the Services tab.
• Click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box.
• Click Disable All, and then click OK.
• When you are prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.

When the computer reboots, are you able to connect to the Internet?
*Note: To return Windows to a normal startup mode, please do the following:

• Select Start, and then click Run.
• Type msconfig, and then click OK.
• Click the General tab, click Normal Startup - load all device drivers and services, and then click OK. When you are prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.

Finally, did you pay for your Norton installation, or is it simply a trial? If it is a trial, I am going to actually recommend that you uninstall it -- Norton has been causing quite a few connectivity issues as of late. I will provide you with a link to some free applications recommended by our malware staff at the end of my post.

Step 3: Remove Norton from your machine:
Please download and run the Norton Removal Tool -- once it is finished, restart your computer. Try to connect via wireless now; can you?

Here is a list of Free Antivirus and Antispyware Software as recommended by our malware staff, to replace Norton.

- Dan

[Dan]

Hey Walrus5241 -- welcome to G2G

Thanks for starting this thread with such an in-depth post -- it helps

Can you please remove the HijackThis log from your post -- if you feel you have an infection, then you are more than welcome to post your HJT log in our Malware Forum -- simply create a new topic.

However, I'm inclined to say that your issue is more likely due to security software interference. Have you tried connecting your computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable, and seeing if the issue persists? If you can't connect while wired to your router, please try an Ethernet connection when in Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 1 - Restart your machine in Safe Mode with Networking:
Please restart the problematic machine in Safe Mode with Networking and then see if you can get an Internet connection; can you?
*Note: You will not be able to use a wireless connection while in Safe Mode; please ensure all tests are performed with a wired (Ethernet) connection.

Also, to test your wireless, restart your computer in a clean boot state and see if you are able to get a wireless connection.

Step 2: Start your machine in a clean boot state:

• Click Start, click Run, type msconfig, and then click OK
• In the new window, select the General tab and then select Selective Startup
• Click to clear the Process SYSTEM.INI File check box.
• Click to clear the Process WIN.INI File check box.
• Click to clear the Load Startup Items check box. Verify that Load System Services and Use Original BOOT.INI are checked.
• Click the Services tab.
• Click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box.
• Click Disable All, and then click OK.
• When you are prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.

When the computer reboots, are you able to connect to the Internet?
*Note: To return Windows to a normal startup mode, please do the following:

• Select Start, and then click Run.
• Type msconfig, and then click OK.
• Click the General tab, click Normal Startup - load all device drivers and services, and then click OK. When you are prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.

Finally, did you pay for your Norton installation, or is it simply a trial? If it is a trial, I am going to actually recommend that you uninstall it -- Norton has been causing quite a few connectivity issues as of late. I will provide you with a link to some free applications recommended by our malware staff at the end of my post.

Step 3: Remove Norton from your machine:
Please download and run the Norton Removal Tool -- once it is finished, restart your computer. Try to connect via wireless now; can you?

Here is a list of Free Antivirus and Antispyware Software as recommended by our malware staff, to replace Norton.

- Dan

[Walrus5241]

Haha, sorry about the HJT log; I wondered if it was really relevant, but I thought I'd include it anyway, just in case someone wanted to veryify that I had no infections.

My computer does work when connected with an ethernet wire. To go into detail (perhaps more than necessary), I'm at a college dorm where the only way to connect is through an ethernet cable connected to the wall; however, some residents will connect that to a wireless router and set up their own network (which is technically not allowed). I used to be able to detect these networks (my roommate has his own, and I was always able to see/connect to his router, being only three feet away from him); now I can't. My other suitemates can still detect his wireless (and the others in the building), but I cannot. Why I'm worried about this is because my home internet is wireless (the router is in the basement), so if I can't fix this before I get home, I'll really be screwed, haha.

