Getting internet without my wireless adaptor

*manda*

So this is probably a really stupid question and forgive my ignorance.

I have to send my wireless router back to be replaced, and so I will be a week or so without it. At present it is hooked /wired through my PC. I would still like the internet whilst it's gone and just wondered how I can do this. Prevoiusly I had a modem connected phone wire and computer- I have tried to plug that back in but it just wont connect. It is a good few years old. I tried finding the software as I have upgraded PC since it was last used and even with the drivers installed it doesn't want to play. I have also tried simply plugging the cable from phone line into PC- which also doesn't work.

It is more so I can use my laptop really which is quite near the phone and just wondered if there was a cable or something I can cheaply pickup that'll serve the purpose? I'd be lost without the net for a week!!

flashg67

Hi,

I don't think you can just get a cable to connect - unless your laptop has an old style 'dial-up' modem already built in. You could connect this way, but it will be slow and will likely cost you in call charges.

If you can find the model details of your old modem from the label or box & post it on here, some kind soul on here will no doubt find the installation instructions and software for you to download (in case the ones you've got are out of date). If it is a modem/router, you'll likely access the settings through a web browser like Internet Explorer - it's just a case of getting the correct address to enter to access it so you can set it up for your connection. You will need an 'ethernet cable' to connect to your laptop from the modem/router - these usually come in the box with a modem/router anyway. Sorry can't post links but Google pictures fror'ethernet cable' and you'll see what I mean!

You can buy a wired modem/router (without wireless capability) very cheaply from places like eBay as everyone wants wireless nowadays, so depending on how long before you need to send yours back, you might have time to get one from there?

Have you tried any friends for a spare one. I was originally supplied with a wired modem/router, but like you, have since gone wireless and kept the old one as emergency - many people will probably do this too?

Hope you get sorted - no internet nowadays is like cutting off an arm!

*manda*

I feel ashamed at how I struggle with no internet!! I do have a dongle but it is obviousy fairly slow and I can't access my emails using it which is a pain. It's better than nothing though. I really need to get the router sent on monday- hoping replacement will come by the weekend

My old modem is a Thomson speed touch 330. I run Windows 7 and struggled to find much online- and even after installing updated drivers it just bring up a modem error. It is quite ancient though.

flashg67

Hi,

Had a quick Google and found this (with a www in front of it):-

tomshardware.com/forum/4272-63-thomson-speedtouch-windows

The 2nd post from saran008 has a link to Windows 7 software for the 330 and a setting to enter to force a connection if needed.

Can't see anything in that post that will casue any problems, but like anything on the 'net - use with caution and back up important stuff before installing - not being patronising but have made that mistake myself - never again!:mad: