I need help please

Question

Let me first start off with saying that I am a computer dummy! I can tell you that I have a dell inspiron 4100 running windows xp. I have been having problems with my wireless network, for some reason I can't stay connected. My husband recently added a desktop to the network and since then I can only stay connected on my lap top for a few min at a time, then I have to reconnect, and it is starting to get really annoying. We have tried to do all of the trouble shooting that we have found for the last week and a half. I can get on just fine it's just a matter of staying connected. is there anyone out there that might know how to fix this problem and then be able to tell me like your explaining it to a 5 year old please (told ya I'm a computer dummy :). Message Edited by Leetlebug on 08-05-2008 01:43 PM

volcano11 · Answer

Ehich make and model router?  Have you tried power-cycling the router (turning it off then back on)? Does the router use encrpyption (wireless security)?  If so, is it WEP or WPA?    Steve

Leetlebug · Answer

yes we have tried restarting the router, but no luck with that. it was set to WPA when we first started having this problem, my husband just switched it back to WEP but still no luck.

volcano11 · Answer

Which make and model router do you have?  Try temporarily disabling the wireless security and see if you can get a connection, if so, then try re-enabling the security.   Steve

Leetlebug · Answer

Its a Belkin Wireless G router. I tried disabling the security and I did get a connection, then we enabled it. but within 5 min (once again) I lost connection :smileysad: My husband is now wanting to try to reinstall windows on my pc to try to see if that helps (mainly because it's being a pain in our rumps).

volcano11 · Answer

I doubt that reinstalling Windows is going to fix this issue. I suggest first using Device Manager to uninstall the wireless network adapter, then rebooting and letting Windows reinstall the wireless adapter.

Steve

Leetlebug · Answer

You were right about the reinstall and I even got to do an I told you so dance! he was thinking since we have 4 desktops and 3 other lap tops on the network that are running with no problems that I might of had a virus on here. but since I scan my computer often and really only use this laptop for 2 different reasons it couldn't have been that (and it was working fine before he put our kids computer on the network). we did try uninstalling the wireless network adapter,  but I was still only able to remain online for a few min after that. (just a bit of a rant, he keeps saying it was something that I must have done since I'm a girl! but I swear I didn't change anything)

volcano11 · Answer

Which wireless network adapter do you have in the computer?  Although rare, they do sometimes go bad.    Steve

Leetlebug · Answer

Intell PROSet Wireless. I just went into add/remove programs and did a repair on the intell software so far so good, I'll let you know in about 5 min if I get kicked off line again.

Leetlebug · Answer

well so far I haven't been kicked off line yet (does the snoopy dance). the icon next to my clock says that i'm not connected, but when I open my network connections it does say i'm connected (?). as long as I can stay online I'll be a happy camper. I'll let you know if what I tried fails. Thank you for your help, you have been wonderful!

Larry R · Answer

The icon in the sys-tray may be for the wired connection, which would be disconnected while you are on wireless.  The default behavior is for a network connection to not show up in the sys-tray when connected.  If you want to change that you can do so by going to the Network Connections window, bringing up the properties for the network adapter, and checking the box labeled 'Always show icon in system tray'.  While it adds an 'extra' icon down by the clock, it also allows you to easily verify that a given connection is actually connected (by mousing over it, or right-clicking and selecting 'status').

Leetlebug · Answer

Thank you for your help. I am now connected and I haven't been kicked off for over 4 hours (WOOT). My husband is still scratching his head over this whole ordeal, but I am very happy with the outcome. Thanks again.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

I need help please

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