vista network locations

[topx]

Hi there

I am desperate for any help, I tried everything I could think of, the only solution now is to hear what someone else thinks. I've searched forums and read a huge pile of websites but I cannot find the solution.

I admit that I have POOR knowledge about Vista.

My problem:-

Every network I connect to is a "unidentified network." When I click customize and change it to public, it works, then when I restart I get "Public network" again. The result is that file sharing is a disaster.

I formatted my pc - TWICE - and still nothing. I don't even get the screen that shows you the 3 little pictures Home, WOrk, Public.

I connect via wireless to a DLINK DWL-2100AP to my other PC's (also running vista connected to a switch) with the same problem...

I tried downgrading my Laptop (Hp Pavilion dv6860ei) but couldn't find any XP chipset driver, so back to vista as my only option

PLEASE HELP ME!

topx

 

[wizzard]

I don't actually understand what the problem is with the file sharing

 

[topx]

the problem is...

The problem with the file sharing is that it will not work as it suppose to due to the fact that every time you go into sleep mode, restart, or turn off, you network changes to a public network and when it changes file sharing gets disabled.

I wish I knew how to stop the thing from changing from private to public and to create a new location for each network I connect to so I don't have this problem again.

It's really annoying...

 

[AirWolf]

My problem:-

Every network I connect to is a "unidentified network." When I click customize and change it to public, it works, then when I restart I get "Public network" again. The result is that file sharing is a disaster.

Don't you mean private?

When you connect to a network for the first time it normally comes up with the options to choose the location type. Is this not happening at all?

 

[topx]

When you connect to a network for the first time it normally comes up with the options to choice the location type. Is this not happening at all?

Nope, nothing. it used to do it, but just stopped. I then reinstalled my Vista twice and still the mentioned screen does not show up...

Don't you mean private?

Yes I do, sorry

 

[Drake2007]

Network and sharing centre > unidentified network (your LAN ) should be private

When you set up your wireless network

This wizard helps you:
-configre a wireless router or access point
-set up file and printer sharing
-save network settings and get instructions for connecting other computers
-The wizard will make this a private network

 

[topx]

yes, when you go through the customize menu it changes the network to private, but as soon as you restart you are back to square 1...

 

[AirWolf]

What type of security you running on the wireless APN?

 

[topx]

WPA-PSK

 

[Treschen]

there seems to be a problem with the configuration, there are 3 types of network locations in vista

(1)Private Allows discovery of other pc's and devices in a network
(2)Public Minimal discovery of other pc's should be used for wireless hotspots etc
(3)Work discovery of domain resources

Make sure network discovery is turned on!( in network and sharing centre)

Also remember if network and sharing center reports an unidentified network you could be using automatic ip addressing (this is where the pc assigns itself and ip address) did u try using private ip addresses in a range like 192.168.1.0? or similar, can you ping other pc's by device name or ip address? also be sure u got the default gateway adress right of the wirless access point, turn off dhcp on the wireless access point and use static ip addresses since this a small network there is no need for DHCP, if this sounds like jargon let me know and il try and help u sort it out

all the best

 

[Treschen]

just one more thing for your network to work correctly the wireless access point has to be configured correctly...