Panda Antivirus Destroys Wireless Connection.

In January this year I bought a IBM T42 notebook, with the integrated 11/a/b/g wireless controller. On a recommendation from a "computer expert" at work who helped configure the VPN and other software, I downloaded Panda antivirus software program. The notebook worked great at work, but whenever I tried to go wireless at home, the IBM Access Connection would run, it would never connect, and I got a strange error message about not getting a good DHCP connection.

So today I finally gave up and called in a local computer expert, "The Computer Guy." The tech shows up, we run through the set up, and he calls in for back up. They decide it's the Panda Software, we uninstall, and BAM, it works. The tech says they get the same problem, every so often, with McAfee too.

Get this tidbit: These problems crop up more frequently with the new versions of antivirus software. The guy sells me and installs Norton 2003, since the newer versions of Norton also sometimes cause problems.

Bottom line: If you are having any trouble connecting to a wireless network, try uninstalling your anti-virus progream. If that fixes your connection issue, then install an older version of a different anti-virus software. The error messages will not lead you to this solution -- you just have to know!

And, if you are in the Tampa / St. Pete area, call "The Computer Guy" company if you are having any problems. They are great. And no, I am not affiliated with them in any way. I am just a completely satisfied customer.

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