Router Connection Problem

[flobadob]

I have a Dell Inspiron 6400 running Vista. I am trying to connect to a Belkin router wirelessly, and though the laptop connects to the router it won't access the internet.

It will however access the internet when I plug in the USB dongle connector that came with the Belkin router, just not via the built in wifi connector. I know that this laptop connected to an Eircom router previously so don't know why it wouldn't connect to the Belkin.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[Buenchico]

Resetting the TCP/IP stack often (but, regrettably, not always) fixes the problem:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299357

[flobadob]

Great, that worked Chris, thank you.

[flobadob]

I may need to repost this as it's been a while but Chris that worked at the time then stopped again. Presumably if I repeat it will work again for another while but is there a way to fix it permanently?

[Hypognosis]

Hmm,

Any chance that the laptop's internal wireless is transmitting using a different protocol to the Belkin?

Delve into the laptop's user manual to find out the specifications for the wireless link. (ie what is the Maximum encryption level possible)

Logon to the router's internal controls (in your web browser enter 192.168.0.1 as if you were navigating to a webpage) and search for a menu page where there may be a drop-down menu where you can switch the protocol to match.

(At least this is what I'd look at with mine: it's not a Belkin, so I can't be specific).

Look for drop-down selectors with things like "WPA2-PSK" which is the encryption level and see what else is on offer. Your computer might not be able to handle some of the options your router offers so just set it to one your computer can handle.

(Probably not the solution to your problem but just info for anyone else browsing this thread).

If you come across the ISP-specific protocol settings, don't adjust them (because they're known to be working) but do jot them down in a notebook for later reference. Your ISP customer service dept is the only place to go for advice on correcting mistakes in these settings.