[poodle234]

I just bought a refurbished computer, and it has been working great except that it is not connecting to unsecure networks. I'm not talking about ones I should not be using, I'm talking about public ones that you don't need a password to use. It has been working most of the time with secure networks in which a login key and password is needed. However, there have been a few times where even then it doesn't work. It'll say that the signal strength is very good or excellent, but that there is limited or no connectivity. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!! Thanks!!!

[TerryNet]

Do you have service pack 3?

What exactly happens and doesn't happen when you try unsuccessfully to connect?

Are these unsecured networks the kind where your browser is redirected and you have to agree to their terms (e.g., McDonalds's)?

[poodle234]

I don't believe I have service pack 3 but I'm not really sure what that is...yes McDonalds is one of the places that I have tried. It worked when I first used their wifi but then stopped working there. So yes, the browser redirecting and agreeing to terms are one kind of unsecure network. But also just other unsecure networks in general.

[TerryNet]

SP3 is the last service pack for XP, and the only one that has been supported siince about 1 1/2 years ago.

What wireless utility are you using, and are you sure no other one is running?

[poodle234]

Sorry I'm really not a technological person...what do you mean what wireless utility? I connect to whatever WIFI zone I'm in but it actually only connects to the ones that you need a username and password to login too. I was wrong it does work with unsecure networks but just with the ones you need usernames and passwords to get into. I'm just confused because it did work the first few days but then just stopped.

[TerryNet]

Right click on 'Computer' or 'My Computer' - Properties - and tell us what operating system and service pack you have.

Alternative way to get to the Properties page is to press and hold the Windows logo key and then hit the Pause key.

Wireless utility = wireless client = wireless program is the program you use to manage/connect to wireless networks. Most operating systems in the last ten years have one built in, the manufacturers of many wireless adapters include one, and some computer manufacturers supply one.