XP doesn't 'see' wireless connection

bingo_bango

Losing my hair over this.

Thinkpad 600E running XP PRO SP2 (clean install, so not a virus issue). Also have a desktop with Netgear wireless router. Have tried to install and use a BT Voyager Wireless PCMCIA card, and a BELKIN USB adapter. Both show a full strength connection from the router, but I can't get the laptop to use it??

Tried pinging servers, IE 7, Firefox....nothing works.
XP shows the wireless connection as 'not connected' in network settings, and I've no idea what's causing it. After a lot of googling, and following all sorts of tips, I'm none the wiser.

Has anyone tried this before, and if so, did it work?
Anyone had the same problem and find a workaround?

All help appreciated.

Jzpop

My best guess is that there is a security conflict.

Using the desktop PC, access the router's wireless configuration page and carefully check (and doublecheck) that you have the same settings on the router and the laptop.

Check the SSID, the encryption method (WEP / WPA / WPA2), and the password (encryption key) that is set in the router

bingo_bango

Already done this a number of times, and still no joy.

As I can't ping any servers, I'm thinking this is a problem with software rather than hardware, but can't trace it back to anything specific.
All the settings I've looked at (laptop, PC and router) seem fine.

I'll sleep on it and hope for inspiration.

cledor

start run cmd
ipconfig /all
Post here what ip addresses you get

albertross_2

Are you using windows to manage the connection, or belkin etc software?

Does it see the router?

What security is being used on the router?

U've_been_framed

Check the power management settings on your laptop. It may disable wireless networking to conserve the battery.

bingo_bango

cledor:
Here's what I get:
'Windows IP configuration
An internal error occurred: The request is not supported.
Additional info: Unable to query host name.'

Albert,
Have loaded the Belkin software. Without it, windows will not see the adapter. Have had exactly the same problem with a BT Voyager 1060 wireless PCMCIA card.
With both, I have tried to let XP manage the connection, but it won't load drivers for either the adapter (USB), or the PCMCIA card.

UBF:
Have done all this with the AC cord in, so not a power issue.

Throughout all the testing I've done so far, the wireless icon in systray is showing a full connection.

Mother_Hub

You could tried entering your 10 diget wireless key number manually in your netgearsmart wizard.

Jzpop

Sounds like maybe yout TCP/IP stack is corrupted, your DHCP service cannot start, or something like Norton has not 'let go' of your connection (so your network connection is still dependent on missing uninstalled / files / corrupt files).

Easiest thing to try is simply re-running the network setup wizard - that should over-write the current registry entries.

Here is also a link to sort out your TCP/IP if the wizard doesn't fix it (although I suspect it will) -
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=299357

timelord_4

Is the PC too far from the wireless router?

802.11a routers maximum range 15 meters indoors - 30 meters outdoors

802.11b & g routers maximum range 46 meters indoors - 92 meters outdoors

These distances are under optimal conditions, be aware that environmental conditions can effect these distances including walls and line of sight etc. Try moving your PC closer or to a different place as you may be in a dead spot..

Wireless router turned off or not working correctly:

Make sure the router is turned on and that the wireless light is lit.

Try resetting the router - to do this, turn the router off, wait 30 seconds and turn back on.

Interference from other devices:

802.11a use 5GHz frequency - some cordless phones use this frequency, 802.11b & g use 2,4 GHz frequency - microwave ovens can use this range as can some other remote control devices. Try turning off these devices as other electronic devices can interfere.

Change the router settings to a different wireless channel, this may also help stop interference from other routers.

Router not broadcasting network name (SSID)

The SSID can be turned off for security reasons. In this case you will not be able to detect the network unless you have previously connected to the network. you can manually connect to the network using SSID.

Install a repeater for performance boost.

The repeater will receive the signal regenerate it and rebroadcast the signal therefore extending the range of your wireless router. The repeater should be situated between the router and the wireless PC.