Wireless Network Connection HELP!

Question

This problem seems to have everyone stumped so please help if you can.   I have been connecting to my house wireless network without probems until recently.  There are 4 users on it, 2 of them connect fine, mine did connect but has suddenly stopped and one has never been able to connect.  The log shows that it connects to the network, attempts to 'authenticate' then times out and begins the cycle again.  Whilst trying to 'authenticate' the connection the status reads 'acquiring network address'.I've tried manually configuring the IP address, defauit gateway etc to settings which I know work and the status says connected but I'm unable to view any pages and it disconnects after about 15 seconds.  Signal strength is not an issue, neither is the USB adapter or router cause I've tried locations and adapters that work on other computers.  My network key is definately entered correctly.   This is the really strange bit.  My noise levels became quite high when the connection stopped working, up to around -50dB from around -90dB.  I've tried moving my computer to the location normally occupied by one of the computers that can connect (and has low noise level of around -90dB) and my noise levels have stayed high.  Could my computer somehow be introducing noise? Finally, it may be a coincidence but out of the 4 computers on the network, the 2 old ones work fine and the two brand new ones don't.   I would greatly appreciate help with this.   Der Kaiser Chief

BBraxton · Answer

Do the 'old ones' run Windows XP? Home? Pro? 2000 Pro? Windows 98/Me ? Are the two that do not work some model(s) of Dell? Which model? Service tag? Brand and model of network adapter (card)? and so forth

Der Kaiser Chie · Answer

All computers are running on Windows XP.   Mine is the only Dell PC and is a Dimension 1100 which was purchased in January.   The service tag is 6FD012J   Both the router and USB adapter are U.S. Robotics.  The USB is a USR805421 model 5421, the router is a USR9108.

Der Kaiser Chie · Answer

All four computers have accessed it at some point. The two old ones have always been able to and still can access it. My computer was fine but suddenly can't access it. The other newer computer got access on it's first attempt but never since.

We had been using the US Robotics software to run/configure the network and that doesn't mention workgroups so haven't done any of that.

I've just tried switching to allowing windows to control the network but have the same problem. In the wireless network connection properties section there is an authentication tab. On that screen there is a tick box to allow the computer to authenticate 802.1x networks but it is shaded so I can't tick the box. Could this be an issue as I believe it is a 802.11 network that we are using.

Thanks for the help/interest so far.

BBraxton · Answer

Are the two old ones the only ones that "ever" worked on the network? Have you run all four computers through the Wizard to set up a 'workgroup' where

* each computer name is unique (preferably NOT mshome or 'workgroup')?

* the 'workgroup' name is the same on all (again, NOT mshome or 'workgroup' or 'owner') ?

and so forth

BBraxton · Answer

If you get the option, try switching from 'Open' to 'Shared' or, if already Shared, to 'Open' Sometimes that breaks the logjam for me.

Der Kaiser Chie · Answer

I've removed the security and can now get on the internet.  Hopefully won't get too many people hijacking the connection.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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