Erich Stauffer

Tag: Wireless

  • Intel Wireless Cards Blue Screening After Windows Update

    Lenovo Edge E420 and E430 laptops with Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 1000 (Intel(R) WiFi Link 1000 BGN) and Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 2230 cards are experiencing BSODs when connecting to a wireless network. These wireless network cards are included in Lenovo Edge types 1141 and 3254; and models 57U, BUU, and ALU.

    The computers operate just fine when the wireless card is disabled and the computer is only connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable. It’s only when the WiFi is being used that Windows 7 will crash and dump the results, pointing at the netwsw00.sys or NETwNe64.sys file, depending on the wireless driver. Computers shut down every 5 minutes.

    Windows Updates

    This began occurring after the Windows Updates installed on April 16th on eight different Lenovo 420’s with a Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 1000 (Intel(R) WiFi Link 1000 BGN) card, and four different Lenovo 430’s with a Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 2230 card.

    There was a “bad Windows Update” released that day called “KB2823324“, but it has been removed and the replacement for it, “KB2840149” has been installed. Despite this, all of the laptops continue to bluescreen for as long as they are on a wireless network.

    Driver Updates

    All eleven laptops are running Windows 7 and are 64-bit. They all have the factory-installed image provided by Lenovo with some of the Lenovo programs uninstalled. Drivers have been fully updated using both Intel’s Driver Update Utility and Lenovo’s ThinkVantage System Update. Despite all of this, all of the laptops continue to blue screen.

    Lenovo Edge Laptop Intel Wireless Card Latest Lenovo Driver Latest Intel Driver
    E420 / 1141 (57U, BUU) Intel(R) WiFi Link 1000 BGN (Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000) 15.03.10, 3/28/2013 15.6.1, 3/19/2013
    E430 / 3254 (ALU) Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 2230 15.1.0.18, 9/6/2012 15.6.1, 3/19/2013

    Forum Searches

    Intel forum posts (1,2,3, 4) suggest enabling FIPS, turning off ARM (Adaptive Radio Management), turning off the option “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”, turning off wireless-N, or only allow WPA connections. A lot of these are old posts and for other Intel wireless cards, but I know that turning off the n-radio did not work for me and enabling FIPS was not an option for security reasons.

    Lenovo forum posts (1, 2, 3) suggest using “legacy mode” instead of “UEFI” in the BIOS; updating the bluetooth drivers, turning off bluetooth, or turning off “bluetooth collaboration”. The mention of “bluetooth” made me think of this “Solved BSOD” solution from Seven Forums that involves updating the bluetooth drivers only after ensuring that the bluetooth radio is turned on. The following is a table of the latest Intel bluetooth drivers.

    Bluetooth Drivers

    Lenovo Edge Laptop Intel Bluetooth Latest Lenovo Driver Latest Intel Driver
    E420 / 1141 (57U, BUU) Intel(R) WiFi Link 1000 BGN (Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000) 6.5.1.380, 3/25/2013 2.6.1212, 3/14/2013
    E430 / 3254 (ALU) Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 2230 2.2.0.026, 9/4/2012 2.6.1212, 3/14/2013

    IT administrators might want to review Intel’s Intel PROSet/Wireless Software and Drivers for IT Administrators or the Intel PROSet/Wireless Software IT Administrator Links, both of which contain Wireless+Bluetooth combined driver packages that are meant for network distribution. As an IT administrator, I find these problems really frustrating, especially when it’s happening to a large amount of users at once. When a solution is found, it will be posted here to help others.

  • Security

    One of the big trends in 2012 is going to be security. We’ve gone through the initial stages of getting people used to password rules and best practices. We’ve taught people not to put sensitive information in their mail boxes and to shred things they don’t want fished out of their garbage. People are even getting better about keeping things private on Facebook. But as more and more of our personal data is stored in the cloud, security will be top of mind for time to come.

    I was recently at Sam’s Club and noticed the security cameras they had on display (no, not the ones mounted to the walls and ceiling) and took a picture of myself. This is part of my initiative to not use stock photography anymore. In order to do this, I take pictures of things I think I might use in a blog post later. I post these pictures on the web using WordPress, which has it’s own security issues.

    WordPress Security

    WordPress has a nice page on hardening WordPress, but here are some basic things you should be doing:

    • Keep WordPress updated – these are free and easy to do
    • Keep WordPress plugins updated – one bad apple can spoil the bunch
    • Keep Theme files updated – some themes have scripts that can be exploited
    • Keep Passwords to yourself – use secure FTP (SFTP) to transmit files so you’re not sending your password via plain-text over the Internet
    • Use secure passwords and choose a username other than “admin” or “administrator”

    Remember to backup your WordPress installation before updating or making changes. This can be as simple as doing an XML export and backing up the WP-Content folder.

    Wireless Security

    I’m an early adopter of technology. I was the first one on my block to get a wireless router and a tankless water heater, but today there’s over 10 and this is not uncommon. When I do in-home computer repair and while using my iPhone, I often see multiple wireless access points all around me. What boggles my mind is the number of wireless connections that still don’t have passwords.

    If you don’t have a wireless password and you haven’t changed the default password on your wireless router, your entire network is exposed and can be compromised in seconds. If you’re sharing any folders or printers on your network, those are completely exposed to any novice user, but any experienced user can find more. Even though it’s illegal to browse someone else’s network, it doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

    If you need help with WordPress security to keep your web site secure or wireless security to keep your network secure, contact Erich Stauffer at Watershawl – 317-572-7521.

  • How to REALLY turn a Wireless Router into a Wireless Access Point!

    WAP

    1. Step one: connect the Ethernet cable from your PC to one of the LAN ports on the back of the router. NOT THE WAN!
    2. Step two: login to the router and disable DHCP and assign an IP address.
    3. Step three: setup the wireless settings. Otherwise, use it as a managed switch!

    You’re done! Enjoy your second WAP in the house!

  • Wi-Fi Cell Phone Plans from T-Mobile

    To learn more:
    http://www.t-mobile.com/hotspotathome

    Get the 5 step plan:

    1. home broad band – check!
    2. qualifying t-mobile individual or family voice plan –     No!
    3. a t-mobile hotspot phone – No!
    4. a wireless router – check!
    5. get the hotspot@home add-on for unlimited calling for $9.99 a month – No!

    To purchase:
    http://www.t-mobile.com/promotions/TwoDeviceHotSpot.aspx

    Choose from two phones, $49.99 each

    		  
    Samsung T409
    • Wi-Fi and Mobile Calling
    • 1.3 Megapixel camera
    • Bluetooth® enabled
    Instant Discount
    Suggested Retail: $169.99
    Instant discount: -$120.00
    Final price: $49.99
    		 
    Nokia 6086
    • Wi-Fi and Mobile Calling
    • Integrated camera
    • Bluetooth® enabled
    Instant Discount
    Suggested Retail: $169.99
    Instant discount: -$120.00
    Final price: $49.99
    		 

    This offer only good for individual plans starting at $39.99/mo or higher or family plans starting at $49.99/mo.  Plans would actually be $49.98/mo or $59.98/mo respectively with $9.99 add-on.  2-year activation required for savings.  New activation required.  Taxes and 911 are extra, but mandatory making actual plan prices at least $55.00 and $65.00 respectively.

    We use Nokia phones already and have all the chargers from other phones, so we would choose the Nokia 6086.  T-Mobile does not currently provide service in our area, but they are continuously expanding service, so please check back again later.