Computer newbies forum: Laptop won't recognize my wireless network

You tell "XP" but which XP? It matters since some will install a retail copy of XP onto machines and not know that hours of more work is needed to find and install motherboard support drivers or other drivers.

The lights are interesting but don't tell much except the power is on.

Bob

I connected the first time by right clicking on the wireless icon, selected view all wireless networks, picked mine then connect. Because I use wireless security, I had to enter the network key number to connect.

Did you properly install the wireless card? I have an older notebook without built in wireless. When I installed the PCMCIA card, I had to install the software first then when prompted, put in the card. If you don't do it right, it won't work.

1. With the Dlink wireless PC card inserted, I right click on the little computer icon with the red x on the task bar. I select view available networks. I get an error message.''Windows cannot configure this wireless connection. If you want windows to configure, start the Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) service. How do I do that?
2. When I go to Microsoft Broadband Networking, it says ''Microsoft Broadband networking has a known compatimility issue with this version of windows. I have Win XP home with service pack 2. Any thoughts?
I would be happy to buy a different wireless PC adapter card & driver, let's say from Linksis for example, but I don't know if that would solve the problem & get me connected wirelessly.
Thanks for the help. Pete M

I'll hazard a guess and suggest it's one of two things: wrong drivers, or you have to "repair" your connection. Go to device manager (go to your Help and Support area from your Start menu on how); see any yellow exclamation points? If you do, that's a good indication that either you have improperly installed drivers, or the card simply isn't functional (never was a fan of D-Link).

My other guess is that the network card is locked into a different IP address- happens to me on occasion with my laptop- right click the wireless network icon in the systray, then left click "repair"-then try to connect. As I've said, this is a guess.

Oh, one more thing- there's been times when I've lost my network connectivity, I've had to hardwire my laptop to the router, go through the setup page, add the laptop to the network, repair the wireless connection, THEN I was able to connect. Maddening. Good luck.