Windows Wireless Logons
or
How to stop connecting automatically to the wrong network!
I frequently get calls from clients who are having trouble connecting to a wireless network, or getting very bad connectivity. It is surprising how often this stems from them automatically connecting to some network detected momentarily at the widest range of their imagined connectivity. This happens most frequently when Microsoft is handling your Internet connection. If you are letting the card manufacturer manage your connection, then you'll need to figure out how the general concepts of this article would apply to your particular interface.
When Windows is handling your connection
The cause of this problem is that
- Microsoft wants to make it easy for you to login to your chosen network, so they automatically log you in when they see the same network name a second time.
- Network Router Manufacturers name their routers with their company name as the default name for advertising purposes.
- Many people leave the default names (this is bad and should never be done.)
- Microsoft sees the same name as a place they were logged into before, whether it is or not and logs you in instead of logging you into the place you want.
To Resolve the problem:
- From control panel select Network Connections (if you are using the Category view, then first select Network and Internet Connections and then Network Connections).
- Right click on your wireless connection and select properties.
- From the Wireless Network Connections Menu, select the middle Wireless Networks tab.
This shows the known wireless networks. Often there is one called Linksys or Netgear and it is set to automatically connect.
- Select a network you do not want to automatically connect to
- Select properties
- Select the connection tab.
- Uncheck the connect automatically box. Click ok and continue with all the okays necessary to finally exit and save those settings. You can then check it again and it will be set for "on demand" instead of automatic.
- Repeat this process for every network that should not be an automatic logon.
This is one good reason to never call your network Linksys or netgear or some other name commonly used.
Dated: March 2009