[carmidy]

So I cant connect to my boyfriend's wireless internet. It doesn't even give me the option to put in a network key. My internet works at home so I'm really confused.

If I double click the Wireless Network Connection computer icon in my tray it says Windows cannot configure this connection blah blah blah and says something about How I need to start the Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) service since my computer's "other software" isn't working.

So I tried to enable the WZC - which I did - and nothing still happened. So I've redownloaded the Bluetooth driver for my Inspiron 1520 for Windows XP and It says it's starting to download but I have to enable my Bluetooth and I need to press Fn + F2 or slide my slider. Neither works. I'm totally clueless as what to do next. Do you have any ideas?

[TerryNet]

For the wireless--what is the brand and model of the router? What wireless mode and encryption are used (talking boyfriend's of course) and is the SSID broadcast enabled? What wireless adapter are you using? What wireless utility do you use at home?

For the bluetooth--what do you mean by the switches not working? Do you mean that the bluetooth will not switch on? Those same switches control your wireless, so both problems may be related or even caused by the same thing (whatever that may be).

[carmidy]

I dont know any of the info for the first part right now. I can try and find out tomorrow though.

As for the bluetooth, there's this switch on the side of my computer that turns the wireless on/off and if you slide it towards you it will turn on your bluetooth and bring up a list of wireless connections. That's not working anymore for some reason and that's what i primarily use to connect to wireless networks. At least that's the program that came with the computer. So I have no idea why I'm able to connect to my home network but no other network.

[TerryNet]

Usually bluetooth is used for connecting a mouse, headset, etc., and Wi-Fi is used for networking. However, the bluetooth and the Wi-Fi adapter are generally switched on and off with the same switch. Is there a LED that indicates whether the switch is on or off? If so, is it properly indicating the switch position?

Are you connected by wireless to your home network now? If so, please show ...

Start, Run, CMD, OK to open a command prompt:
(For Vista or 7 type CMD in the Search box after Start)

Type the following command:

IPCONFIG /ALL

[Note that there is no space between the slash and ALL.]

Right click in the command window and choose Select All, then hit Enter.
Paste the results in a message here.

If necessary use a text file and removable media to copy the results to a computer with internet access.

[carmidy]

There isn't an LED that tells me if the switch is on or off. There's just an O and a |. BUT if I slide it to the bluetooth symbol a little blue light usually turns on. It doesn't work anymore though.

Yes I'm connected to my home internet right now. Here's the info you wanted:

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\mj>IPCONFIG/ALL

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : miranda
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Cont
roller
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-1D-09-D2-3A-9C

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Dell Wireless 1395 WLAN Mini-Card
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-1F-3A-73-CA-64
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.104
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 12.207.232.47
12.207.234.32
192.168.1.1
12.207.232.47
12.207.234.32
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Sunday, October 04, 2009 4:06:50 PM
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Monday, October 05, 2009 4:06:50 PM

C:\Documents and Settings\mj>

[TerryNet]

Well, obviously the wireless is switched on. I don't see anything there that would interfere with connecting by wireless elsewhere (although it's unusual to see 5 DNS servers).

Do you detect your boyfriend's network when at his place?