Strange USB 802.11b problem on EPIA M-II

**DrDeriv** · 04-08-2005, 11:57 AM

I've tried both the D-Link and NetGear versions of USB 802.11b adapters and both can see networks, get a good signal, etc., but when I try to connect, to either an open system, an encrypted one, etc., neither is able to obtain an IP address. These networks are all running DHCP servers and can be connected to with no problems using machines that have built-in wireless, wireless 802.11b PCMCIA cards, etc. I don't think this is a hub/power issue, because I've plugged it right into my M-II 1.2GHz's USB port (i.e., no hub). I'm running XP SP2. Since I've tried two of these, it's not likely the adapter itself, so I was wondering if anyone else had this problem with their EPIA (and what was done about it). Thanks.

**Amoebacowboy** · 04-08-2005, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by DrDeriv

I've tried both the D-Link and NetGear versions of USB 802.11b adapters and both can see networks, get a good signal, etc., but when I try to connect, to either an open system, an encrypted one, etc., neither is able to obtain an IP address. These networks are all running DHCP servers and can be connected to with no problems using machines that have built-in wireless, wireless 802.11b PCMCIA cards, etc. I don't think this is a hub/power issue, because I've plugged it right into my M-II 1.2GHz's USB port (i.e., no hub). I'm running XP SP2. Since I've tried two of these, it's not likely the adapter itself, so I was wondering if anyone else had this problem with their EPIA (and what was done about it). Thanks.

I ran into the same issue on one of my boxes. The good news: it can be fixed. The bad news: it's still voodoo and depends on a metric buttload of random variables to track down.

SP2 has known problems with wireless and DHCP. You can try a patch, a regfix, reinstalling your tcp/ip stack, and a whole bunch of other crap. One of them will (hopefully) work. Try setting a static IP. Are you using Windows Zero Wireless Config or the connection tools provided by D-Link/netgear? Ya know what? just go read through http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193013 for some solutions and various methods to try.

Hopefully one of those methods will solve your issue.

**DrDeriv** · 04-08-2005, 09:59 PM

Thank you, that was very helpful. I managed to get it working, at least temporarily. It still seems a bit flakey, but at least I can get an occasional connection and know that there's a Windows bug. Amazing given how long this problem's been out there that it hasn't truly been fixed by Microsoft.