Routers/wireless networks

Madam Butterfly · (#1 (**permalink**))

I got a linksys wireless router today and hooked the whole thing up to my sisters PC without a problem. But now i am trying to hook up my laptop wirelessly.

When i was trying to set up my laptop for a wireless network connection it said something about either the software not being installed or not having an adaptor.

I am now on the compaq website downloading some broadband wireless software (or at least what my techno dur-brain assumes to be!) and will see if that will allow my laptop to communicate wirelessly with the router.

If that does not work i only have 2 alternatives: 1) get an extra long ethernet cable to connect my laptop in my bedroom with the router downstairs in the living room (thereby making the network non wireless) or 2) repackaging and returning the router and contacting the ISP and just getting my own seperate broadband modem to use in my bedroom.

So my question is this: If this download does not work, what else can i try before i give up and resort to one of the above? Because i am really leaning towards number 2 right now!!

Please keep in mind as i have said, i am a techno dur-brain so any advice or instructions you have, please keep it simple enough for an 8 year old to understand, thanks!!

SoulRebel · (#2 (**permalink**))

Sounds like you need an adapter to plug into your laptop. Linksys should do a USB version - looks a bit like a memory stick - plug into an available slot on your laptop and then configure.

Alternative is to buy a network card which will do the same job, but the USB adaptor is easier.

Madam Butterfly · (#3 (**permalink**))

thanks soulrebel!! i'll order one from amazon now.

Would you believe i was trying to use an ordinary USB pen?!

To be honest i think i had heard of one before, but i thought it was only for laptops that were not wireless network ready and mine is.

If it still doesn't work i will just have to run an ethernet cable from the living room up to my bedroom. ISP already said they cannot give us 2 modems.

LadyDay · (#4 (**permalink**))

i have a linksys wireless router
i will see if i can find the thread
as i got help from bnv on the subject

LadyDay · (#5 (**permalink**))

wireless connections

I have bumped the thread up for you

Madam Butterfly · (#6 (**permalink**))

Thanks LD :0) I ordered one of those usb pen drive thingies today from a seller operating trough amazon and just a couple hours later i got a message that it had shipped!! probably won't get it til week after next though, what with Christmas delays.

The linksys router in your thread is almst the same as the one i have. I really hope the usb thingy solves the problem because i ca'nt be bothered with the 25m cable ish!!

Madam Butterfly · (#7 (**permalink**))

ok, got the usb thngy, plugged it into my laptop and got a message that said unrecognisable device or soething. tried it on my sisters pc and same thing.

All i want to do is be able to click on the internet explorer icon and get a broadband connection. Is that so much to ask!!!

Right now my sister is on broadband and i am stuck with crappy dial up because i just cannot get my laptop to communicate with the networ/router. Every time i go to the wireless network icon in control panel it tells me my laptop is set up successfuly for a wireless network

What do i need to do just to get broad band on my laptop?

I tried plugging the router out of my sisters pc and into my laptop, but the ethernet connector bit at the end is the wrong shape for the ethernet port on my laptop.

Can someone PLEASE help me!!

PS the usb i got was not linksys, becauae all the linksys ones were sold out. But does the usb adaptor have to be the same brand as the router?

SoulRebel · (#8 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madam Butterfly

ok, got the usb thngy, plugged it into my laptop and got a message that said unrecognisable device or soething. tried it on my sisters pc and same thing.

All i want to do is be able to click on the internet explorer icon and get a broadband connection. Is that so much to ask!!!

Right now my sister is on broadband and i am stuck with crappy dial up because i just cannot get my laptop to communicate with the networ/router. Every time i go to the wireless network icon in control panel it tells me my laptop is set up successfuly for a wireless network

What do i need to do just to get broad band on my laptop?

I tried plugging the router out of my sisters pc and into my laptop, but the ethernet connector bit at the end is the wrong shape for the ethernet port on my laptop.

Can someone PLEASE help me!!

PS the usb i got was not linksys, becauae all the linksys ones were sold out. But does the usb adaptor have to be the same brand as the router?

Mixing brands can be a problem, though the basic issue is whether your router and adaptor are talking the same 'language' so to speak - unfortunately there are three versions of wireless networking. Buying the same brand makes it more likely that the two bits can converse properly.

To check this out you need the packaging your router and adaptor came in, or the documentation supplied with it. The magic numbers you're looking for are one out of "802.11a', '802.11b',or '802.11g'. If these numbers differ on your router and adaptor, that may be your problem - the adaptor number needs to match the router. If they are the same on both, then it's a different problem. Windows XP can be troublesome with some network adaptors, so it may be there. Not enough info to go on to know for sure.

Also when you said this:

" but the ethernet connector bit at the end is the wrong shape for the ethernet port on my laptop"

what precisely is the problem? Is the laptop port too large or too small for the plug on the end of the Ethernet cable? Most Ethernet connections are pretty standard, so just curious to understand.

Sorry to get a little technical, but couldn't think of a simpler way of saying it. Hope this helps to shed some light.

umbrarchist · (#9 (**permalink**))

Did you try wireless connection with the laptop near the router?

It is often difficult to predict the range and the antenna dispersion pattern and this can also be affected by the metal in the building. Make sure it works near the router then find out how far it works from the router.

um

Madam Butterfly · (#10 (**permalink**))

i solved the problem with a 25 foot ethernet cable lol (turns out i was trying to put it on the wrong port!!)it's not the wireless network i wanted, but at least i can use the router to get broadband now. I just need to wait til after christmas for the family to leave so i can tack the cable up to the ceiling and run it through the bannisters.

I tested it out with the cable today and it worked. Its a little slower than i would have liked. My bedroom is directly above the living room, so the range isn;t that far.

i would have preferred wireless, but i can't be bothered to flaff around with it anymore, end up screwing up my laptop, my sisters brand new pc and the router when the ethernet cable works just fine.

Thanks though!!

safetyblitz · (#11 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madam Butterfly

ok, got the usb thngy, plugged it into my laptop and got a message that said unrecognisable device or soething. tried it on my sisters pc and same thing.

All i want to do is be able to click on the internet explorer icon and get a broadband connection. Is that so much to ask!!!

Right now my sister is on broadband and i am stuck with crappy dial up because i just cannot get my laptop to communicate with the networ/router. Every time i go to the wireless network icon in control panel it tells me my laptop is set up successfuly for a wireless network

What do i need to do just to get broad band on my laptop?

I tried plugging the router out of my sisters pc and into my laptop, but the ethernet connector bit at the end is the wrong shape for the ethernet port on my laptop.

Can someone PLEASE help me!!

PS the usb i got was not linksys, becauae all the linksys ones were sold out. But does the usb adaptor have to be the same brand as the router?

@MB

Ask LD to send you the email that I sent her on how to setup her router. This will secure it.

Also, let me know the model of the wireless "thingy" you got. After I look it up, then I can tell you how to connect it. It sounds as if you have it installed so at this point it sounds like just a driver issue.

I have a hodge podge of networking equipment and they all talk fine to each other.

Later

LadyDay · (#12 (**permalink**))

@safetyblitz i no longer have that email, when the old village closed off and just left this url i couldnt find it
sorry
so please re-write it again for her, but also send it it to me so i am prepared when i get my new pc in the future