Windows XP Support for Verizon WiFi Install and Configuration

[adrodi]

I have a question that I believe I know the answer to but just want to confirm.  The Verizon WiFi service requirements state that Windows XP Service Pack 3 is required. My laptop that I would like to use for this service when I travel is owned by my company and at this point only Service Pack 2 is supported and maintained by our IT Help Organization, so installing SP3 is not an option for me (although hopefully in the future it will be). Is there a way to take advantage of the WiFi services on SP2 ? Thanks very much !

Al

[VZ_Brett]

Adrodi, if your talking about just using the Wifi from Verizons actiontec router SP2 shoud work w/ the laptop.

[adrodi]

Thanks Brett,

Do I need to install any client software then to access the wifi at a Starbuck's or other supported location ? I am running XP SP2 with no option to upgrade at this time. What would be the procedure for me to login, connect, and then start my local client software for VPN access to my company ? Thank you !

Al

[Donald_Linbin]

http://www22.verizon.com/Residential/WiFi/howtogetit/

here is the link for information about the hot spots and how to qualify.  You have to have at least 20 down, also there is a list of the active hot spots.

You must install the software in order to gain access though.

[Bob_Robertson]

easiest way to find out if the software will work on your windows XP SP2 PC...... is to try installing it..... if it works, it works, if it doesn't it doesn't.

[adrodi]

Hi Bob,

That is my exact problem - the download of the connect wizard fails because it tells me I must be on XP SP3 and I cannot upgrade to this support pack - I am forced to stay at SP2 for business reasons. So I cannot even complete the installation of the connect software.

Al

[Bob_Robertson]

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@adrodi wrote:

Hi Bob,

That is my exact problem - the download of the connect wizard fails because it tells me I must be on XP SP3 and I cannot upgrade to this support pack - I am forced to stay at SP2 for business reasons. So I cannot even complete the installation of the connect software.

Al

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then you would not be able to use the software on that PC.

[adrodi]

Hi Bob,

Yes the Verizon rep who sold me the bundle and mentioned the free WiFi that was available to me must have had a memory glitch and neglected to tell me that SP3 is required. Most corporate users I know are still at the SP2 level since they like some stability ! 🙂

So I wish Verizon would respond and indicate that either yes there are plans to allow trhe connection wizard to work with SP2 or no you are out of luck and make sure that their customer reps point this out to customers. For me it is a useless offering.

Al

[Bob_Robertson]

Most sales reps do know what a service pack is, let alone have the ability to remember to mention that to every customer.... That is why there is a system requirements page.

If there are plans, I doubt anyone here will know/tell, until officially anounced.

[adrodi]

Thanks for your thoughts Bob.

Here I was all excited that I could take a break away from the house and actually work for an hour or two from a local Starbuck's. It would be nice to hear perhaps a statement of direction from Verizon that supporting SP2 is on their development list or there is no chance of it happening. Most corporate users I know (not knowing if that is the targeted customer set) are still on SP2 and those that I know are on SP3 upgraded depsite the fact that their company does not support SP3 for their employees.

Al