Microsoft KB Archive/915727

= You cannot connect to a wireless access point in Windows XP when you run the Wireless Network Setup Wizard and try to set an access point that does not use the Windows Connect Now feature =

Article ID: 915727

Article Last Modified on 5/24/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional

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SYMPTOMS
You run the Wireless Network Setup Wizard, and you try to set an access point that does not use the Windows Connect Now (WCN) feature. When you do this, you cannot connect to the wireless access point. Additionally, you may receive an error message.



CAUSE
This problem may occur if an access point vendor only accepts a Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) key that is between 8 and 63 characters. If a user enters a WPA key that is more than 63 characters, the WPA key is ignored, and an error message may be generated.



WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, enter the WPA key manually when you run the Wireless Network Setup Wizard instead of automatically selecting a WPA key. To enter the WPA key manually, select the Manually assign a network key option on the Create a name for your wireless network wizard page.



MORE INFORMATION
You can use the Wireless Network Setup Wizard to configure wireless networks and wireless devices with minimal user intervention. If the user selects WPA as the encryption method, the wizard creates a key automatically. The key will be a 64-character hexadecimal key. Typically, all WCN-compatible devices support 64-character hexadecimal keys for WPA.

After you complete the Wireless Network Setup Wizard, you can print the configuration settings and use the settings when you set up access points.

Note The WCN license agreement requires support for 64-character hexadecimal keys.

For more information about how to use the Wireless Network Setup Wizard, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0604.mspx

For more information about the Windows Connect Now feature, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/windowsconnectnow.mspx

Keywords: kbnetwork kbtshoot kbprb KB915727

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