Network issues or Bad Laptop?

Question

I just got a new Vista HP Laptop and I'm trying to network with an XP desktop. I need to know if I did something wrong or if the new laptop has a problem.

I installed my wireless router, and set it up. I got on my new Vista laptop, found the network, and clicked to connect. I set it up to connect automatically. However, when I do that, it will not connect to the internet. It just says local only. I had to get out and then reconnect to get the net and when I do it says access and internet.

Also, I can sporadically see my desktop downstairs. Sometimes I see it and sometimes I don't. I'll step away from the laptop for a bit and come back and I lose connection and have to reconnect even though it say local and internet is on. If I close the lid of the laptop and come back, it won't let me get on the net or see the pc downstairs, even though the network connection says both local and internet.

I'm beginning to wonder if I have a bad card in the pc, if my router is bad, or if I did something wrong. The router is a Linksys that I had to set up manually because I didn't have a set up disk. I can run a cable from another router to the ethernet port and I'm on okay. I just don't know if the wireless card is bad or what.

Also sometimes it doesn't show all the start up icons at the bottom right of the screen when I first boot up and have to re boot. I think I just got a goofy laptop. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Jbrirdman,



It sounds like everything is set up properly. If you are able to connect sometimes and not others, you've probably got a very weak wireless signal. Try taking your laptop downstairs and putting it in the same room as the wireless router. If your settings are all correct, you should be able to connect to both the internet and your other networked computers. If this does fix the problem, solutions would include using the computer closer to the router, using a wired connection instead of wireless, or buying and installing a wireless repeater in your house between your laptop area and you wireless router. If you're still having trouble, feel free to "Ask a Ninja" for help at www.electricalninja.com

Answer 2

Go to HP's website and get the newest drivers.

Answer 3

your router modem need setting.



"DHCP" or something like that.



(on my router http://192.168.2.1 )