Internet Connection Fails in Windows XP After Installing Microsoft's Hotfix Q815485

Cause

Microsoft's critical update hotfix Q815485 causes wireless drivers to fail.

Fix

Hotfixes are Microsoft updates which they regard as critical. Hotfix Q815485 gives XP users WPA the new Wi-Fi security. Unfortunately, whether you use WPA or not, this Hotfix may cause wireless drivers to malfunction.

This Microsoft problem has affected many companies.

Resolve this one of three ways, depending on whether you use WPA, and whether your network devices have their own WPA configuration utilities.

Resolution If You Don't Use WPA

• If the hotfix is installed, and it is stopping your connectivity, remove the hotfix as described in the section below.

Resolution If You use WPA, and some of Your Network Devices do not Have Their Own WPA Configuration Utility

• Install the hotfix and use the Windows WPA configuration utility.

Resolution If You Use WPA, and all Your Network Devices have Their Own Configuration Utility

• Install the hotfix, but don't use the Windows WPA configuration utility. Use the network devices' own configuration utilitiy, instead.

To Remove the Hotfix

1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
2. Click Windows XP Hotfix (SP2) Q815485.
3. Click Remove. You might see a message that programs won't work if the update is removed. Ignore it, and click Yes to remove the update.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Rerun the Smart Display Setup Wizard.

To Install or to Restore the Hotfix

Link to Restore Microsoft Hotfix

Doc ID: N101214.asp Dec. 7, 2003