Preparing to be embarrassed, again!

Jake'sGran

I always feel that I am asking questions about basic things. Well, here goes. My laptop had no connection (to AOL) for a day and a half. I assumed it was something I had done wrong but grandson said it happened to them and tomorrow it would be fine. He was right.
Instead of getting browser notices saying "the adress could not be found" would be impossible for AOL to advise their users on line? I would at least know then that it was AOL and not my laptop.

In the meantime I bought a USB adapter for the desktop so that I could send them an :mad: email and also transfer letters etc for printing. I followed the instructions that came with the browser but got a message 678 ("the connection could not be completed because the remote computer did not answer the connection request"). Also, I got a message on the desktop that "The Trend dongle(TEW424UB) will function at reduced speed. You must add a High Speed USB host controller to this controller to obtain maximum performance.At least I can return it to ASDA if I get nowhere with it - the man said!. Sorry for the length of this. Can anyone help?

Baldur

Jake'sGran wrote: »

Instead of getting browser notices saying "the adress could not be found" would be impossible for AOL to advise their users on line? I would at least know then that it was AOL and not my laptop.

As the problem sounds as though it was an AOL network connectivity one, how could they - even if they could, how could you receive such a message when you are unable to connect to the internet?

The message "the connection could not be completed because the remote computer did not answer the connection request" meant that your computer could not connect to the AOL server, so could not connect to the internet.

<Edit> The USB message sounds as though you may have an older computer which has a USB 1.0/1.1 ports, rather than the faster USB 2 controller.

Red_Rose_Exile

it might be worth repairing the winsock

Go to Start | run
type in cmd

At the command prompt, type in the following:

netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt

press enter

restart your computer

penrhyn

Hi JG, as a number of us suggested in a recent thread you woul be far better off fitting an Ethernet card to your desktop and connecting to the ethernet that way.


Wireless is unreliable and since you have an older machine your USB1 ports will have difficulty with the wireless dongle.
If you are adamant about going wireless then get a PCI wireless card.

thomas01155

Why is wireless unrealible since i got a good card i haven't had one cut out or drop in signal. Was this card http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3476874/Edimax-EW-7128G-Wireless-G-54-Mbps-LAN-PCI-Card-Adaptor/Product.html

Red_Rose_Exile

That resets the IP stack and a restart isnt needed

but is recommended

you'll find that netsh winsock show catalog >C:\lsp.txt only displays the list of Winsock LSPs that are installed on the computer, and doesn't reset the stack

macman

According to this description, the wireless adapter requires USB2, so it may not work on your PC if it only has USB 1.
http://www.twenga.co.uk/prices-TEW-424UB-TRENDNET-Wireless-network-card-adapter-201324-0
Take it back to Asda. Then go to a proper independent dealer who can give you informed advice, and ask for a replacement adapter that can work on USB 1.
Or, as penrhyn advises, fit an ethernet card and connect by wire, it will be a lot easier for you.

old_codger1

Jake'sGran wrote: »

I always feel that I am asking questions about basic things.

Everything is basic if you know the answer

I'll try and draw some analogies so you can see what's happened.

Jake'sGran wrote: »

Well, here goes. My laptop had no connection (to AOL) for a day and a half. I assumed it was something I had done wrong but grandson said it happened to them and tomorrow it would be fine. He was right.

Effectively, it was like your phone was cut off and it took a day for the phone company, (BT or whoever), to get the line working again.

Jake'sGran wrote: »

Instead of getting browser notices saying "the adress could not be found" would be impossible for AOL to advise their users on line? I would at least know then that it was AOL and not my laptop.

Your phone line isn't working and you want BT to ring you and tell you its not working.

Er... yeah! I think we can see the problem with that, can't we

Jake'sGran wrote: »

In the meantime I bought a USB adapter for the desktop so that I could send them an :mad: email

Your phone line isn't working so you bought a new phone!

Jake'sGran wrote: »

and also transfer letters etc for printing.

OK! Analogies have run out for this one but, isn't your printer connected directly to your computer?

Is this what you bought?



If so, that's a wireless network adaptor that enables you to connect a computer to wireless network which I don't think you've got. At least, you didn't mention it.

The nearest analogy there is you've bought a new radio because, a) your phone line doesn't work, and b) you want to boil an egg on the cooker. It's nothing to do with either of them in other words.

Jake'sGran wrote: »

I followed the instructions that came with the browser but got a message 678 ("the connection could not be completed because the remote computer did not answer the connection request"). Also, I got a message on the desktop that "The Trend dongle(TEW424UB) will function at reduced speed. You must add a High Speed USB host controller to this controller to obtain maximum performance.

It sounds like your computer is a few years old and only has the older USB connections that work at reduced speeds. As you don't need the adaptor at all I would....

Jake'sGran wrote: »

At least I can return it to ASDA if I get nowhere with it - the man said!.

... yeah! I'd do that

Jake'sGran wrote: »

Sorry for the length of this. Can anyone help?

Some of the other fella have helped but I always think it helps to get a feeling for what's going on.

tomsolomon

Why do I always wince, when I read threads like this........?
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Maybe the proper techies on the forum should break away and create their on forum......;)

macman

If I remember correctly from earlier threads, the OP has a wireless laptop and a wireless router connecting that to the net?So she does have a wireless network, she just can't connect her desktop PC (upstairs)-which is why she's bought a wireless USB adapter.
Gran, please could you reconfirm if this is correct, as some of us are still in the dark about your current connection.
What we need to know is how you are connecting your laptop to the net at present-by wireless link to the router, by ethernet cable to the router, by USB modem?

tomsolomon

I wasn't having a go at the OP, I was having a go at some of the half cut reply's being posted..........:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: