Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Troubleshoot problems finding wireless networks

Microsoft has understood to provide automatic networking capabilities for the platform. Still when it comes to integrating Windows Vista-based computers into a network, or establishing an Internet connection, the operating system does not always "play well with others". If your computer has a wireless network adapter, Windows will automatically detect wireless networks in range of your computer. You can see a list of wireless networks that Windows has detected in Connect to a Network.

Open Connect to a Network by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Connect to.

If Windows does not detect a network that you think is in range of your computer, it could be because of one the following reasons:


The wireless switch on your computer is turned off.


Many mobile PCs have a wireless switch on the front or side of the computer. Check your computer for a switch. If you do have a switch, make sure it's turned on. Some computers also use a function key combination to turn the switch on or off. Check the information that came with your computer for details on locating the wireless switch.

Your computer is too far from the wireless router or access point.


With 802.11b or 802.11g routers and access points, the maximum range is up to 150 feet (46 meters) indoors and 300 feet (92 meters) outdoors. With 802.11a routers and access points, the maximum range is 50 feet (15 meters) indoors and 100 feet (30 meters) outdoors. These ranges are in optimal conditions with no interference. Make sure that your computer is within this range and as close as possible to the router or access point. If the computer is portable, try moving it around to determine the range of the wireless signal and the best place to put the computer.

If you are unable to get closer to the router or access point, you might want to consider buying and installing an external antenna to your wireless network adapter. Many wireless network adapters are set up so that you can attach an external antenna to them, which will provide you with better reception than the built-in antenna. Check the information that came with your wireless network adapter to see if you can install an additional antenna.

The wireless router or access point is turned off or is not working properly.


There are two things to try:
• Make sure the router or access point is turned on and that the wireless signal light is illuminated.
• Reset the router or access point by turning it off, waiting at least 10 seconds, and then turning it back on.

If you don't manage the access point or network, contact the network administrator.


Windows is not configured to connect to the right type of network.


Check the information that came with the router or access point to find out what connection mode the device is set to. The mode should be either ad hoc (when devices communicate directly without going through a router or access point) or infrastructure (when devices communicate by going through a router or access point). Make sure the setting in Windows for this network matches the setting on the device. To check this, follow these steps:


1. Open the Command Prompt window by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, and then clicking Command Prompt.
2. Type netsh wlan add filter networktype=network type.

Where network type is either adhoc or infrastructure.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Windows Error Reporting Options

Windows Error Reporting in Vista is a feature that allows Microsoft to track and address errors relating to the operating system, Windows features, and applications. It gives you the option to send data about errors to Microsoft and to receive information about solutions (should you be lucky enough for one to have been identified). The solution could be anything from a download link for a patch or update to a knowledge base article with instructions for working around a problem. This is for Microsoft product only, so you may or may not feel there is risk in sending such information. The information does present a valuable resource to allowing Microsoft developers to use this in order to address problems in more quickly, which should ultimately improve the quality of Microsoft products.

It offers multiple "consent levels" to help you control how Windows Error Reporting prompts before sending data:

Ask each time a problem occurs = Windows Error Reporting always prompts for consent before sending an error report

Automatically check for solutions = Windows Error Reporting sends only the minimum data required to check for an existing solution (such as, the application name, application version, module name, module version, and exception code). After sending this initial data, Windows Error Reporting prompts for consent to send any additional data that might be requested by Microsoft.

Automatically check for solutions and send additional information if needed = Windows Error Reporting sends the minimum data (as descried above) as well as any data that the developer of the program has designated as being unlikely to contain personally identifiable information. Windows Error Reporting then prompts for consent to send any additional data that might be requested by Microsoft.

Send all data = Any data requested by Microsoft will be sent, without prompts. Note that this setting can only be configured through Group Policy (it is not available as a setting in the Control Panel).

You can access settings for Windows Error Reporting here:

Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Problem Reports and Solutions > Change settings > Advanced settings

From here you can turn the feature on and off. Here, I recommend selecting "Automatically check for solutions" as your system setting. Then, if for some reason you have programs you do not wish to have report, there is a block list you can use to add any executable that should not send problem reports.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Error message when you try to activate a copy of Windows Vista by using the Windows Activation wizard.

When you try to activate a copy of Windows Vista by using the Windows Activation wizard, you receive an error message that resembles the following:
An error has occurred

Code:
0xC004F050

Description:
The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid

This problem occurs if the license validity interval has expired, or if the license is not signed correctly.

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods:

Method 1: Re-insert the product key by using the "Change product key" tool
To re-insert the product key, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Computer, and then click System properties on the toolbar.
2. In the Windows activation section, click Change product key.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
3. In the Product key box, type the product key, and then click Next.
4. Follow the steps in the Windows Activation Wizard to complete the activation process.

If these steps do not resolve this issue, continue to Method 2.

Method 2: Activate Windows Vista by using the automated telephone system

To activate Windows Vista by telephone, you must use an automated telephone system.

To activate Windows Vista by using the automated telephone system, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Computer.
2. Click System properties on the toolbar, and then click Click here to activate Windows now in the Windows activation section.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
3. Click Show me other ways to Activate.
4. Click Use the automated phone system, and then follow the instructions.