WRC (Windows Zero Configuration) and Wireless connection problems

Sometimes when you are trying to connect to your wireless internet, you run across this error message:

“Windows cannot configure this wireless connection. If you have enabled another program to manage this wireless connection, use that software. If you want Windows to configure this wireless connection, start the wireless zero configuration service. For information about starting the wzc service, see article 871122 in the Microsoft knowledge base on the microsoft.com website.”

Some people see this message and think “what is the WZC service?” and “how will I find the Microsoft article 871122?”

What is the WRC – Windows Zero Configuration service?

The WRC (Windows Zero Configuration) is a service in Windows Xp that is needed so the Wireless Network Setup Wizard and the View Available Wireless Networks can work. If this WRC service is not available or started then you will most likely receive the message above.

How to start the Windows Zero Configuration service?

  • Hit start and go to run link. See screenshot below:

start menu - windows

  • You will need to type in Services.msc and hit “ok”

Windows Zero Configuration - services

  • Scroll down to the very bottom and click Wireless Zero Configuration

Windows Zero Configuration article 871122

  • On the left there will be a stop and restart option. If it is not started at all there will be a start link.
  • Hitting restart or start should bring everything back to normal. Hope this solves your problems!

Wireless connection problems - Computer help
For more information see the Microsoft article 871122

No Windows Zero Configuration Service at all.

Use Windows regedit, drill down.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWZCSVC

Add a DWORD entry named “Start” and value “2″.

This registry edit was sourced from http://www.ezlan.net/wzc.html

Notes on starting the WZC service:

  • Some network adapters come with their own software which might interfere with WZC. Therefore sometimes you have to disable this service if your software will do the job for you.
  • If your network adapter did not come with its own configuration software then you should be using the WZC (Windows Zero Configuration) service.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

darwin miller April 15, 2012 at 7:35 pm

artical 871122 lost wireless con. on xp home and it is a dell

Reply

goutham June 27, 2010 at 5:39 pm

hi

very very useful tips and it did worked for me well…thank a ton

Reply

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