Urgent Help required adding PC to wireless network

HLK

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help with a wireless problem.

Just took delivery of a Amilo 1630 with built-in wireless lan RT2500 from Ralink.
I've tried to connect it to my existing wireless network (netgear 11g 108mbps) which uses WEP and has MAC addresses listed.

I've changed the router tro allow mixed mode 11g & 108mbps, as the PC lan card is only 54mbps.
I've told the PC the SSID of the network, I also had to 'broadcast' this to get anywhere at all.
I've added the WEP to the PC.
In device manager it says iro LAN 'this device is not working properly) and if I try to connect Odyssey scans for ages and then eventually times out.
I wnet to http://www.ralinktech.com/supp-1.htm and downloaded the latest driver onto a pen-drive and am now trying to install it.
The install has been running the machine at 100%cpu for about 40 minutes and I'm scard to switch it off..

advice needed ..
Pleeeeaaaaassseee!

DVB_3

It does sound like driver (or possibly hardware) problem. Until the device begins to "work properly", there is little point in trying to connect. If you have no activity from you pc you might have no choice but to turn it off manually, turn back on and attempt to re-install the driver. If you run into trouble - system restore should help.

HLK

I got away with an 'end task' and reboot.

Driver up to date.

Tried turning off WEP & MAC address list - no joy.
PC knows there is a network there, says the signal is strong but just can't connect to it.. just keeps searching.

I'm assuming router is not allowing access, the settings are backed up thank heaven as I've messed about with them so much.

Not sure what to try next? Most google results suggest driver updates.

Thanks anyway.

DVB_3

What about authentication options? Open versus shared key? Have you got a mismatch there?

DVB_3

Also, instructing wireless card to connect to infrastructure-only devices might help.

HLK

All sorted now - thanks for all the help.

Had to fiddle about a bit with the adaptor settings..but managed to get a connect once I'd update MAC address, added in an IP address within my range and pointed to default gateway.
Network all safely back to 'belt & braces' mode so I'm well chuffed.