Computer Insists on Connecting Through Wireless Connection

[svlehtinen]

Hello Everybody,

On my laptop at home I normally connect to the internet through my wireless internet in the house. I now have an ethernet cable running directly into the laptop. I noticed that the computer would still connect to the wireless network automatically, which I didn't want. So, I went into the wireless settings and unchecked "connect automatically", rebooted and tried again. It still connected automatically. I checked wireless settings again and "connect automatically" was selected again. This time I unchecked "connect automatically" AND deleted the wireless network from the list of wireless networks in Network and Sharing Center. Rebooted again, and same problem. Connected automatically. This time I went into Change Adapter Settings and went into the Advanced Settings and changed the connect order so that the computer was selecting the LAN over the wireless. Then I repeated the other steps and quickly turned off the computer. Rebooted it again, and still have the problem.

So, just before the reboot, the computer is supposed to choose the LAN first, I've deleted the wireless network from the list, and I've unchecked the "connect automatically" box just in case. Yet, it still connects to the wireless network when I start up the computer again.

What's going on here?

Using:
- Windows 7
- Alienware M17X laptop

I don't want to always have to remember to push the wireless button to disable and enable it, so I'm hoping there's another solution.

Thank you all for your help.

- Steve

 

[Britton30]

Open the Network and sharing center again, and try the steps pictured below, reboot and check.

 

[chev65]

Yes disabling the wireless connection completely should work but you shouldn't have to do that because by default Windows should be choosing the wired connection over the wireless connection without fail.

It works for me that is for certain, the second I unplug the Ethernet the wireless takes over and just works. The second I plug in the Ethernet the wireless is cut off and Windows chooses the wired connection every time.

I believe it may help to go into the Manage Wireless Connections tab at the Network and Sharing Center, then make adjustments to the wireless profile from there, maybe even delete the old profile then create a new one with the Auto connection unchecked.

 

[tjg79]

I always disable the network connections I'm not using. I can also turn off my wireless adapter antenna and kill the wireless without disabling the connection.