1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

cannot connect to wireless network

Discussion in 'Networking (Hardware & Software)' started by riemerl, 2010/02/27.

Page 1 of 2
  1. 2010/02/27
    riemerl

    riemerl Banned Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/02/27
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    I am runing XP SP3 on and ACER Aspire 1640 laptop.

    I have recently purchased a new wireless router (just the cheapest Linksys/Cisco available), which is working perfectly. (works on two other computers) and I'm connected to it curently via wired connection, but I am unable to connect wirelessly. I can connect to my neighbours wireless though. I have searched for hours in the forums for the answer but I am totally lost, please help! Thank you in advance.

    Lance
     
    riemerl,
    #1
  2. 2010/02/27
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    Are you using the Acer wifi connection software? If so, disable it and let Windows manage the wifi connection. And check the firewall to ensure it allows the wifi connection.

    That laptop comes with either an Atheros or Intel wifi chipset. The Intel version usually is bundled with Intel connection software. Dump it and just use Windows wifi connection software.
     
    TonyT,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2010/02/27
    riemerl

    riemerl Banned Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/02/27
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Windows WIFI software is all I have and use and the firewall is disabled.
     
    riemerl,
    #3
  5. 2010/02/27
    riemerl

    riemerl Banned Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/02/27
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    also I have tried with and without security enabled. my neighbours connection doesn't have security enabled. and I have used other security enabled networks without trouble in the past
     
    riemerl,
    #4
  6. 2010/02/27
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

    Joined:
    2008/04/21
    Messages:
    4,649
    Likes Received:
    124
    Have you actually turned Wifi on in the router?

    Posting make/model may help.
     
    wildfire,
    #5
  7. 2010/02/27
    riemerl

    riemerl Banned Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/02/27
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    not sure, if a different computer can connect than it's on isn't it?
     
    riemerl,
    #6
  8. 2010/02/27
    riemerl

    riemerl Banned Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/02/27
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Model WRT120N
    Make Cisco
     
    riemerl,
    #7
  9. 2010/02/27
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

    Joined:
    2008/04/21
    Messages:
    4,649
    Likes Received:
    124
    Sorry, I took it as the two other computers were connected by wire, I'll leave this in Tony's capable hands.
     
    wildfire,
    #8
  10. 2010/02/28
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    Which adapter do you have, atheros or intel? (see device manager)
    If intel, get the latest driver for device at intel site.
    For either adapter, go to control panel > network >rt click adapter > select properties > double click internet protocol tcp/ip > advanced button > wins tab > uncheck use lm hosts & put check next to use net bios over tcpip.
     
    TonyT,
    #9
  11. 2010/02/28
    riemerl

    riemerl Banned Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/02/27
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    I have the intel adapter and have downloaded and installed this driver from their site
    Intel® PRO/Wireless and WiFi Link Drivers-Only for Windows XP*
    Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection: 9.0.4.39

    as of right now it's still not working but I'll re-start and see if that makes a difference
     
    riemerl,
    #10
  12. 2010/02/28
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    Does the Windows wireless zero utility scan, detect & list the available wlans? And verify the wifi is turned on (most acer laptops have rf kill switch on front of laptop)
     
    Last edited: 2010/02/28
    TonyT,
    #11
  13. 2010/02/28
    mrlanceromance

    mrlanceromance Inactive

    Joined:
    2008/01/21
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yes the wireless is turned on, I recall when I learned about that kill switch! I won't forget that again. And yes it does detect my wlan and others, one of which isn't secured that I can connect to.

    This is the message I get when I try to connect.

    Please wait while windows connects to the 'network name' network.
    Waiting for the network...

    after waiting for about a minute it just gives up and my status is shown as automatic.

    this is riemerl I had to sign in under a diff name as somehow I got suspended on my other sign in name???
     
    mrlanceromance,
    #12
  14. 2010/03/01
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    What kind of encryption are you using on the Linksys? Try none at all. But first, let the utility scan, then click on "change order of preferred networks ", then remove your wlan from list. Then OK button, then recan and try to connect.

    Any time changes are made to the router you should delete the existing saved wifi connection.
     
    TonyT,
    #13
  15. 2010/03/03
    mrlanceromance

    mrlanceromance Inactive

    Joined:
    2008/01/21
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    I was using WPA2, I just tried without security enabled at all and it does exactly the same thing. I removed my network from the preferred list and made it re-search for the network too.
     
    mrlanceromance,
    #14
  16. 2010/03/03
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    Really strange. i'd would check any security programs such as firewalls.
     
    TonyT,
    #15
  17. 2010/03/03
    mrlanceromance

    mrlanceromance Inactive

    Joined:
    2008/01/21
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    I disabled the xp firewall and the router firewall.... the only other program I'm running is spybot which I recently read (I don't recall where) isn't really all that good anymore.
    Truthfully I don't know whether it's a firewall or not but I'll try uninstalling that too. Do you think it's possible that it's simply a compatability issue?
     
    mrlanceromance,
    #16
  18. 2010/03/04
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    Spybot should not interfere with network connections.

    A couple other things to try:

    1. Access the adapter properties - Control Panel > Network > rt click Intell adapter > select Properties > uninstall QoS packet Scheduler.

    2. Double click Internet protocol TCP/IP > Advanced button > WINS tab > uncheck "use lm hosts" > put check in "use Net Bios over TCP/IP.

    3. Double click wifi icon in tray > View available wifi networks > change order of preferred... > last tab > change adapter mode to BG-Mixed

    4. In same area, disable power mgmt for the adapter.

    If no joy, go to the Linksys site and get the lastest firmware for the router. Appapantly there were issues with that router that have supposedly been corrected in the newest firmware. (use a wired connection)
     
    TonyT,
    #17
  19. 2010/03/04
    mrlanceromance

    mrlanceromance Inactive

    Joined:
    2008/01/21
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Alright, I don't konw if it makes a difference but I couldn't find adapter properties under control panel anywhere but I did find them from the window that opens when I double click the wifi icon in the tray.
    Step 2 went smoothly
    And I ran into trouble again at step three at > last tab, (advanced) says nothing about adapter mode at all. rather at the top is has a link for windows firewall settings and then internet connection sharing.
    So number 4, I couldn't find either.


    Still havn't downloaded the latest firmware.

    Still won't connect.

    Another sympom that has recently developed is everytime I wake the laptop up from standby the wired connection needs to be repaired.
     
    Last edited: 2010/03/04
    mrlanceromance,
    #18
  20. 2010/03/05
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,072
    Likes Received:
    400
    Control Panel > Network Connections > rt click adapter > select Properties > Configure button > Advanced Tab. (Note: different adapters have different tabs)

    That's where you change the Mode. Do same for wired adapter and disable power mgmt with the adapters.

    Do try the latest Linksys firmware as that is probably what will straighten things out once you make the other changes.
     
    Last edited: 2010/03/05
    TonyT,
    #19
  21. 2010/03/05
    mrlanceromance

    mrlanceromance Inactive

    Joined:
    2008/01/21
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Ha! so I upgraded the firmware and it works! Thank you so much.
    I wasn't able to complete the instructions you gave me though because the info under the advanced tab accessed through the control panel is the same as accessing it the way I did before hence I couldn't find the power management or adapter mode. Is this a problem? Once again thank you for your help
     
    mrlanceromance,
    #20
Page 1 of 2

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...