So yes, wired internet works. As for Norton, it is indeed a paid subscription. I've had Norton 360 for a while now (at least a year) and it's never caused any connection problems in the past. Has something changed in their set-up/updates recently that would suddenly cause it to interfere with my wireless connectivity? Or are there other instances where Norton will suddenly interfere with connectivity? I just want to verify this before I go through uninstalling it.

Thank you SO so much for your help. I know a lot of people tend to take tech guys/helpers for granted (or flat out view them negatively), but I'm eternally grateful for their help and support, and I certainly extend that gratitude to you.

Edited by Walrus5241, 04 March 2009 - 01:52 PM.

[Walrus5241]

Oh, by the way (forgot to mention in my first reply), I tried the clean boot, and I still didn't get a wireless connection.

[Dan]

Quick question -- you say "my wireless card has randomly stopped detecting wireless networks" -- does this mean that, some times, you can connect to wireless networks fine? If that's the case, then my suggestion would be to make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your network adapter. Even if this isn't the case, ensuring that you have the latest drivers is a good idea.

Can you please do the following:

Step 1 - Generate a startup and uninstall list:
Please download HijackThis (if you do not already have it) and install it -- once it is installed, restart your computer. Once the computer starts up, can you please launch HijackThis and then select the option Open the Misc Tools section -- select Generate StartupList log. Save the startup list in a safe location. Now select the option Open Uninstall Manager and then click Save list -- save it to a safe location. Please post the contents of the startup list and the uninstall list in your next response.

Step 2 - Generate a tasklist log:

• Click Start, select Run, type cmd and press OK
• In the new command prompt window, type tasklist /svc > C:\tasks.txt
• Navigate to your C: drive and open the text file tasks.txt -- please copy/paste the contents of this file into your next response.

As for Norton, it is indeed a paid subscription. I've had Norton 360 for a while now (at least a year) and it's never caused any connection problems in the past. Has something changed in their set-up/updates recently that would suddenly cause it to interfere with my wireless connectivity? Or are there other instances where Norton will suddenly interfere with connectivity? I just want to verify this before I go through uninstalling it.

Logically, I'd say that if you can get a wired connection, Norton probably isn't the issue here. However, I have seen many cases where Norton doesn't follow my logic, but still -- for the time being, leave it. I'm more concerned now about the "random" aspect of this. We may need to actually enable logging to diagnose this properly.

- Dan

[Walrus5241]

Nah, what I meant was that it randomly (i.e. no apparent reason in sight) stopped working around February 13 or 14 or so. I've not been able to detect any wireless networks since.

Here are the items you asked for:

1.) Start-up list

StartupList report, 3/5/2009, 4:41:09 PM
StartupList version: 1.52.2
Started from : C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.EXE
Detected: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
Detected: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16791)
* Using default options
==================================================

Running processes:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\agrsmsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Symantec\LiveUpdate\AluSchedulerSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\VPN Client\cvpnd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\PnkBstrB.exe
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Shared Files\RichVideo.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Protector Suite QL\psqltray.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccSvcHst.exe
C:\Program Files\Adaptoid\wishd201.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\DNA\btdna.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\ONENOTEM.EXE
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqgalry.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\jucheck.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\CCPD-LC\symlcsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\SNDVOL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

--------------------------------------------------

Listing of startup folders:

Shell folders Startup:
[C:\Documents and Settings\RAWLINGS\Start Menu\Programs\Startup]
Adobe Media Player.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe Media Player\Adobe Media Player.exe
OneNote 2007 Screen Clipper and Launcher.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\ONENOTEM.EXE

Shell folders Common Startup:
[C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup]
HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
HP Image Zone Fast Start.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqthb08.exe
VPN Client.lnk = ?

--------------------------------------------------

Checking Windows NT UserInit:

[HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
UserInit = C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,

--------------------------------------------------

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

WinampAgent = C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
SunJavaUpdateSched = "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\jusched.exe"
RTHDCPL = RTHDCPL.EXE
RemoteControl = "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
QuickTime Task = "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QTTask.exe" -atboottime
PSQLLauncher = "C:\Program Files\Protector Suite QL\launcher.exe" /startup
osCheck = "C:\Program Files\Norton 360\osCheck.exe"
nwiz = nwiz.exe /install
NvMediaCenter = RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
NvCplDaemon = RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
LanguageShortcut = "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\Language\Language.exe"
iTunesHelper = "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
HP Software Update = "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe"
ccApp = "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe"
Adobe Reader Speed Launcher = "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
Adaptoid Configurator = C:\Program Files\Adaptoid\wishd201.exe /h

--------------------------------------------------

Autorun entries from Registry:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

ctfmon.exe = C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
Steam = "C:\Program Files\Steam\Steam.exe" -silent
Skype = "C:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized
Power2GoExpress = "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\Power2Go\Power2GoExpress.exe" /Startup
MSMSGS = "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
BitTorrent DNA = "C:\Program Files\DNA\btdna.exe"
AIM = C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe -cnetwait.odl

--------------------------------------------------

Autorun entries in Registry subkeys of:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

[OptionalComponents]
=

--------------------------------------------------

Shell & screensaver key from C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI:

Shell=*INI section not found*
SCRNSAVE.EXE=*INI section not found*
drivers=*INI section not found*

Shell & screensaver key from Registry:

Shell=Explorer.exe
SCRNSAVE.EXE=*Registry value not found*
drivers=*Registry value not found*

Policies Shell key:

HKCU\..\Policies: Shell=*Registry value not found*
HKLM\..\Policies: Shell=*Registry value not found*

--------------------------------------------------


Enumerating Browser Helper Objects:

AcroIEHelperStub - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3}
NCO 2.0 IE BHO - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\coShared\Browser\2.6\coIEPlg.dll - {602ADB0E-4AFF-4217-8AA1-95DAC4DFA408}
Symantec Intrusion Prevention - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\SYMANT~1\IDS\IPSBHO.dll - {6D53EC84-6AAE-4787-AEEE-F4628F01010C}
(no name) - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\ssv.dll - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43}

--------------------------------------------------

Enumerating Task Scheduler jobs:

AppleSoftwareUpdate.job
MP Scheduled Scan.job

--------------------------------------------------

Enumerating Download Program Files:

[Shockwave ActiveX Control]
InProcServer32 = C:\WINDOWS\system32\Adobe\Director\swdir.dll
CODEBASE = http://download.macr...director/sw.cab

[{8FFBE65D-2C9C-4669-84BD-5829DC0B603C}]
CODEBASE = http://fpdownload.ma...t/ultrashim.cab

--------------------------------------------------

Enumerating Windows NT logon/logoff scripts:
*No scripts set to run*

Windows NT checkdisk command:
BootExecute = autocheck autochk *

Windows NT 'Wininit.ini':
PendingFileRenameOperations: C:\DOCUME~1\RAWLINGS\LOCALS~1\Temp\symlcsv1.exe|||C

--------------------------------------------------

Enumerating ShellServiceObjectDelayLoad items:

PostBootReminder: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll
CDBurn: C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll
WebCheck: C:\WINDOWS\system32\webcheck.dll
SysTray: C:\WINDOWS\system32\stobject.dll
WPDShServiceObj: C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll

--------------------------------------------------
End of report, 7,877 bytes
Report generated in 1.578 seconds

Command line options:
/verbose - to add additional info on each section
/complete - to include empty sections and unsuspicious data
/full - to include several rarely-important sections
/force9x - to include Win9x-only startups even if running on WinNT
/forcent - to include WinNT-only startups even if running on Win9x
/forceall - to include all Win9x and WinNT startups, regardless of platform
/history - to list version history only

