Preparing to be embarrassed, again!

Jake'sGran

Baldur wrote: »

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.

Yes, what you say in your first paragraph is so.... obvious as my SIL confirmed today. How stupid of me. My desktop is quite old. It's a Dell and about 7 yrs old. I have just been fiddling about again with the adapter and the messages on different screens were indicating weak signals etc. Thank you anyway.

Jake'sGran

old_codger1 wrote: »

Everything is basic if you know the answer

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

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.

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

I'd give anything to be as witty as you AND you are an old codger too!
The adapter I attached is exactly the same as the picture you included and I will be taking it back. As some people on this forum will know I have a laptop downstairs which is wireless and the desktop is upstairs next to the printer. After I take back the adapter to the nice man in ASDA I will have a rethink as I don't think I am wise/experienced enough to be trying to sort this out.

Jake'sGran

tomsolomon wrote: »

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:

Thank goodness for that:j I just couldn't bear the thought of that.
And Macman does know me and my equipment but, when he loses his temper
watch out.

Jake'sGran

macman wrote: »

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?

Spot on. What a great memory you have - much appreciated though!

macman

Jake'sGran wrote: »

Spot on. What a great memory you have - much appreciated though!

But...which of those 3 options do you have? If you tell us that, we can advise you further. To clarify, how do you connect your laptop to the internet?
By wireless to a wireless router?
By ethernet cable (wire) to a router?
By USB modem straight to your phone socket?
If you don't understand the difference, please follow the connection through from your laptop to it's end and the connection type should be obvious.
PS: I don't have a temper...I think I have the patience of Job though...

Jake'sGran

Thanks again Macman. I managed to get a router from AOL (foc) and then bought a Sony laptop which as you know is downstairs because I'm not good at stairs and which connects wirelessly. My SIL told me to get an adapter so that I could also use the the desktop to pick up the signal (if the need arose). Also, as I hate being without a computer I thought I could use one or the other if there was a problem with either. I think I will just stay as I am and type and print the odd letter upstairs. My daughter gave me a memory stick (they give them away at her company and so it has only a small amount of memory) and I think she said I could type a letter on the laptop and take the memory stick upstairs for printing.

macman

OK, so your laptop connects wirelessly to the AOL wireless router, and not by ethernet cable? Please confirm this or otherwise advise. If 'yes, you already have a working wireless network.
Next question, where is your router positioned? Is it anywhere near your desktop PC? If 'yes', you can just connect to the net using an ethernet cable, which AOL will have supplied. Just install an ethernet/network card in your desktop PC.
If it's not within reach, you need to use a wireless adapter that is compatible with USB 1.0. Return the ASDA one and get one that is compatible from a local computer shop-not PC World-use an independent shop that can give you advice.

old_codger1

macman wrote: »

If I remember correctly from earlier threads,

There's an earlier thread?

macman wrote: »

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.

Oh! right

old_codger1

tomsolomon wrote: »

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......;)

... and maybe people should just keep quiet if they're not going to help.

old_codger1

macman wrote: »

If it's not within reach, you need to use a wireless adapter that is compatible with USB 1.0. Return the ASDA one and get one that is compatible from a local computer shop-not PC World-use an independent shop that can give you advice.

I've got an old Toshiba laptop which has a USB 1.0 port and I've tried 3 USB wireless adaptors in it, (a belkin, a safecom and another one I cant remember atm), and they've all worked.

Having said that, as you say, life will be a lot easier if she asks at her local PC shop. Life's too short, particularly when you get to our age