On my laptop, I sometimes log-on to open WiFi networks. It asks if I want to save this connection and re-connect automatically, which I sometimes check/confirm. Now my WiFi network - icon (in taksbar) shows approx 10 minutes after start-up "identifying" and it never times-out and it never connects. The more strange thing is: I've deleted ALL saved networks in the "Manage Wireless Networks" section of Vista. What could be wrong? It is in my view harmless, but annoying.

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Other than Vista's own networking utilities, do you have any software that possibly 
you loaded for you Wireless device that is trying to duplicate it's efforts? An example 
is, I have a RaLink wireless utility that came with mine. Fortunately this one does 
not conflict, but many do. Also see if you have the latest driver and ALSO firmware. 
Many routers have had firmware updates for Vista. Another thing that may have carried 
over from XP is "Wireless Zero Configuration Utility". If you don't see it listed 
in your 'Services' list then that is not a problem. If it is listed make sure it 
is turned off. If you are fully updated that one won't even show up. Try those and 
then if all else fails go to the MVP's


http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html
http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

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One other thing you ought to check is the DHCP Broadcast Flag setting which is on by default in Vista. Many older routers do not support this setting which would produce exactly the results you describe, ie the computer would not be able to obtain an IP address on the network or information about the gateway and DNS servers.

Here is an article that tells you how to turn off the DHCP Broadcast Flag. http://www.windowsreference.com/windows-vista/fix-for-vista-cannot-obtain-ip-address-from-certain-routers-or-dhcp-server/

Here is an article that explains what the Broadcast Flag is for. http://www.askdavetaylor.com/dhcp_unicast_broadcast_flag.html

Since its not a security issue I recommend turning it off, its one less thing to worry about. In fact I can't think of a good reason why Vista turns it on by default.

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