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-   -   Hooking a laptop to a wireless network (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=288454)

  • Dec 4, 2008, 04:35 PM
    technodope
    Hooking a laptop to a wireless network
    We have cable with a wireless router. The cable modem is in my wife's ancient computer running windows 2000. The other desktop and 2 laptops are all set up for wireless. We just acquired a laptop (all other computers run XP.) We entered the internet address, but apparently we need the router info which I can't find. How would we hook the new laptop up.

    Thanks in advance
  • Dec 4, 2008, 05:32 PM
    cogs

    Did you create a new connection, or do you have the wireless card's software installed that can find the connection? Either way, your computer needs to be told to look for the connection.
  • Dec 4, 2008, 05:39 PM
    technodope
    The laptop already has the wireless hookup. I understand in may need a WPA number. I assume this number tells the laptop what to look for. I'm just not sure how to find this number

    Thank you
  • Dec 4, 2008, 05:50 PM
    cogs

    This number is a security feature of your router... if you find your router's setup address online, you can enter the admin and find/change the wpa or wep key. You'll enter the router's address in your browser. Here's a link:
    Router Setup and Configuration Guide - Setup a Router
    Once you have the wep,wpa key, you can plug it into the wireless settings on your laptop.
  • Dec 5, 2008, 09:14 PM
    technodope
    I called Geek Squad who set the network up originally. They gave me the internet address. My wife then told me I need a router address. I called Geek Squad back and they gave me three numbers which could be the router address. My son then tried to enter these numbers but said he can't. He says that when he views wireless networks our network doesn't even show up, even though the 2 other computers in the room show the network. He also says the LAN is unplugged and there is an icon at bottom which is called Intel(R) PRO /Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adaptor. It has an X next to it and when I put the cursor on the icon it reads "SSID:
    Status: Not Associated
    Signal Quality/Strength (0%) (Out of Range)0%"

    My son thinks that is why we are having the problem but is not sure what to do.

    Thanks in Advance.
  • Dec 6, 2008, 02:40 PM
    technodope
    Related to my last post, I have tried checking to see what wireless networks are showing up on the new computer. My network is not appearing at all. I checked with the other laptop and it is there. I get one unsecured network. I went down the block with both computers to a friends. His network and some others in the area show up on the old computer, but nothing shows up on the new computer. I am absolutely baffled.

    Thanks
  • Dec 7, 2008, 08:36 PM
    cogs

    Did you read the link I sent? Did you find the wpa key? Did you find your router's configuration page on your browser(firefox, internet explorer), by entering its address? The router's the most important thing first, then the connections on the computers that receive its signal.
  • Dec 8, 2008, 10:04 PM
    technodope
    Just got to checking the email. Thanks for your help. I'll have to look at the link tomorrow when it is earlier and I'm more awake.

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