2.) Uninstall List

545 Studios Skinstaller (remove only)
Acrobat.com
Acrobat.com
Adaptoid Driver 2.01
Adobe AIR
Adobe AIR
Adobe Flash Player 10 ActiveX
Adobe Flash Player 10 Plugin
Adobe Media Player
Adobe Media Player
Adobe Reader 9
Adobe Shockwave Player 11
Agere Systems HDA Modem
AIM 6
AIMutation (remove only)
AOL Instant Messenger
AppCore
Apple Software Update
Audacity 1.2.4
AVS DVDMenu Editor 1.0.0.5
AVS Video Tools 5.5
Backup
Battlefield 2™
Bioshock
ccCommon
Cisco Systems VPN Client 5.0.02.0090
DVD Suite
Flock (Photobucket Edition) 0.7
FrostWire 4.13.1.7 BETA
GearDrvs
GearDrvs
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Half-Life 2
HijackThis 2.0.2
Hotfix for Windows Media Format 11 SDK (KB929399)
Hotfix for Windows Media Player 11 (KB939683)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB932716-v2)
Hotfix for Windows XP (KB952287)
HP Extended Capabilities 4.7
HP Image Zone 4.7
HP PSC & OfficeJet 4.7
HP Software Update
iScrobbler
iTunes
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 11
JMicron JMB38X Flash Media Controller
Last.fm 1.5.1.29527
Left 4 Dead
LG USB Modem driver
LiveUpdate (Symantec Corporation)
LiveUpdate (Symantec Corporation)
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
ManyCam 2.2 (remove only)
MediaShow 3.0
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Hotfix (KB928366)
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Microsoft Compression Client Pack 1.0 for Windows XP
Microsoft Internationalized Domain Names Mitigation APIs
Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.5
Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.7
Microsoft National Language Support Downlevel APIs
Microsoft Office Excel MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007
Microsoft Office OneNote MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office PowerPoint MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Proof (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Proof (French) 2007
Microsoft Office Proof (Spanish) 2007
Microsoft Office Proofing (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Shared MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Shared Setup Metadata MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft Office Word MUI (English) 2007
Microsoft User-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.0
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable
Mozilla Firefox (3.0.5)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB936181)
MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430
Norton 360
Norton 360
Norton 360 (Symantec Corporation)
Norton 360 HTMLHelp
Norton Confidential Core
NVIDIA Drivers
PCFriendly
PhotoNow! 1.0
Power2Go 5.0
PowerBackup 2.5
PowerDVD
PowerProducer
President Forever 2008 + Primaries - v. 1.6.0.6
Project64 1.6
Protector Suite QL 5.8
QuickTime
Realtek High Definition Audio Driver
Rolling Stone - Cover to Cover
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB938127-v2)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB953838)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB956390)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB958215)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB960714)
Security Update for Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB961260)
Security Update for Windows Media Player (KB952069)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 11 (KB936782)
Security Update for Windows Media Player 11 (KB954154)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB923689)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB938464)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB941569)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB946648)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950762)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB950974)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951066)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376-v2)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951698)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB952954)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB954211)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB954459)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB954600)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB955069)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956390)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956391)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956802)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956803)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956841)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB957095)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB957097)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB958644)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB958687)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB960715)
Skype™ 3.6
SPBBC 32bit
Splinter Cell
Steam
Symantec Real Time Storage Protection Component
Symantec Technical Support Advanced Chat Controls
Symantec Technical Support Controls
Tag&Rename 3.4.6
The Sims™ 2 Deluxe
TVUPlayer 2.4.1.0
Update for Windows XP (KB898461)
Update for Windows XP (KB951072-v2)
Update for Windows XP (KB951978)
Update for Windows XP (KB955839)
Update for Windows XP (KB967715)
V CAST Music with Rhapsody
Viewpoint Media Player
Winamp (remove only)
Windows Defender
Windows Internet Explorer 7
Windows Media Format 11 runtime
Windows Media Format 11 runtime
Windows Media Player 11
Windows Media Player 11
Windows Media Player Firefox Plugin
Wireless Switch
ZipGenius 6 (6.0.2.1060)

3.) Tasklist; this isn't working for me. Command keeps telling me "tasklist is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."

