Boot Camp Beta 1.2: Windows XP (SP2) unable to connect to 802.11n wireless router or AirPort Extreme (802.11n) Base Station

Issue or symptom

With Boot Camp Beta 1.2, you may not be able to associate your Intel-based Mac to an AirPort Extreme (802.11n) Base Station, or any other 802.11n-based router using Windows XP (SP2). This can happen when the configuration is set to use 802.11n (5 GHz) and authentication uses WPA2 (in Security settings).

Solution

Microsoft has acknowledged this issue with Windows XP and has a fix available. Follow the steps in Microsoft "hotfix" 893357.

Warning: Boot Camp Beta is preview software licensed for use on a trial basis for a limited time. Do not use Boot Camp Beta in a commercial operating environment or with important data. You should back up all of your data before installing this software and regularly back up data while using the software. Your rights to use Boot Camp Beta are subject to acceptance of the terms of the software license agreement that accompanies the software.

Important: Apple does not provide technical phone support for using Boot Camp Beta, burning the Macintosh Drivers CD, or installing Windows. Support is available on Apple's website. Fee-based support agreements are not available for Boot Camp Beta.

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Published Date: Feb 20, 2012