can not connect to internet

when i plug my computer into the ethernet cord it will connect to the internet no problem its just when i try to wirelessly.... so does that mean its not due to MAC filtering?

Are you the administrator of the new wireless router or is it somebody else's wireless router that you're trying to access?  If it's somebody else's then it's possible that they have it setup to restrict MAC addresses that aren't privileged by the admin.  It's sometimes called MAC filtering.

the brand is cisco and it also says linksys on it

Yeah but which particular Linksys model is it?  Something like WRG54 is what I'm looking for.  It should say on the top, back, side, or bottom.  It should say Model .....

What model wireless router do you have?

how to check to see that? Im sorry im not the most computer savey person

It still could be MAC filtering but I doubt it is if you haven't changed any settings on the wireless router.  Which wireless adapter is in your Inspiron 9400?

model wrt160n v2

Ill just continue your previous chat...

To access the router interface do the following.. Before doing this make sure you connect a computer directly to the router.

The web-based configuration utility that is built-in in all Linksys routers, allows users to customize settings and set up advanced configuration within the router. To access the router's web-based configuration utility, refer to the steps below:

NOTE: Make sure to use the computer that is connected to one of the Ethernet ports of the Linksys router (1, 2, 3, or 4) to access the web-based configuration utility.

Accessing the Router’s Web-Based Configuration Utility

STEP 1: Make sure the router is powered on.

STEP 2: Launch a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.

STEP 3: Look for the Address or Location Bar, then enter the router's IP address, and then press [Enter].

NOTE: "192.168.1.1" is the default IP address of almost all Linksys routers.

If the IP address of the router has been changed either through the web-based configuration utility or by running the Setup CD, use the newly assigned IP address to access the router's web-based configuration utility.

STEP 4: When the login screen appears, leave the User name field blank, then enter "admin" in the Password field, and then click OK.

NOTE: "admin" is the default password of the Linksys router.

If the password of the router has been changed, enter the new password in the Password field instead.

STEP 5: When the router’s web-based configuration utility appears, click the Wireless tab then Wireless MAC Filter.

STEP 6: Look for Wireless MAC Filter ... see if MAC filter is enabled

NOTE: The Permit only mode will allow the wireless computers or devices whose MAC addresses are listed in the Wireless Client MAC List to connect to the Linksys wireless router.

The Prevent mode will deny the wireless computers or devices whose MAC addresses are listed in the Wireless Client MAC List to connect to the Linksys wireless router.

NOTE: If the MAC filter is enabled you may disabled it to able your computer to connect to the internet.

If you need more assistance, Im happy to help.. Send me a PM.

Thanks

DrScott

Try DoctorScott's instructions and let us know what you find out.

i tryed these instructions and couldnt get past intering the password, i tryed admin and it didnt accept it so i tryed the password that i was given to access the internet...wouldnt that be the same password as the password to acess the router? if it isnt the person that set up the router isnt here at the time but i will check with him when i can.

other people that thave brought over laptops here have had no problem with connecting to the internet so that makes me think its my computer but i took my comp to the geek squad at best buy last night and i was able to connect to the internet there fine....they suggested if worse comes to worse i could buy a router spliter and another router and just have my own router....would that work? and what do u guys think of that?

Thismay sound foolish but have you power cycled your router?

Power down the router, PC and modem and then turn them all on and see if they sort themselves out.

well it turns out the owner of the router had been giving me the password one letter off and thats all it was.... im iritated but im glad to get the internet! im sorry for wasting you alls time

No problem.  Glad you got it resolved.  :-)