Wi-fi connection issue on XP - Admin vs. Limited user

[Mandi]

I have a client machine with a weird connectivity issue that I haven't seen before. It's so consistent, that I am thinking there is something actually configured to cause it, as opposed to flaky hardware. This is a family computer, with about 85 accounts on it (okay, 7 plus Admin which doesn't show on the Welcome screen.) Four of the adults and teens are Admins, and they all have perfect Wi-fi access to the router and points beyond. Three of the smaller kids are Limited users, and the NIC won't talk to the router. It flips in and out of "disconnected" to "trying to connect." I confirmed the behavior by changing one Limited user to Admin . . . . he could then connect flawlessly.

This has got to be some global setting that's been toggled, but I can't think how/where . . . ideas?

[ryount]

Not sure if this will help, but try going into Computer Mgmt, Local users & groups, Groups and make the users who are having problems members of the Network Config group. Quickest way to get to Computer Mgmt is Start->Run. compmgmt.msc. Unfortunately if you don't have XP Pro I am guessing you probably can't do this.

[Randall]

Interesting question -- too bad I don't have an XP machine with a wireless card. (I could experiment on my boss's PC at Day Job #1, but if I blow something up she'll be really annoyed with me.)

Wireless connections tend to be a little more dynamic than ethernet, but there might be a way to preset it as an admin and then drop the account back to Limited status.

Might also be a question of how the connections are being managed -- in XP or via the NIC manufacturer's software, which can make a big difference.

Randall

[ryount]

Mandi, one thing that would solve the problem would be to get a wireless bridge. Would set you back about $75 but it would do the trick.