How do I turn on / set up wifi on my desktop?

slopemaster

This is episode 2....I need more help please.
I had a problem getting to websites which, in spite of a lot of help from generous people on here, I couldn't solve.

So, I have now formatted the disc and re-installed Windows. (It's XP.)

But when I try to follow the instructions from Orange (whose router I'm using) to set it up, the computer doesn't detect any networks.
I know that the router itself is working fine as I can use it with my laptop.

I also know that "something?" is working inside the computer because, before doing the reinstall, I did a ~"ping" and it came back.

I probably just need to turn something on in the settings but I can't find anything.

Please help- again!

cookie365

This may be a stupid question but do you actually have a WiFi adapter in the pc? Most desktop computers don't.

Getting something back on a ping isn't the same thing!

Cycrow

Most likely you dont have the drivers installed. XP didn't come with any network drivers and these had to be installed after.

Thats assuming your pc has a wifi adapter installed, otherwise you may have to connect it via a cable (you will still need the drivers for this too)

NiftyDigits

Does this thing have any kind of descriptive details? Brand name and model number for instance...

Robisere

I assume you are aware of the risks you run with using XP? If you intend to use the internet, you are just creating an open door, support for XP is long gone.

Creating a network using Windows 7 is much easier.

John_Gray

As already pointed out, most PCs do not have a built-in WiFi adapter.

You would need to buy an add-in card, or, most simply, a USB WiFi adapter, some of which can be considerably smaller than a USB Flash Drive.

debitcardmayhem

One possible solution is to use channels 1-11 on your router , older XP's couldn't use channels 12/13 .....

bsod

the fact that ping worked before you re-installed is not really relevant.

you've probably got some drivers missing, along with a ton of patches, look in device manager

slopemaster

Thanks all.

I do have a WiFi adapter in the pc, because I used to be able to get online with it before I had the problems which led to me doing the reinstall.

I will look for drivers.

NiftyDigits

slopemaster wrote: »

Thanks all.

I do have a WiFi adapter in the pc, because I used to be able to get online with it before I had the problems which led to me doing the reinstall.

I will look for drivers.

Does your machine have any kind of descriptive details? Brand name and model number for instance...

Le_Kirk

Device Manager and look for yellow exclamation marks against Wi-Fi adaptors. If OK, probably drivers like others have said.