computer help

[capnjim01]

ok Glock brain trust I need computer help. I am setting up a new lap top and I can't get the wireless feature to work I can plug directly into the router but once I unplug the connection from the lap top I no longer have internet. The computer was shipped in from my home office supposedly set up and of course they forget to include a manual with it. Like I would read it anyway. IBM ThinkPad model T60 if that helps. Ideas?

[g21owner]

If your wireless router is blocked you need to first type in the WEP key, which is located on the back of your router. Thats all I can think of, hope that helps

[capnjim01]

I am running cable into router then cable to desk top and cable to laptop but I'll try to use your idea.

[jtm62]

ok Glock brain trust I need computer help. I am setting up a new lap top and I can't get the wireless feature to work I can plug directly into the router but once I unplug the connection from the lap top I no longer have internet. The computer was shipped in from my home office supposedly set up and of course they forget to include a manual with it. Like I would read it anyway. IBM ThinkPad model T60 if that helps. Ideas?

Several other things need to be known before we can help you.

What model router are you using?

When was it originally set up?

Have any other wireless devices been used with this router?

Also, there should be a light up icon on the base of you monitor for the wireless. Is it lighting up?

[capnjim01]

Netgear set up 2 years ago. I had a wireless laptop set up before and the wireless icon is lighting up. There is a MAC number on the back of the router is this the same as the WEP

[jtm62]

Netgear set up 2 years ago. I had a wireless laptop set up before and the wireless icon is lighting up. There is a MAC number on the back of the router is this the same as the WEP

Well... this was already set up. When you first set it up did you activate an security on it. WEP or WAP code. Mac address filter?

[capnjim01]

Probably that was two years ago. When it came into the office Thrusday I tried to access the internet there and it would let me on there either. I'll take it in on Monday and let someone else fix it. i can hardwire it for a while but that will be a pain in the long run. I may just need a new router although I can run two computers with cable attached.

[silentpoet]

call tech support they may have to reset some settings remotely. They had to in order to set up my wireless router for wireless access.

[IndyGunFreak]

Netgear set up 2 years ago. I had a wireless laptop set up before and the wireless icon is lighting up. There is a MAC number on the back of the router is this the same as the WEP

Netgear makes a lot of different routers, do you have a model #?

IGF

[UtahIrishman]

There is a switch on the front of the Think Pad that turns wireless on and off. I had the same problem with a Think Pad. It's kind of difficult to find but it's there.

[UTKEngineer]

Yeah, lots of information missing.

Do you know your wireless network name (don't tell us the name, just do you know it), is SSID broadcasting enabled, MAC address filtering, security enabled, WEP or WPA-PSK?

[Belzelbub]

Can you find the wireless network at all? On a first use, the computer will not automatically connect. You'll have to go in and search for the appropriate network. Later, you can set it up to automatically connect to that particular network.

The IBM I use for work uses Thinkvantage for the wireless. You'll just need to search for whatever utility is managing your wireless connectivity, and then have it look for available networks.

[mwheeler]

Check that switch on the front bezel. Also, ensure you have updated to the latest versions of software/firmware that support your wireless properly. If you have admin rights, and someone has not disabled ThinkVantage Access Connections, you should be able to press the blue "ThinkVantage" key (right above the F4 function key on the T60). Be certain you have a working Internet connection (via the wire that works for you) and select "Update My System" from the menu. Select everything in the "Critical" and "Optional" tabs for installation. Sit back and be patient...it may take a long time and require a restart. After you restart, do the same thing all over again (ThinkVantage button - Update My System). Now try your wireless, preferably first on the wireless at work where the settings/keys are known and you can get help. If that works, go back and try your NETGEAR wireless. If that still doesn't work, go to the NETGEAR website and ensure you have the latest software version for the NETGEAR. You may need to set it to factory defaults, upgrade it, then restart it with new settings that you can remember.

[capnjim01]

still a no go. i had my stepson come by and he does IT work for the county school and couldn't figure it out. I try to go on NETGEAr tomorow and if that doesn't work I take it to the office Monday. Thanks for all the ideas. It is a NETGEAR WGR614 if that matters.