Quick question -- you say "my wireless card has randomly stopped detecting wireless networks" -- does this mean that, some times, you can connect to wireless networks fine? If that's the case, then my suggestion would be to make sure you have the latest drivers installed for your network adapter. Even if this isn't the case, ensuring that you have the latest drivers is a good idea.

Can you please do the following:

Step 1 - Generate a startup and uninstall list:
Please download HijackThis (if you do not already have it) and install it -- once it is installed, restart your computer. Once the computer starts up, can you please launch HijackThis and then select the option Open the Misc Tools section -- select Generate StartupList log. Save the startup list in a safe location. Now select the option Open Uninstall Manager and then click Save list -- save it to a safe location. Please post the contents of the startup list and the uninstall list in your next response.

Step 2 - Generate a tasklist log:

• Click Start, select Run, type cmd and press OK
• In the new command prompt window, type tasklist /svc > C:\tasks.txt
• Navigate to your C: drive and open the text file tasks.txt -- please copy/paste the contents of this file into your next response.

As for Norton, it is indeed a paid subscription. I've had Norton 360 for a while now (at least a year) and it's never caused any connection problems in the past. Has something changed in their set-up/updates recently that would suddenly cause it to interfere with my wireless connectivity? Or are there other instances where Norton will suddenly interfere with connectivity? I just want to verify this before I go through uninstalling it.

Logically, I'd say that if you can get a wired connection, Norton probably isn't the issue here. However, I have seen many cases where Norton doesn't follow my logic, but still -- for the time being, leave it. I'm more concerned now about the "random" aspect of this. We may need to actually enable logging to diagnose this properly.

- Dan

[Dan]

Nah, what I meant was that it randomly (i.e. no apparent reason in sight) stopped working around February 13 or 14 or so. I've not been able to detect any wireless networks since.

Ah, that changes things then. I'm not sure why tasklist doesn't work for you -- I had thought it was an in-built command since XP. If steps 1 & 2 do not correct the issue, please perform the rest of the steps. If steps 1 & 2 correct the issue, then you do not need to follow the rest of the steps.

Step 1 - Re-install your network adapter:
Please do the following -- *Note: You may need your Network adapter drivers CD in order to complete these steps.

• Click Start, select Run, type devmgmt.msc and press OK
• In the Device Manager, expand Network adapters
• Under Network adapters, right-click your network adapter and select Uninstall.
• Restart your computer; upon reboot, Windows will detect New Hardware and ask you to install your network adapter; please proceed to do so.

Step 2 - Reset your Winsock and TCP/IP settings:

• Click Start, select Run, type cmd and press OK
• In the new command prompt window, type netsh int ip reset reset.log
• Once the above command completes, type netsh winsock reset catalog
• Restart your computer and then attempt to connect to the wireless.

*NOTE: Before trying steps 3 & 4, please ensure that you have disabled any third-party wireless connection software (I believe you are using Belkin software?).

Step 3 - Use Windows to configure your wireless settings

• Go to the Start menu and select Run
• Type ncpa.cpl and click OK to open the Network Connections menu
• Select your wireless connection service and choose the option Change settings of this connection.
• Go to the Wireless Networks tab and check the box labeled Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings

Step 4 - Launch Windows Zero Configuration

• Go to the Start menu and select Run
• Type services.msc and click OK
• Double-click on the service Wireless Zero Configuration (it'll be at the bottom of the list).
• Go to the Startup type list and select Automatic. Click Apply to confirm the changes.
• Select Start in the Service status section and then press OK to apply the changes.

Step 5 - Disable power management for your Network adapter:

• Click Start, select Run, type ncpa.cpl and press OK
• In the new window, right-click on your Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.
• Press the Configure... button.
• Select the Power Management tab and ensure that Allow this computer to turn off this device to save power is unchecked (i.e. disabled).

Now, ensure your network adapter is turned on. If you still can't connect, please perform the follow connectivity tests, but ensure that you are only connecting via your wireless, and not your Ethernet.

