Using Windows Vista Wireless network gives LOCAL ONLY message stopping internet access

Since upgrading (now thats an arguable thing to say) to Windows Vista I've been getting this really annoying LOCAL ONLY error message when connecting to my Wireless network.   It allows me to connect to the network OK but i cant get through it onto the web. I can see all my local devices, log onto the router, but cant get outside the network ie: onto the world wide interweb superhighway net thingie

I've spent far too many hours of my life playing with DHCP, changing IP addresses, joining networks, leaving networks, running around finding an ethernet cable to get online so was delighted when I found a work-around for this wireless local only problem on the Microsoft website:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928233/en-us

So, the pointy-heads at Microsoft recognise that there is a problem with networking in Vista, which may be down the the fact that the DHCP BROADCAST is set to 0 in Windows XP but is different to Vista! Apparently this can cause problems with some wireless routers or acces points. I've just applied it so will report back on the on-going evil LOCAL ONLY problem....

Heres the Microsoft article. It's relatively simple to do you just need to be able to type accurately and use the CoRrecT CaSE where indicated: 

SYMPTOMS
Consider the following scenario:
You connect a Windows Vista-based computer to a network.
A router or other device that is configured as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is configured on the network.
The router or the other device does not support the DHCP BROADCAST flag.
In this scenario, Windows Vista cannot obtain an IP address.
 
CAUSE
This issue occurs because of a difference in design between Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). Specifically, in Windows XP SP2, the BROADCAST flag in DHCP discovery packets is set to 0 (disabled). In Windows Vista, the BROADCAST flag in DHCP discovery packets is not disabled. Therefore, some routers and some non-Microsoft DHCP servers cannot process the DHCP discovery packets.
 
RESOLUTION
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.To resolve this issue, disable the DHCP BROADCAST flag in Windows Vista. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Click StartStart button, type regedit in the Start Search box, and then click regedit in the Programs list.

 User Account Control permission If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
 
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{GUID}
In this registry path, click the (GUID) subkey that corresponds to the network adapter that is connected to the network.
3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. In the New Value #1 box, type DhcpConnEnableBcastFlagToggle, and then press ENTER.
5. Right-click DhcpConnEnableBcastFlagToggle, and then click Modify.
6. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
7. Close Registry Editor.
 
MORE INFORMATION
If the router or the non-Microsoft DHCP server does not support the DHCP BROADCAST flag, you can set the following registry entry as follows:
 
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{GUID}

Value name: DhcpConnForceBroadcastFlag
Value type: REG_DWORD
Value data: 0
Note A data value of 0 disables this registry entry. You can use this registry entry to prevent Windows Vista from using the DHCP BROADCAST flag. After you set this registry entry, Windows Vista never uses the DHCP BROADCAST flag.

Comments

random-surfer's picture

I was hoping to find that you had reported back on the on-going evil LOCAL ONLY problem. Did KB928233 actually cure the problem by changing DhcpConnEnableBcastFlagToggle to 1 as outlined?
NickLitten's picture

 Yes it cured it!

However it's difficult to quantify because since then... I've moved house and now have a completely different wireless network with a newer router... and of course various service packs / hotfixes from the boys at Microsoft may have cured it as well.

I've never had the problem since and am in a world of wireless glee  ;)

max123's picture

Hi,

  

If your operating system does not recognise the wireless adapter then get drivers from any discs that came with the adapter or, failing that, from the internet.

Projex dot com is the cyber home of Nick Litten an AS400 IBMi developer, RPG programmer, Web2.0 advocate, Drupal nut, early adopter and all round IT addict.

Nick Litten looking dazed while refactoring some RPG2 code to kick it into this century

Born and raised in England, now enjoying programming on the beach in Sunny Southern USA. Founder of SOFTWARE PROJEX.

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