Wireless network connection problems

Hi everyone, I have a bit of a dilemma with my wireless network at home. Currently I am typing this on my HP Pavilion laptop (about 5-6 years old), and I am connected to my wireless network (the wireless router is at the opposite end of my house, and on the floor above) with 4/5 bars signal strength.

However, I also have a Dell laptop (used for work) that will not connect. As far as I can see, the connection settings are the same on both laptops, but on the Dell machine, even though it can see the network (with only 2/5 bars signal strength) it will not connect, when I try I get the message saying that "Windows was unable to connect to ....", I run the troubleshooter and it says it cannot identify any problem.

My first question is, is there a way to resolve this problem - I can't understand why the Dell laptop won't connect if it can see the network?

My second question is, what is the best way to extend my wireless network's range? I have tried using a Netgear Powerline extender, with a wireless access point at one end, but I can't get it configured properly (I've tried lots of different scenarios, and currently have an open call logged with Netgear). If I am unable to get that working, do I have any other alternatives?

I am not able to move the wireless router as there is a PC in the room that needs to be physically cabled into the back.

All of my machines here are running Windows 7. Is there a useful utility I could download that could help me, or can anyone offer any advice please?

Thanks for reading

 

We had a weak signal with our router and put together a little antenna booster made of aluminum foil and cardboard. It took 20 minutes and it worked. We found the template after doing a google search for the problem.

 

Hi TerryNet and artista52, thanks for your replies. The signal on the Dell laptop is at around 20-40% when it is at the other end of the house (wireless router is on the first floor at the back of the house, I need to use the laptop on the ground floor at the front of the house).

I have had the antenna replaced once by Dell (this is a work laptop), and it seems to work fine when at work, and also when I am working in the room next door. I bought a larger antenna for my wireless router (a Hawking, I think...) but this hasn't made any difference. It seems strange that the HP laptop picks up the network at 80% signal strength, but the Dell only seems to get half of this.

More annoyingly, however, is that even though the Dell laptop sees 20-40% signal strength, it refuses to connect to the network.

There are a number of other wireless networks picked up by both of the laptops, presumably my neighbours. Could these be interfering with my wireless network? I have downloaded a tool called inSSIDer which shows 17 wireless networks! I will post a screenshot of the findings to see if this is useful...

FYI my network is SKY60571