http://www.overclockers.com/tips1164/
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It seems like I hit a nerve - if you have a WiFi PCMCIA card that drives you nuts as it connects/disconnects with annoying frequency, you're not alone! It's not particular to one brand but rather an endemic Windows XP/2000 issue. Readers alerted me to a few articles that are MUST reads if this is a problem for you.
Readers responded with a variety of fixes, although it seems as if the most likely culprit is the Windows Zero Configuration Service in Windows XP (more extensive Microsoft documentation HERE.) This service "configures the wireless network adapter to connect to an available wireless network" and provides automatic configuration for 802.11 adapters.
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Loads of links on the page with extra info, tried it on a friends pc - and worked like a dream - this is what I did:
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The most common problem that I've seen (and struggled with for a long time) has to do with Wireless Zero Configuration (WCZ) in some circumstances. Unfortunately this applies to XP only. The symptom is the computer will get the wireless connection, the drop it, then get it, then drop it, etc. Sometimes it's fast (30 seconds between each part), sometimes it drops and reconnects instantly and stays connected for 15 minutes. No matter what it's a major pain.
If your wireless network doesn't broadcast it's SSID and another nearby one does, then Windows will try to connect to that other nearby one, then it reconnects to yours. This is a "feature", and many people are hoping it's fixed in the next service pack. There are two solutions: Make your network broadcast its SSID, or turn off WZC.
To turn off WZC, get connected to the network, then stop the service and set it to manual in the services control panel thing of the Microsoft Management Console. It will stay connected and configured to the network it was attached to and the problem will go away. The other option is to use a 3rd party program to configure wireless settings (like the one your card vendor gave you). If you want to switch networks, you have to re-enable WZC.
It's all a big pain and it happens with more than just Netgear equipment (I've had the problem with my Linksys card too). If this is your problem, this is your solution. There was a blurb on Ars Technica a month or more ago about this. I struggled for this a long time until I found the answer on an obscure forum after a Google search. I really REALLY hope MS fixes this in the next release - it causes many people many headaches."
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Hope that helps, need more info let me know