wireless internet

i'm having problems with the wireless on my laptop. I've connected so a few different networks in the past, but recently I've been unable to connect. Whenever I try to "view availiable wireless networks" it says that "Windows cannot configure this wireless connection...if you have enabled another program to manage this wireless connection, use that software...if you want windows to configure this wireless connection start the wireless zero configuration service..."

I haven't changed any settings on my computer since this problem has been occuring. The only program that I've installed is Norton Internet Security 2007. I thought I might have a problem with my firewall settings, however, whenever I click on "change firewall settings" it says that the settings cannot be displayed because the associated service is not running. I'm so confused here. Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions? thanks in advance, GW84

Uninstall Norton and see if you can connect. Then don't reinstall it. Ever.

Is there any protection on the wireless?

definitely get rid of Norton. it's the most overrated useless virus protection known to man.

once that's gone, get Avast!, it's free and it's really good. as soon as i got my new computer i removed norton and put Avast! on.

Uninstall Norton and see if you can connect. Then don't reinstall it. Ever.

I totaly agree, I've been advising customers to get rid of Norton for years. It's a virus itself the way it tries to take over your PC.

Installing some apps or drivers will remove the zero configuration from startup. I've had to reload it a few times. check this link out for more info: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313242

I had a similar problem after installing a new wireless card in my laptop. The problem was the linksys connection software. I disabled it and let windows handle everything, and everything worked flawlessly.

Right click My Computer, click Manage, expand Services and Applications and open Services.

Have a look at the bottom of the list for Wireless Zero Configuration, and make sure it says Started and is set to Automatic.

thanks for the responses! Oz, I checked there and it is set to AUTOMATIC, however it was NOT started. We'll see if that helps:) I'm not near any wireless networks at the moment, however. Thanks again

here's my update. I sat outside the library last night [public wireless access] and again had no luck with connecting. After doing something [not sure] I was able to actually get into the "choose a wireless network" menu. the wireless icon says "disconnected" rather than "disabled" so that's a start :)

I called tech support with HP while trying to figure this thing out... Guess what....no help at all!! I've got another survey from them and believe me it's getting mailed soon! The man I spoke with told me there was nothing he could do. He offered to transfer me to his supervisor but told me that I would be charged for that. That's bull**** I paid for an extended warranty so I would be covered. Maybe I should take this paperweight and drop it off a cliff somewhere. Only one problem with that, they'd replace this computer with one running on VISTA...I'll pass. I don't think I'll ever own another WINDOWS PC. MAC really seems to have much fewer problems.

Thanks for the responses. If anyone has any other ideas on this one they would certainly be appreciated.

So what happens now? You can scan for available wireless networks, but can't connect? What happens when you try and connect?

well at this point I'm back to the "choose a wireless network" menu, however it has the same old thing..."windows cannot configure this wireless connection..." I thought it might be a problem with my firewall (because of the norton) but I still have the problem when I turn the firewall off. I think I might take it in to my repair shop soon. Here's something I've learned about Windows...it seems like your settings change without your knowledge of this. Just my opinion, the OS seems a little unstable.

Is it possible that I've got a loose cable or something internally? I'm thinking this because I'm having problems connecting to my [wired] internet at home. Also wondering if I might have a bad wireless card because it was acting up from time to time before, and now it won't let me connect at all.

Open up a command prompt, and run an 'ipconfig/all'.

Then type 'ping 127.0.0.1'

Copy and paste the results of both commands here for further help.

run a virus scan with Norton.

Open up a command prompt, and run an 'ipconfig/all'.

Then type 'ping 127.0.0.1'

Copy and paste the results of both commands here for further help.
i did a virus scan and came back with one tracking cookie...oh no:)
OZ, i had to do a command prompt once before, but could you refresh my memory on how to do that? Don't u have to do something when u start the computer? It's beeen a while I forget..

To open a command prompt, click Start, Run, type 'cmd', press enter.

To copy and paste the results, right click in the command prompt, and select Mark, highlight the text to copy and press Enter.

i ran those above mentioned items. will post results soon....

btw, where do I go to get avast!? is there anything else I would need to install besides that to be protected? I'm also going to get Ad-aware to remove add ware. I looked on my NOrton Internet Security box and it says there's a 60 day return policy thru Symantec....it's about to be in the mail!!!!