Step 6 - Connectivity test:

• Press Start
• Select Run
• Type cmd and press OK
• In the new command prompt window, please type the following commands (*Note: each ping will take approximately 10 seconds to complete; wait for the command prompt to return before you type the next one. Also, the single '>' and double '>>' are intentional; please type the commands exactly as they appear):
  • ipconfig /all > C:\results.txt
  • route print >> C:\results.txt
  • ping localhost >> C:\results.txt
  • ping google.com >> C:\results.txt
  • ping 209.85.171.100 >> C:\results.txt
• Once the above commands have completed, navigate to your C: drive and open the text file results.txt -- please copy/paste the contents of this file into your next response.

Thanks,
- Dan

Edited by Dan, 05 March 2009 - 07:07 PM.

[Walrus5241]

I updated my drivers, uninstalled them, and tried the winsock reset...all did not work.

I'd been using Windows to manage my wireless configuration to begin with, so that step was covered (so was unchecking the "Allow Windows to turn this device off..." box)

Here is the results.txt you requested (I unplugged my ethernet cable for this test, so any pinging would be done solely through wireless):



Windows IP Configuration



Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : rawlings-8f8c6d

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No



Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:



Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Realtek RTL8168C(P)/8111C(P) PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-1E-EC-55-91-1F



Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection 2:



Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel® WiFi Link 5300 AGN

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-16-EA-6F-64-66

===========================================================================
Interface List
0x1 ........................... MS TCP Loopback interface
0x10003 ...00 1e ec 55 91 1f ...... Realtek RTL8168C(P)/8111C(P) PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC
0x10004 ...00 16 ea 6f 64 66 ...... Intel® WiFi Link 5300 AGN
===========================================================================
===========================================================================
Active Routes:
Network Destination Netmask Gateway Interface Metric
127.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 127.0.0.1 127.0.0.1 1
255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 10003 1
255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 255.255.255.255 10004 1
===========================================================================
Persistent Routes:
None


Pinging rawlings-8f8c6d [127.0.0.1] with 32 bytes of data:



Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128

Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128

Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128

Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128



Ping statistics for 127.0.0.1:

Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),

Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:

Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 0ms, Average = 0ms

Ping request could not find host google.com. Please check the name and try again.



Pinging 209.85.171.100 with 32 bytes of data:



Destination host unreachable.

Destination host unreachable.

Destination host unreachable.

Destination host unreachable.



Ping statistics for 209.85.171.100:

Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

[Dan]

Thanks for the step-by-step feedback.

A "Media State .. Disconnected" message can be caused by a few things; one of those things is security software. Since you are paying for Norton, I presume there is some way for you to re-install it? The only reason I ask, is because I have seen Norton lock down a specific connection for whatever reason (I believe it may be connected to that "Program DJ" you mentioned earlier). I'd like to look at one final thing before I will, unfortunately, ask you to remove Norton for troubleshooting purposes. Actually, make that two things

Step 1 - Check to ensure your adapter is working properly:

• Press Start
• Select Run
• Type devmgmt.msc and press OK
• In the new window, please expand Network Adapters
• Are there any devices under the network adapters that have either a red 'x' or a yellow '!'?

Step 2 - Download and run LSPFix:
Please download LSPFix from here. Run the LSPFix.exe that you have just finished downloading, and list all of the protocols that are in the 'Keep' and 'Remove' list; if there are protocols in the 'Remove' list, then please don't click 'Finish>>'. Simply close the program by pressing ALT+F4 or the Close [x] button.

Thanks,
- Dan

[Walrus5241]

No red x's/yellow !'s
And LSP found nothing

I just uninstalled Norton (I do have a means by which of re-installing it). However, it still won't detect wireless networks. Still right back where I was.

Two thoughts/questions

1.) Would it be worth doing a system restore back to when I know the Wireless to have been last working (which was around Feb 13)?
2.) Would there be any value in me sending a Windows Remote COntrol request (or whatever it's called) to you, so you can fool around with my stuff in a hands-on way? If so, I'd be comfortable with that

Thanks for your patience with me.

