sodding computers, sodding wireless, sodding network cards - can I have some help please?

[KatyMac]

We have been given an old very nice laptop

I have installed a network card (at least I think that is what it is called)

The netwrok card says it has 'excellent' signal strengh

But I can't get it on-line what on earth am I doing wrong?

hang on something is happening

In IE the blue rectangle is slowly growing suggesting it is downloading (very slowly) - then it stopped

Bugger

Right click only gives open/create shortcut

Double-click the Network icon. SElect the appropriate network and right-click, click properties and check for obtain IP address automatically. If there is more than one network listed just check them all.

OK I think I will bin it

no more tonite

Thank you very much - but i think it's dead

sorry to have given up

Ok.If you want something to do tomorrow!,start from scratch with your network.

disable all security at the router (you need to connect via a cable, open your browser (IE) and type in the default IP address, listed on the bottom of the router usually).

Set security to open, then reconnect with your laptops. then you can reconfigure the SSID and WEP key at the router.SAVE THE SETTINGS EACH TIME YOU CHANGE THEM. take the cable out and reconnect via the laptops by re-entering the SSID and WEP codes from each laptop.

Sorry it hasn't resolved it.

still about KatyMac?

Really easy check to see if the network is up and connected and being able to talk to the router.

Click on start
Click Run
Type cmd and press OK
Lovely little black terminal will appear.
Type ipconfig /all
Press enter and lots of gobbledegook (to non-geeks) will appear. Somewhere amongst it you'll see IP address listed.

if your IP address starts with 169 then things aren't happy.

Currently watching Al Murray so will be around for a while..

It says cmd can't be found

Hi KatyMac

i suggest you do the following:

On the XP laptop, click Start, Control Panel, double-click Network Connections (switch to Classic view if you don't see Network connections listed), right-click on the Wireless Network Connection and select Properties.

Click the Wireless Networks tab and highlight your network, click Properties.

Make a note of the SSID and the type of encrypion (WEP or WPA)

Go to the WIN 98 laptop, open the config tool for the wireless adapter you installed and enter the SSID and encryption type and the security code.

Save settings and look for the status bar to see if you are connected to your router.

The status indicator that said connected last night only indicates the connection between your wireless adapter and your router, it doesn't indicate that your laptop is connected to the internet.

There is usually a connect button in site survey with a graphical interface (there may be one for the connection to your router and one to connect to the Internet). Press connect and you will see a spike if you have a graphical interface. Now open your browser and try to navigate to a web page.

Good luck!

I think I am going to get a man in

It will be easier

Might be best, very difficult to help when can't see whats going on.

I guess so

Stupid computer