Unsure how to diagnose this problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter MZB
  • Start date Start date
M

MZB

Here is my set-up:

I have a Dell Dim 2400 desktop in the basement. We get Charter cable. We use
a linksys router.
I have a Dell Inspiron 2200. It came with a wireless card.

Everything has worked flawlessly until recently. I have some folders on each
computer that are network enabled and I can easily go back and forth between
them as needed.

However, for the past week or so, at times the laptop just doesn't connect
to the network. There is basically no signal. Yet my desktop works fine (ie:
works on the internet but doesn't communicate with the laptop).

Today it happened again, but email was working. I then checked and it seems
I was connected to a neighborhood wireless spot, but not via my router.

I'm not sure how to proceed. My laptop is in a physical position where
normally the signal is very strong. I guess I should just move it right next
to the desktop and see what happens. I'm wondering if it is not looking
first for my router signal. I thought it automatically does that if
broadcasting is enabled. (Unfortunately, I've misplaced my password to the
router so I can't double check the settings).

Perhaps I should just try and reposition the router.

(I know, moving the laptop and repositioning the router are 2 very simple
things I can try).

I guess one question is: does this sound like a router or wireless card
problem or something else?

Any suggestions on what to try?

Also, once the signal says "very good" I don't seem to have any more
problems.

Mel
 
Here is my set-up:

I have a Dell Dim 2400 desktop in the basement. We get Charter cable. We use
a linksys router.
I have a Dell Inspiron 2200. It came with a wireless card.

Everything has worked flawlessly until recently. I have some folders on each
computer that are network enabled and I can easily go back and forth between
them as needed.

However, for the past week or so, at times the laptop just doesn't connect
to the network. There is basically no signal. Yet my desktop works fine (ie:
works on the internet but doesn't communicate with the laptop).

Today it happened again, but email was working. I then checked and it seems
I was connected to a neighborhood wireless spot, but not via my router.

I'm not sure how to proceed. My laptop is in a physical position where
normally the signal is very strong. I guess I should just move it right next
to the desktop and see what happens. I'm wondering if it is not looking
first for my router signal. I thought it automatically does that if
broadcasting is enabled. (Unfortunately, I've misplaced my password to the
router so I can't double check the settings).

Perhaps I should just try and reposition the router.

(I know, moving the laptop and repositioning the router are 2 very simple
things I can try).

I guess one question is: does this sound like a router or wireless card
problem or something else?

Any suggestions on what to try?

Also, once the signal says "very good" I don't seem to have any more
problems.

Mel
Click to expand...

Mel,

The FIRST thing you should do, when you setup a WiFi LAN, is configure your WiFi
client to only connect to YOUR router. It's simple enough.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/make-your-wireless-computer-connect.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/make-your-wireless-computer-connect.html

Next, get NetStumbler (free), and check out your signal strength and your
neighbors presence on each channel. Pick the best channel.
<http://www.netstumbler.com/>
http://www.netstumbler.com/
 
Chuck this is a home network.

Just another thought:

We did have a 5-hour power failure a few days ago. (But, I've
disconnected the power when we've left on 3-7 day vacations and no
problems).

I'm wondering if some setting got screwed up. I remember when I first set
things up I had the problem until I enabled SSID Broadcast. (The laptop will
first look for broadcast networks). I wonder if that got lost. I can't get
to the settings as I've lost my router password (we are going to be moving
to a new house and some things are in disarray!). I may have to reset the
entire router and redo all the settings which would be a pain since it has
been awhile.

HOWEVER, what I did do is examine the various wireless connections and there
were many of them in the order list (including some I've used at work or in
hotels, etc.). I moved my router setting up to first in the queu and this
might be the ticket as I just booted up now and it connected immediately.

Does this make sense?
Mel
 
Chuck this is a home network.

Just another thought:

We did have a 5-hour power failure a few days ago. (But, I've
disconnected the power when we've left on 3-7 day vacations and no
problems).

I'm wondering if some setting got screwed up. I remember when I first set
things up I had the problem until I enabled SSID Broadcast. (The laptop will
first look for broadcast networks). I wonder if that got lost. I can't get
to the settings as I've lost my router password (we are going to be moving
to a new house and some things are in disarray!). I may have to reset the
entire router and redo all the settings which would be a pain since it has
been awhile.

HOWEVER, what I did do is examine the various wireless connections and there
were many of them in the order list (including some I've used at work or in
hotels, etc.). I moved my router setting up to first in the queu and this
might be the ticket as I just booted up now and it connected immediately.

Does this make sense?
Mel
Click to expand...

Mel,

That's a good start, but no more than that. Besides resorting the list, set
your laptop so it only connects to YOUR router. If you can't login to your
router because you forgot the password, you will have to reset the router and
start over. Bite the bullet, and do it now.

Home network or whatever, please secure your LAN. ALWAYS secure your clients
(ie your laptop) so they don't connect anywhere but to YOUR router. Make that
your first WiFi client setting to check! These articles will open your eyes -
read them please.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/make-your-wireless-computer-connect.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/make-your-wireless-computer-connect.html

And secure your router too!
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/setting-up-wifi-lan-please-protect.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/setting-up-wifi-lan-please-protect.html
 
Chuck:

I've been hesitant to do that for one reason:

Suppose for some reason my router stops working or something similar goes
wrong.

Well, then, I might WANT to use my neighbor's wi-fi. OK, I know there is an
ethics concern here. But I'm just talking about in a pinch and I need to
quickly say just check my email. If I do want you want, aren't I stuck in
such a situation??

Mel
 
Chuck:

I've been hesitant to do that for one reason:

Suppose for some reason my router stops working or something similar goes
wrong.

Well, then, I might WANT to use my neighbor's wi-fi. OK, I know there is an
ethics concern here. But I'm just talking about in a pinch and I need to
quickly say just check my email. If I do want you want, aren't I stuck in
such a situation??

Mel
Click to expand...

Mel,

You bring up an interesting concept. Can you use your neighbors WLAN as a
backup? Do you have permission?

IFF you have explicit permission from your neighbor, then add that neighbor
(only) to your Preferred Connections list. But getting permission would be
essential, to protect yourself.

Regardless, do not add any other neighbors, known or unknown, to that list.
This is an ongoing discussion in various forums. Many states have passed laws
defining the use of any WiFi connection, not yours, without permission, to be
akin to stealing service. Jail sentences are threatened (whether a WiFi thief
is likely to be caught, prosecuted, and convicted is a matter for the future).

Here are several discussion in DSLR Forums, which have gotten very heated
participation:
<http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14101996?hilite=wifi+leeching>
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14101996?hilite=wifi+leeching
<http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15149963?hilite=wifi+leeching>
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15149963?hilite=wifi+leeching
<http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13840197?hilite=wifi+leeching>
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13840197?hilite=wifi+leeching

If you still wish to use your neighbors WLAN without permission, do so only in
emergency. Reconfigure your laptop when that happens (that's just a single
check mark in the WiFi client). But normally, to protect yourself, setup your
client so you WON'T do that.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/make-your-wireless-computer-connect.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/11/make-your-wireless-computer-connect.html

And whatever you do, Secure YOUR WLAN!
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/setting-up-wifi-lan-please-protect.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/setting-up-wifi-lan-please-protect.html
 
Chuck:

Yes, I secured it when I set things up.

And, of course, I do not advocate doing that (using my neighbor's signal;
basically that is stealing cable!).

Thanks for the information and your help

Mel
 
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