Wireless connection works the first time, not the second...

Question

Hi all,   I'm stumped. I've got a Dell wireless router and 2 computers. One (with internal network card) connects automatically to the wireless network every single time. The other one (with a Linksys external) doesn't. If I run the Dell router CD program and 'Add a new wireless computer' it works -- but as soon as I shut it down and try the next time -- it doesn't connect -- unless I use the CD again.   Something obvious (or unobvious) that I can do to fix it? It's driving me crazy. Thanks in advance for any help/ideas.

jmwills · Answer

Which program are you using to manage the wireless connection on the Linksys machine?

Ceegale · Answer

Not sure. (Could be the problem I'm guessing). I use the Dell Router config CD to 'Add a new computer' -- and it connects no problem. Between that and the 'Manage my network connections' on Windows, that's all I know. What should I be using? (Yep, pretty much a rookie here, I'll admit it).

jmwills · Answer

Let the windows utility manage the connection.

Ceegale · Answer

Hmm. You're talking about the Wireless Networks tab under Properties, and checking the 'Use Windows to Configure my wireless network settings' checkbox -- yes? Or something else?

jmwills · Answer

Yes.

Ceegale · Answer

OK, I checked it and it's selected. Then I tried powering off the machine. When I turn computer back on, I get some kind of message that says something like 'Connection weak. You may have limited or no access to the Internet.'   If I boot up the Dell Router CD, and go through the 4-5 minute process of 'adding a new wireless computer' it works just fine. But the computer doesn't just boot up and automatically connect like my other Dell does. I even went and verified that the 'Let Windows automatically connect' box is still checked.   Thanks for your help, by the way. Appreciate you taking the time to assist.   I checked all my settings between the Dell with internal card that works every time, and the Dell with external Linksys (one that only works using the CD) and they all match. I'm baffled.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless connection works the first time, not the second...

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