help-have lost wireless broadband

With the help of information from this site, I bought a laptop and wireless router a couple of months ago, and set up a wireless connection at home. We have broadband from NTL.

Everything was fine until this evening when the wireless connection disappeared. The modem is fine - I'm connected to the internet now using an ethernet cable to the router. But I can't get a wireless connection - when I click on 'view available wireless networks , I don't get a list, just 'windows cannot configure this wireless connection' Repair doesn't work either.

Any advice what to do? I'm stuck, its so frustrating........

C

It sounds like youre using your "network connections" to manage the wireless config, Ive had similar issues in the past and resolved by using the intel wireless chipset software. Start > Programs > Intel Wireless

Also, is your wireless switched on using the hardware switch as well as the software switch, if theres not a dedicated switch for this on your laptop its typically done by pressing the function key and one of the F1-F5 buttons.

Most likely is that a neighbour is using the same wireless channel as you. Try changing the channel in the router.

Car,

Your advice worked, thank you SO much!

I found out that Function and F2 turns on and off the wireless on our laptop. Then I went into Start-Programs-Dell Wireless-Dell Wireless WLAN card utility (our network appeared in the list there) and clicked enable radio.

And now we have wireless again.

Really appreciate your help with that, a relief to have it sorted.

Thanks again

C

more help required please

Hi

Back again, seems that my problems with my wireless connection aren't over.

When I start up my computer now, I can see my wireless connection name and it says that the signal is excellent, but under status it says 'authenticating' and I can't connect to the internet.

Anyone know what to do to get past this?

Thanks

C

Re: more help required please

Carmel said:

When I start up my computer now, I can see my wireless connection name and it says that the signal is excellent, but under status it says 'authenticating' and I can't connect to the internet.

Click to expand...

Make sure that the WEP or WPA key you entered on your laptop matches what you set in your router. If you've forgotten what it is, then change the key in the router and make sure to enter the same in the laptop.

For more information on how to do this, read the manual.

Technologist,

That worked and I have wireless again. Wahoo!

(For anyone reading this thread later, I went into the IP address for my router and went to the wireless security section. I typed in a network key/ password under the WPA section. Then when I turned on my computer I went into Start-programs-Dell Wireless-Dell wireless WLAN card utility. Clicked on my network name and typed in the same password into the network key. After that I was able to connect wirelessly.)

Very grateful for all the help, there are very good people on this site.


C