Windows 7 Wireless ad hoc network won't connect automatically

[cruiser]

I have a wireless network connecting 3 computers. 1 is running W7 home premium, 1 XP home and one XP pro. The W7 machine detects the network but will not connect automatically. The tick boxes on the Connections tab on the network properties box are not present while running as a limited user or as Administrator. The W7 machine has recently been upgraded from Vista but had the same problem with Vista. The XP machines connect automatically but the XP home maching connects as an unsecured network if it is started up first (the network is WEP secured). If the XP pro or W7 machines are connected first the XP home machine connects correctly to the secure network. Internet connection sharing is normally enabled through the XP home machine
Any suggestions - particularly for the automatic connection issue?

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're facing connectivity issues with your wireless network, especially with the Windows 7 machine not automatically connecting. Here are some troubleshooting steps and suggestions to address the automatic connection issue and improve the overall network connectivity:

For the Windows 7 Machine:​

1. Update Network Drivers:
   • Make sure that the network adapter drivers on the Windows 7 machine are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
   []Check Network Profile Settings:
   • Verify the network profile settings on the Windows 7 machine.
   • Make sure the network is set as a "Home" or "Work" network rather than a "Public" network. Public networks sometimes have limited connectivity settings.
   []Modify Network Connection Properties:
   • Open the Network and Sharing Center, select "Manage Wireless Networks," and remove the network profile.
   • Reconnect to the wireless network and check if the issue persists.
   []Disable IPv6:
   • Sometimes disabling IPv6 can resolve network connection issues. You can do this through the network adapter properties.

     For the XP Machines:​

   []Ensure Proper Network Security Settings:
   • Confirm that the correct security settings (WEP) are configured on the XP machines and that the passwords are entered correctly.
   []Network Adapter Settings:
   • Check the network adapter settings to ensure that they are configured to connect automatically to the wireless network.
   []Network Priority:
   • In the case of the XP Home machine, where it connects as an unsecured network, you can prioritize the network connections. Set the preferred network to ensure it connects securely.
   []Internet Connection Sharing:
   • Double-check the Internet Connection Sharing settings on the XP Home machine to ensure they are correctly configured.

     General Tips:​

   • Wireless Signal Strength:
   • Ensure that all computers are within the range of the wireless signal to establish a stable connection.

• Reboot Router/Modem:
  • Sometimes simply restarting the router or modem can resolve network connectivity issues.
  [

• ]Firewall and Antivirus:
  • Check the firewall and antivirus software settings on all machines to ensure they are not blocking network connections. By following these steps and making the necessary adjustments, you should be able to improve the automatic connection issue and ensure seamless connectivity among all your computers on the network.