Need help setting up wireless connection

Hi,

I just reinstalled windows xp onto my upstairs computer, and i am trying to get it connected to the linksys wireless router + comcast digital cable modem from the mac comp downstairs.

What I am asking for is a walkthrough from online that will walk me through the process; I have already tried network wizard etc, and I couldnt figure it out. Is there a reason the comp isnt recognizing the wireless connection, even though everything is set up?

 

Follow the instructions here http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx

 

Here is the procedure.
First if you can reset the router with the reset switch on the back of the router
If you have dsl ensure that have your isp log on info ( isp info and the password for the isp which my be different than your email)
It should be on a piece of paper the installer left or phone
Unplug the modem
The cord from the wall goes into the modem
The cord from the modem goes into the one single wan ( not one of the 4 lan ports)
Plug in the router ( if not plugged in ) and reboot your computer.
You can set the router up manually
Best to do as you can see what is going on ( or not going on)
In your browser windows ( intenet explorer or firefox) type the following web address

192.168.1.1 ( or properly http://192.168.1.1)
You should see a control panel:


http://kb.earthlink.net/images/8308_01.gif


i agree this can be erratic

if not check that your proxy settings are off

internet explorer > tools > options > connections > lan settings > make sure all are unchecked

reboot

try again

if not try mozilla firefox
this step can be erratic and then it somehow pops up

If you are at the linksys router control panel and you have reset your router by pressing the rear back reset switch

the default ( out of the box ) setting are

admin : admin
password : either blank or admin


You should see something like this:

http://www.mathgamehouse.com/istorm/help/manual/images/linksys.gif


go though the setup

cable internet connection type : grab ip automatically
dsl is ppoe

set up the connection type
with dsl you may have to tell it to connect the first time

Initally to diagnose your connection I would leave the wireless encryption off until you know all is well
You can go back and change it later
The basic procedure is to scan with the windows wireless utility ( or if it is an older computer with the utility supplied in the software of the card_
Spot the ssid ( wireless network name ) and connect
After you are more familiar with set up of wi fi you can go back and turn on the encryption and go from there
Do not worry about your open router for now. There will be no shortage of these in your neighborhood to act as decoys.

What is most imporant about wireless internet is

1) Make sure router is high and uncluttered

One idiot I knew had placed the wireless router in the basement, in a furnace room office ( pipes and full metal filing cabinets and furnace) under a metal table. What an idiot. He was receiving a neighbour's wireless linksys router signal. He was complaining of erractic reception in his house .

2) Change the channel of the wireless signal - this may be your problem.
Your neighbour's wireless router signal can drift in from amazing distances.
You will not detect the signal in the Windows Wireless Utility. You will have good signal strength and but no internet at all.
Most ( almost all ) of wireless routers use a default channel of channel 6.
There are 12 wireless channels. Same frequencies as standard cordless phones. ( Cordless phones and wireless routers seem to work together fine)
The first channels to pick are channels 1 and 11 . After that it is trial and error.
It may be wise to change the ssid from the default Linksys even if it is to add a single digit. The ssid "Virus" is always a good choice to scare away nubes and inexperienced computer repair techs.

A very good program for very functional wireless network setup and maintenance is Netork Magic

www.networkmagic.com

A very good resource:


http://portforward.com/