Disabling Free Public WiFi

Disabling XP's default connection to AdHoc WiFi nodes.
As Leo and I discussed in the previous Q&A episode (#80) and again in this one, Windows XP's "zero configuration WiFi" system defaults to the almost-never-useful and always-potentially-dangerous mode of connecting to non access point WiFi devices in so-called "Ad Hoc" mode. This has potentially serious security consequences. This is an insecure default which SHOULD be changed on every XP-based WiFi machine. Simply follow the steps below to disable this incorrect default setting in XP:
 
Right-Click the tray's wireless adapter icon, then choose "View Available Wireless Networks" to display this dialog:



Then (above) under "Related Tasks" (on the left) click "Change advanced settings" to display this:



While you're here, you might want to remove any accumulated 'debris' from the 'Preferred networks' list above.  Then, also above, click the "Advanced" button at the lower right to display this dialog:



Change the default "Any available network" setting to "Access point" as shown. You should also be sure that "Automatically connection to non-preferred networks is NOT checked.

You will now be back at the WiFi Properties dialog.  Too obtain total "Radio Silence" you MUST also disable broadcasting for each of your "Preferred networks".  Do this by selecting each network in the "Preferred networks" list ...



Then clicking "Properties" to display this dialog:



YOU MUST UNCHECK the "Connect even if this network is not broadcasting" option to prevent your system from broadcasting its own 'beacon' announcing the names of your preferred networks.

Note that if this check box option is missing, and you see the OLD dialog below, you must first install Microsoft's Wireless Client Update for XP.  Listen to Episode #82, and/or see the
Episode #82 notes for links and additional information ...



This dialog (above) is the OLD one you will see if you have not yet installed the important Wireless Client Update for Windows XP.  If you see this dialog you SHOULD install the update!

 

 		 

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