[ckellam]

I found one of your threads that was closed that sounded like I had somewhat of the same problem. I can only find my local area connection icon and not the wireless.
I tried all the steps that this forum said to http://forums.techguy.org/networking...s-network.html
But I didn't have the same results. So, here is what my IPCONFIG came to:

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

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

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : gl
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection :

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Network Everywhere Fast Ethernet 10/100 PC Card <NP100>
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-04-5A-98-6C-0C


Could you PLEASE help? This is my mom's laptop and I am really trying to help her get internet. I was okay at hooking my own laptop up with my PC via a router and wanted to add her laptop to the connection too but can't seem to find the wireless connection icon anywhere.

Thanks so much!!

[cwwozniak]

Hi ckellam, and welcome to TSG.

What is the brand and exact model number of your mom's laptop? Are you 100% sure is has built-in wireless hardware?

[ckellam]

It is a Dell Inspirion 2500. She got it from my dad and it is one of those HUGE heavy laptops so it may not have one installed. I also tried to plug in my Linksys wireless usb adapter and it wouldn't read that either. I found my installation disk for it so maybe that will work?
I am so frustrated.. it's coming close to her getting a new laptop for an early Christmas present! LOL

[ckellam]

Ok.. now I am pissed.. I got the box for the linksys usb and has everything BUT the disk!!!

[cwwozniak]

From what I can tell from the product specs, The Dell™ Inspiron™ (Not Inspirion) 2500 does not have built-in wireless.

Have you checked the Linksys web site to see if you can download the correct drivers?

[ckellam]

it doesn't have it there but tried downloading it on my laptop and loading it on the other still identifies it as an unknown and the linksys program cant find the access point (usb)

[ckellam]

when i plug in the usb, it says usb device not recognized. Under the usb root hub, it is still listed as an unknown device. I don't know what I am doing wrong?

[ckellam]

Ok, I put the usb into my laptop and it didn't recognize the device either so maybe the linksys usb is damaged somehow. So I guess I will have to try to buy a new one. Does that sound like if I buy one, it should work on her laptop?

[ckellam]

One more question:

What is the Network Everywhere Fast Ethernet 10/100 PC Card that is on her computer? What is it used for? I am guessing it's not a wireless card like I thought.. LOL

[cwwozniak]

Originally Posted by ckellam

One more question:

What is the Network Everywhere Fast Ethernet 10/100 PC Card that is on her computer? What is it used for? I am guessing it's not a wireless card like I thought.. LOL

That would be for a wired Ethernet connection port on the computer.

As for your previous question. I have no idea if buying a different USB wireless adapter will solve your problems.

[ckellam]

That's what I thought about the wired part.. hence the ETHERNET.. LOL
Thanks for all your help.. I am just ready to trash hers and put one on layaway or something for her! You are a doll and I really appreciate it hon!!!