While many critical updates are installed through Microsoft's automatic update feature, certain lower-priority bug fixes and feature enhancements are only available by downloading and installing the update from Microsoft. Such is the case with the WPA2/WPS IE update for XP SP2 located at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/893357. All users may install this update, even if they are not currently experiencing a problem. Normally, lower-priority changes to Windows are held for the next major Service Pack release.

This update may help correct the following problems:

•After associating with an Access Point (AP), your computer fails to get a DHCP address or issues warnings about Limited or No Connectivity
•After associating with an AP, communications seem to stop and never resume
•Your computer frequently reassociates with your AP while in use
•Your computer cannot associate with an AP that appears in the Wireless Networks list
•You frequently find your computer has unexpectedly associated to an unsecured AP
•Your home or business has more than one AP, or you have or had more than one AP or ad-hoc connection using the same SSID

If you are not currently experiencing a problem, you may choose either to apply the update now or wait until the next Service Pack release. If you choose to apply the update, simply download and install the patch and reboot when prompted. None of the below precautions should be necessary.

If you are currently experiencing a problem, I recommend the following additional steps to help ensure success:

•Download the update file, but do not install it immediately
•Because your currently saved profiles may be corrupted or incorrect, delete your previously saved wireless network configuration profiles. If Windows is managing your wireless connections:
•open Network Connections
•right click on your Wireless Connection icon, and choose Properties
•choose the Wireless Networks tab
•delete each item in the Networks list
•click on the Advanced button
•ensure that the checkbox for automatically connecting to non-preferred networks is unchecked
•click Close
•click OK
•Install the downloaded update
•Reboot the computer
•If your network uses a form of WPA or 802.1X wireless authentication, failures may have resulted in your wireless card's listing in the AP's temporary reject list. One of the following two actions may help clear this condition:
•Remain disconnected until 60 minutes have elapsed, allowing the temporary listing to expire; or
•Temporarily unplug power to the AP, wait a few moments, and then restore power
•Associate normally to the AP, entering any security information if prompted.

LINKS: WPA2/WPS IE update for XP SP2 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/893357