ethernet adapter?

Nikiya

That means I have to install the card we were talking about earlier in the thread and go to hardware connection as opposed to wireless?

macman

Nikiya wrote: »

That means I have to install the card we were talking about earlier in the thread and go to hardware connection as opposed to wireless?

No, you can use your laptop to connect by ethernet to the router login page. The purpose is to access the wireless settings on your router, it doesn't matter what PC/laptop you use to do this.

Nikiya

I clicked on Espresso link and it shows me the settings.... went to wireless setup and there is a box saying "security mode" which is WPA. There is also a NONE option, but not an enable/disable one.
I also saw the "name" or SSID, is that the one I should change, and then try to connect my desktop with the new name? Now I am doing all this with my laptop on Wi Fi, am I supposed to do it with a hardware connection?
thanks!

macman

WPA security is fine, it is the most secure mode. 'None' is the same as disable in this context I think.
The SSID is simply the broadcast name of your network, it's best to change this from the default to something of your own choice, but it doesn't affect how you connect-it's simply there so you can ID your own network from others nearby.
Within the WPA info there should be a field for the wireless security or encryption code. If this is asterisked out you'll need to enter a new one (if you do the latter you'll temporarily lose the laptop connection). Note this down, close the router interface and then go to your PC. Right click on the wireless adapter and select your own network by looking for the correct SSID. When you try to connect it will ask you for the encryption key you noted down. Enter this (you'll only have to do it once), save and it should connect.

Nikiya

mmm I worry about loosing my laptop connection because then I'm cooked... now the problem with my PC is that the icon shows it connected but neither of the browsers can open a window....

What does "close the router interface" mean?

macman

But all you have to do to avoid that is to connect your laptop using the ethernet cable-which is what we advised you to do in the first place. If you change the WPA code then you necessarily lose the wireless connection until you re-enter the revised encryption code.
It means, close the browser window, i.e. log out of the router settings.
If your PC is showing as connected then you must already have entered the correct encryption. Do you have sufficient signal strength showing? Try another browser instead to isolate the problem.

Nikiya

There is no encryption code.... only options for WPA only, WPA2 or auto (both)...

macman

The encryption comes up when you select the preferred encryption method. If you are already using WPA then you must have entered a WPA code originally.
Are you using WPA or WPA2?

Nikiya

WPA only.... probably the default. Anyway I was not the one who installed the laptop...

macman

WPA2 is stronger than WPA, but it will do the job for now. Select it and it will show the current encryption code.
Please can you reply on the other issues-signal strength, try alternative browser.
Please can you also confirm wich version of XP you are running on the PC-is it SP2, SP3? Go My Computer>right click>Properties to check-it's on the main tab.