[Dan]

A system restore might not be a bad idea, however what happens when you try to manually connect to a network (i.e. by entering it's SSID, passphrase, etc.)? Have you tried that? Does it give you an error or anything?

As a last resort, we can enable logging for WZC, and that should allow me to see what's going on -- although those logs are a pain to read

[Walrus5241]

Tried restoring it to February 12 (the day before the last time I know for sure my Wireless was working). System said it couldn't restore it to that point for whatever reason, and no changes were made to my computer.

I don't know enough information about any of the wireless networks around my dorm to do a manual connection. But my wireless configuration won't even detect that these networks are present, so in the case of a passcode, I wouldn't even really have the opportunity to enter it.

So where do we go from here? The WZC logging I guess?

Thanks for sticking by me, by the way. I've posted this problem to a few other sites, and I'll get speedy help at first, but once the first 1-2 proposed solutions don't work, suddenly no one responds. I'm really appreciative of your determination to see this through and I thank you enormously.

[Dan]

Thanks for sticking by me, by the way. I've posted this problem to a few other sites, and I'll get speedy help at first, but once the first 1-2 proposed solutions don't work, suddenly no one responds. I'm really appreciative of your determination to see this through and I thank you enormously.

You're welcome However, thank me if we manage to get this fixed Besides, if logging doesn't reveal anything, then I'll just grab a few other techs to have a look at this.

Step 1 - Enable wireless tracing (Windows XP):

• Click Start, select Run, type cmd and press OK
• In the new command prompt window, type netsh ras set tracing * en
• Restart your computer. Upon reboot, attempt to view available wireless networks -- *Note: it is important that you note down the time that you tried to connect, as I will need this information in order to identify where in the log to look -- please post the exact time (Hours, minutes, day, month).
• Once it fails, navigate to %WINDIR%\tracing -- either type that manually into your explorer address bar, or navigate to your system root (i.e. C:\Windows\tracing).
• The files we're interested in are
  • Wzctrace.log
  • Eapol.log
  • Wzcdlg.log
  • Netman.log
  • Netshell.log
• Please ZIP these files and then upload them as an Attachment.
  *Note: if they are too large, I will PM you my e-mail address and you can send them to me that way.
• Once you have uploaded the ZIP file, you can disable tracing by opening a command prompt and typing netsh ras set tracing * disable

Thanks,
- Dan

[Walrus5241]

Alright, did as you asked. One brief note; because my wireless attempts to detect/connect to networks automatically, I disabled my wireless adapter before I restarted. This way I could give you the most precise information possible as to when it began attempting to detect/connect.

After restarting, I re-enabled my wireless adapter at 7:13:24 PM EST. The bubble that said "Wireless networks not available" popped up at 7:13:54 PM EST.

Here are my files.

Attached Files

•  WirelessStuff.zip   353.5KB   224 downloads

[Dan]

Thanks -- that's perfect.

It may take me a day or so to go through everything; however I have taken a quick peek at it and one thing I did notice is that during that period, your adapter did not detect any visible networks -- although it did load some saved profiles. This could be an indication of a faulty adapter. How old is your network adapter?

Here are a few things to try:

• Click Start, select Run, type cmd and press OK
• In the new command prompt window, type netsh interface ip set address "Wireless Network Connection" dhcp
• Once the above command completes, type netsh interface ip set dns "Wireless Network Connection" dhcp

Please follow the steps listed in this MS Article - Wireless Connection Is Periodically Lost -- I'm mainly interested in Part 1: Disable IEEE 802.1X Authentication.

When you are attempting to connect via wireless, can you please do the following:

• Click Start, select Run, type cmd and press OK
• In the new command prompt window, type ipconfig /all > C:\ipconfig.txt
• Navigate to your C: drive and open the text file ipconfig.txt -- please copy/paste the contents of this file into your next response.

I will continue to look through the logs as time permits and get back to you.

Thanks,
- Dan