WiFi internet connection problem

Userid and password may needed (though I don't know why), but later, after connection has been established.

Two thoughts:

1. Initially, bypass the router; what sort of connection is offered by the modem (USB or Ethernet)?

or

1. Has the router any (output) Ethernet ports? If yes, connect to one of those --- no need for passphrase.

If either succeeds (cable needed), you should be connected to the internet. But maybe the router and modem are hidden from you.

Others may wish to comment on any way Vista could be causing difficulties.

Best regards,

Jon C.

my UK wifi connection has a name (SSID) a passphrase and a username and a password, the latter two are only used to do admin word at the router website. For connection I find the SSID name in the list of wireless connections and am prompted for a passphrase, nothing else. Are you sure you are selecting the correct wireless connection?

On Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:33:37 -0800 (PST) someone who may be dividby0 wrote this:-

Presumably the router has a modem built in and this is connected to something. Do the lights on the router indicate that you are connected to Internet?

If they don't show this, log in to the router, the first two items are probably for this and see why it hasn't connected. Sort this out first and then you should be able to access Internet via the wired ports once the computer is configured properly.

If you don't know how to log into the router find its IP address from your computer and type that into a web browser while you are connected via one of the ethernet ports.

If the router is connected then looking in the settings should allow you to find the name of the radio network it is controlling. Connect to this network and it should ask you for a passphrase, the last item. It should then connect and, provided the router is set up properly, you will connect to Internet.

Assuming this is a "normal" WiFi ADSL router then chances are it should be the same.

If you browse the available wireless networks can you see it in the list? If so, tell the computer to connect and try the passphrase.

The user ID and password, may be the user id and password for the ISP connection - in which case you won't need them if the router is setup correctly. Alternatively they may be the username and pssword to access the configuration page for the router.

To find the routers config page, first find your "Default Gateway" address - you can do this by opening a command prompt and typing IPCONFIG

Then in a web browser enter the address (it will probably start

You need to know what type of encryption is being used: WEP, WPA or WPA2.

If you post this & the make/model of your wireless adaptor we might be able to help more.

Are you certain it is WiFi and not just a wireless LAN?

If it's like my system the first two would be to provide access to the router. You do this via your browser - http://10.0.0.2 or 192.168.1.245 should bring up the router password box. With a bit of luck it will have a help file for the rest.

Just when I thought I had the basics of the subject licked, you say that. Could someone briefly explain the difference?

I just hope there is one. My phone appears to think there is.

On Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:20:48 +0000 someone who may be Mark wrote this:-

Vista doesn't need to be told this, it works it out.

WiFi is a means of sending computer network signals over a 2.5GHz radio link.

A wireless LAN is a Local Area Network with nodes connected to each other without wires. They may, or may not, use "WiFi" for those connections.

Neither really have anything to do with the ability, or not, of being able to connect to the Internet. Though the term WiFi is (mis)used to mean "access to the Internet" as in "WiFi Hotspot". Likewise a LAN may or may not be connected to the internet.

ah, OK.

there are many modulation schemes and at least two different frequencies..in use. and several different encryption schemes.

Its a wonder any of it works at all!

I jumped to the conclusion there were two general specific configurations as opposed to "other wireless communications are available"

while people here tend to be much more precise, a good thing if you like things to work.

Still I'm pleased my Meter RangeMax signal is reaching the end of the garden nearly 100m from the transmitter (now its not blocked by the PC case)

"Netgear" (always watch the spellcheck).

MBQ

A wireless LAN is something you can use. WiFi is a marketing tool like HDready. Basically if your wireless LAN bits have the WiFi logo they should work together at some basic level.

If we're onto that, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.0.254 are also common.

But access to the router shouldn't really be needed for this, if the landlord has just set up a wireless router as a communal LAN. XP should be able to spot the network (if it's broadcasting the SSID) and then ask for the passphrase. An 8 character alphanumeric passphrase indicates that it's probably WPA (actually WPA-PSK).

If in doubt do a IPCONFIG at the command prompt and look at the default gateway (assuming that one, you let the wireless adaptor DHCP, and two the router is configured to allow it (most are by default).