PC/Internet help

[jentill]

I'm hoping there are some pc whiz kids out there that can help me.;)

I am the editor of the local community newsletter. We have recently changed our office. Previously we were based in a Local Authority building where we accessed the internet via their intranet/dial up. Now that we have moved we are connecting via wireless. Our wireless says that there is a connection but when I click on the Internet Explorer it comes up that we are not connected to the internet and the dial up box pops up. I have tried the various things I know and one of my team members have done the same.

Can anyone suggest why this is happening and what I could do to fix it? :thumbs-up

[Dee1234]

Your wireless will connect but it sounds like you need to enter the access password (WEP key) normally its on the back of the wireless router or if you are connecting to your local auth wireless then you will need to get the WEP key from their IT department. Hope this helps !

[Matt Charlton]

If the wireless has connected it may be that your computer is not being given an IP address by the wireless router or there is a permanent one set on the computer that doesn't work with the access point.

Because you're now on a network instead of dial-up its more than likely an issue with the proxy settings in Internet Explorer. If this is the case you'll need to ask your IT support dept for the proxy address and port.

To get rid of the dialup pop up box, open internet explorer and close the pop up window if it opens, click on tools, internet options and go to the connections tab. There are three radio buttons here and "always dial my connection" sounds like it is selected. Change this to "never dial my connection" apply the changes and exit. Then make sure that in Internet Explorer under the file menu "Work Offline" isn't ticked - if it is, click it to untick it.

I've tried to keep the above as jargon free as possible but give me a prod if you want some more info :)

[jentill]

To get rid of the dialup pop up box, open internet explorer and close the pop up window if it opens, click on tools, internet options and go to the connections tab. There are three radio buttons here and "always dial my connection" sounds like it is selected. Change this to "never dial my connection" apply the changes and exit. Then make sure that in Internet Explorer under the file menu "Work Offline" isn't ticked - if it is, click it to untick it.

I've tried to keep the above as jargon free as possible but give me a prod if you want some more info :)

Hi thanks for this. This is what I tried but not the 'work offline' bit, so when I am in tomorrow I'll give it another go. Glad to know I was thinking on the right track ;)

[jentill]

ok, so I have tried everything suggested but nothing is working. Any other suggestions? I'm getting close to picking it up and throwing it out the window - probably would not get me online, but it would make me feel better. Oh by the way, we do not have an IT department as we are just a small community voluntary group.

[LlMEY]

Hi :)

It is almost certain that the wireless router is wep protected... if it isn't then anyone can access it when they are within range so....

***Try this... just thought of something as I was finishing ... before doing anything else remove any phones connected to same point that the tel line from router is connected to and make sure in any case you have a filter in place as I mention further down. Sorry this is long... was working through the steps in my mind... am not a techie as I say further down :)***

First... is are you connecting to the right router?

ok a step back... {I am a home user not an expert by the way]....

Let me explain my srt up and see if that matches...

I have a wireless router. I have it hard linked to my desktop - and then a lap top and another desk top access via wireless.

1) In the little tray at the bottom right there should be a little icon taht says wireless network - click on it... [think you have already done this].

2) A box comes up says.... 'Wireless Network Connection Status' - that gives you some info like signal strength name of network you are connected to - look at status and from what you say it sghould say 'Connected'.

3) There should be a box that says 'view wireless networks' - click that box. That will bring up the name of the network and should say 'Security-enabled network'.

Ok... if from YOUR computer it says you are connected to the network then you need to look at the router.

Router....

physical connections... the phone line connects from the router to the socket in the wall... BUT there must be a filter between the router and the plug in on the wall.

I have a hard line from the other side of the router to my desk top and have the router software that I set the router connection up with. Through that software you tell the router which ISP to connect to, name and password etc and that just lies dormant for me on all the time.

Access the router... you can do this through your browser.... and the address will be in the manual, I have a netgear set up but mine is this.... http://192.168.0.1/start.htm

When you access the router there should be a page that says something like 'router status' - on that page it should say whether you are connected to the isp - should also say what up and downstrams are.

If the router is connected and you are connected to the network try turning everything off - INCLUDING router - leave it for 10 mins then fire everything back up and see what is happening.

Okies... who set the router up ? Did they then give the other pc's access? Its important to know that a non wep protected network is open access to anyone driving by with a wireless lap top... and there are some that do drive by looking for open networks. There is a simple setting to stop your router broadcasting its name out - ie become invisible ecept to those that need to know its there - but first things first :).

My guess its the router not connected to your ISP is where the problem maybe - also, not sure about this was a while ago - if its high speed [adsl] then I am pretty sure I had to check my phone line could take it so had to check with BT first - can't remember if I had to let them know I was going broadband other than them checking the line for taking it or not.

Post back how you get on

Regards Dave

[jentill]

I have tried all these. Still no luck.
I set up the router and I have another 5 pcs working from this router, so I know that it is working but this new pc just wont connect. :S Any other thoughts? Also, I have a password on it, but when the connections box comes up, it is showing as unprotected - any help with that?

Thanks for everyone's help - I really appreciate it.