Connect to a specific BSSID/AP in a WDS network

Windows Vista and Windows Seven have one problem: Virtually no WiFi manufacturer has created a wireless utility, all configuration is done through Windows. In most cases, this is OK, but what to do when you are on a WDS network and one Access Point does not work? How can you specify another AP to connect to even though the signal strength is worse?

Fortunately, Lenovo is the answer. If you are the proud owner of a Lenovo Notebook, you already know Lenovo Access Connections. This nice utility can change the WiFi network and disable Roaming. And even if you are not on a Lenovo notebook, you can use this utility. Just download it and install. You will get an error message about your platform not being supported, don't worry, just ignore it or read on for a fix :)

I found this page dealing about Lenovo AC on non-lenovo notebooks (including Download Links): http://forums.laptopvideo2go.com/topic/23480-finally-a-client-utility-for-atheros-wlan-and-vistawindows-7-x86x64/

The fix is as simple as: Start → Run → regedit. Navigate to \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\LENOVO\Access Connections\Install\ and create a new DWORD Value “TPCHK” with value “0”. Reboot and all is fine.

I successfully tested this procedure on an Acer Aspire One with an Atheros-based Gigabyte WiFi card on Windows Seven.