Hi. Am having the exact same problem and I'm also using Vista and XP SP2. Are you also using an Inspiron 1420? Hope someone out there can help. I was able to use wifi in both Vista and XP but now I'm getting the "Unidentified Network : Local Access Only" error messages. Help please!

I hope this isn't entirely too obvious, such that you've already considered it, but I had the same problem at one point where I was trying to access a Wi-Fi network available on campus of my school. I'm using Vista for reference. Anyway, I had successfully used the Wi-Fi elsewhere so I knew it was functioning fine. But at school, I kept getting the same message as you. Finally, after trying everything, I found that I needed to have my computer registered on the network for me to be able to have full access - meaning I had to let tech services perform a search on the comp to make sure I have virus software and that I wasn't going to infect the entire school with some horrible virus. After the scan was done, my comp was fine and the internet access opened right up like a parting sea! Maybe it could have something to do with an issue like that. I don't know. But thought I would put it out there just in case.

Thanks for the tip.

I usually go to a local Starbucks or some other cafe and I'd really be surprised if the barista would know how to do what you suggested.

Thanks again.

I am having the exact same problem with my Dell XPS 420.  The wi-fi network works fine for my XP computers, but will only allow local access for the Dell.  Dell support could only recommend re-installing the software to return it to factory condition.  I did this and it did work, but 3 months later, I am in the same situation.  It has nothing to do with the wireless network because when I directly connect to the modem with ethernet, I get the same Local Access problem.  I am searching for a solution...

 I am having a similar problem with a Dell Latitude E4300 with a Intel(R) Link 5100 AGNWifi Card,

My most frequent problems occur in two home sites where I 'own' the hubs i.e. I have the administrator password. My Vista 32 Bit Business Edition will frequently loose internet connectivity. When I arrive in the location having used the system on a wire connected LAN, it will often fail to connect to the internet. I am using both BT Home Hub and Linksys Wireless Gateway.

I have VMware and Virtual Box installed

I have two threads at FileSaveas relating to

• the home hub
• the linksys  

All my other wifi devices, ipod touch, ps/3 and Mac have historically had rock solid connections although recently the 'touch has been behaving very badly.

It's most usual failure scenario is to fail to connect after coming home from work where I have been using a tethered mobile via USB or an RJ45 wired connection. I sleep the Vista machine by closing the lid and start it by opening the lid. The only effective remediation is to reboot the hub.

I have used the Event Viewer to discover that I get  

Source: Dhcp-client Error 1003

the Error

The IP address lease 192.168.1.101 for the Network Card with network address 0022FBB43520 has been denied by the DHCP server 192.168.1.1 (The DHCP Server sent a DHCPNACK message).

Source: Dhcp-client Error 1002

I have discovered mentions to Dell Connection manager as a source of the problem, but couldn't find it when I searched the forum before writing this post. I am toying with uninstalling the connection manager.

Any advice?

 DavidLevy,

 

Try using these Recommended Wireless Router Settings in your wireless router, I use channel 11.

 

Also update the drivers from...

 

Intel® Driver Update Utility for Intel® wireless adapters

 

Here are My Intel WiFi 5100 AGN Connectivity Settings and I have no problems staying connected.

 

 

Rick

I have installed the Intel device driver and updated the Linksys firmware. There seems to be no improvement in behaviour. I now need check out  the error message.

NB Prior to the update, I am now getting errors that the dhcp server is refusing to issue a new address in response to ipconfig /renew. Also I am getting an error on a third device, runs MacOS when I reboot the hub.

This does not imply the dell connection manager at fault. Perhaps I should check out the registry fitting described in Windows Vista cannot obtain an IP address from certain routers or from certain non-Microsoft DHCP servers  at http://support.microsoft.com/. Although why rebooting the dhcp server works I haven't a clue.