New Router the problem?

Two networked computers, a Dell desktop (hard wired to Comcast) and a Toshiba laptop, which had been working ON and OFF with a Linksys wireless-G, 2.4 GHz router. Both have Vista Home Edition OS.

Figured the router was having problems plus would upgrade to a faster model.
Got a Belkin "N" wireless & spent long phone time with competent Belkin support guy.
He finally got down to saying the modem and new network were set-up fine but Windows firewall was not letting the signal through. He pinged and strength of signal to working desktop was fine, but nothing working on laptop.

I ran the Network Sharing center and it says network is there; strength of signal is excellent.

Obviously something is blocking signal at laptop. The desktop is online and works great.

Thoughts on Belkin tech suggestion...he says turn off the firewall for Windows and/or McAfee (which is part of Comcast service).

Appreciate your suggestions.
DJ

 

Tony: when I was on phone with Belkin support, he walked me through the setup of network.
I had tried earlier to run the CD that comes with Belkin, but since it never could get past stage ONE (of six) in set-up (it could never find a network), it was not installed on the laptop (I think), but I will go back and view installed programs and double check.

Belkin support says it is Toshiba who should help, Toshiba says it is Microsoft, Microsoft won't help without FEE $$ because the machine is from Dell and has pre-installed software.
It's the old WHO'S ON FIRST...not my fault deal.

Seems to me if the desktop and laptop have the same Vista, same firewall there and same McAfee firewall (from Comcast as the ISP), then why would desktop work and not the laptop?
Just got to be some simple solution...can't see the forest for the trees...that's why I ask EXPERTS like you guys!

 

You're getting confused by all the help. I would strongly suspect the Macfee.. best solution is to completely delete it from your Toshiba Laptop? The configuration program can't find the network if the Mcaffee Security Software is blocking the PC connectivity to the internet (to protect your PC from connection to a new/untrusted network connection (the new router). Of course, since your router is "N" I guess your PC or the router is compatable with the "G" specification, since most laptop PC's come with only "B & G" wireless built in? But then again, your laptop may be newer.

 

Check to see what the router is set at
Bands - it could be set at n only and you have a g
Or the laptop could conceivably even be an older b card and the router is g only
I have had that with some newer n routers
Try the basic diagnostics with wireless
Change the channel if set on channel 6 default
Channels 1 and 11 are first picks
Try other channels
Make sure the router is high and not cluttered
Move the router over a foot or so if you can
You might want to run netstumbler to id if there are any rogue signals coming in
The windows wireless utility does not show you much and does not show channels
Good luck

 

THANKS for your suggestions...right now am checking the network card in computer...

 

BTW, don't be shy about telling us what you tried - or even confirming information we wonder about, such as if your PC wireless is compatable with 802.11 N or only 802.11 B & G. That helps us to focus down on identifying the problem you are experiencing.