Cant connect new PC to the net

Mumstheword

Hi, I got the new PC discussed in the 'Aldi PC offer' thread.

It's all set up but I cant get it connected to the net. This one is hard wired in. I'm attempting to connect the new one wirelessly. It's asked me for a number, which I think is the WEP key, which I've put in. It recognises the wireless net in this house, but then wont connect. I know my oldest recently managed to connect a laptop to it wirelessly, so assume the system works (at the same time as this one being wired in).

I've switched off the modem and router, and all back on again.

Is there something obvious I'm doing wrong? This is the first time I've attempted to do anything like this, so I'm sure I'm missing something obvious!

Where the WEP key goes in, theres a drop down lit which is defaulted to 'no authentication (open)' but has other options such as shared, some WPA's and 802.1x. For encryption I could use WEP or none.

The wireless network, when I click on the icon in the bottom right of the pc screen, near the clock, says it has 'limited access'

Thank you!

Lil306

This sounds really dumb here, but why are you trying to connecting wirelessly if you are hardwired?

Hardwired to me suggests your plugging the cable straight into the router / computer with no wireless links, in which case it should just connect (providing the router has no MAC filtering)

If you're connecting wirelessly you are correct in choosing the security, but you can also get limited access if you have entered the wrong WEP key or chosen the wrong protocol. I'd logon to the router and double check first.

macman

You should not be using WEP now, it's simply not secure any more. Use one of the WPA encyryption (preferably WPA2 if available) options (change it via the router's web interface, then enter the key via the PC's wireless adaptor).

macman

Lil306 wrote: »

This sounds really dumb here, but why are you trying to connecting wirelessly if you are hardwired?

Hardwired to me suggests your plugging the cable straight into the router / computer with no wireless links, in which case it should just connect (providing the router has no MAC filtering)

If you're connecting wirelessly you are correct in choosing the security, but you can also get limited access if you have entered the wrong WEP key or chosen the wrong protocol. I'd logon to the router and double check first.

I think the OP means that the old PC (the one being used to post) is connected by ethernet, but the new one has a wireless adapter?
Valid point though-if the new PC is near to the router, then using wireless is pointless.
OP, can you confirm that your new PC has a PCI wireless card or USB adapter, as these are not usually standard on desktop PC's?

Mumstheword

Lil306 wrote: »

This sounds really dumb here

Not at all! Stick around for dumb questions, I'm very good at them!!

, but why are you trying to connecting wirelessly if you are hardwired?

If you're connecting wirelessly you are correct in choosing the security, but you can also get limited access if you have entered the wrong WEP key or chosen the wrong protocol. I'd logon to the router and double check first.

I'm not sure how to do that? I really know very little!

macman wrote: »

You should not be using WEP now, it's simply not secure any more. Use one of the WPA encyryption (preferably WPA2 if available) options (change it via the router's web interface, then enter the key via the PC's wireless adaptor).

Would you be able to explain how to do that please? I really dont know much! Could that solve the problem, ie,be the reason it's not letting me on?

macman wrote: »

I think the OP means that the old PC (the one being used to post) is connected by ethernet, but the new one has a wireless adapter?
Valid point though-if the new PC is near to the router, then using wireless is pointless.

yes that's right. Neither are in the same room as the router though. So I have 1 'wire' which goes through to the computer room, but 2 pcs in there now. So I am trying to get one on the net wirelessly

OP, can you confirm that your new PC has a PCI wireless card or USB adapter, as these are not usually standard on desktop PC's?

I'mnot sure?Do you think I may be trying to connect wirelessly when I dont have that function? The new pc can see the wireless router - it is showing the name for it. Where will I find that info?

Thank you!!

DCFC79

If it can see the wireless network then surely the pc has wireless

if a usb wireless adapter is inn use then it will be a small thing sticking out of the back of the pc,

if a wireless card is plugged in then you will see a short black ariel sticking out from the back and possibly pointing upwards

Mumstheword

Thanks DFC, it doesnt appear to have either of those (ha! I admit I looked on the back of the monitor first!!!)

I cant see either an ariel or a usb sticking out of the back of the tower.

macman

First try connecting it using the existing ethernet cable, if that works you know that it's purely a wireless issue.
Make and model of your router?

macman

Mumstheword wrote: »

Thanks DFC, it doesnt appear to have either of those (ha! I admit I looked on the back of the monitor first!!!)

I cant see either an ariel or a usb sticking out of the back of the tower.

Do you have a link to the spec for this PC then?
Make/model?
If not go to Device Manager (My Computer>Right Click>Properties) and post what you see under 'Network Adapters'.
I agree that if you can see the wireless network, then you must have a wireless function, but best to go back to basics first.

Mumstheword

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_17502.htm?WT.mc_id=2011-02-04-11-16

^thats the new one.

I'll try to connect the new one via the hard wire (its not ethernet, I dont think, because the wire isnt blue)

macman

Ethernet does not have to be blue, it can be any colour. It is like a phone jack, but a bit bigger.
You appear to have built in wireless 'N'. But there should be a small stub aerial on the back of the PC-look for the wireless card.