what to do when a router doesn't see one of the computers with a network card.. what can I do now?

Question

I already have 2 other computers on this system but this last computer is in the very back room and it is not being recognized. I know it's not the router, or the ip address... Do I need a special antenna? My son didn't hook up the one that comes with it, so maybe that's the problem?

oh, this is a toshiba and it has both wired and wireless but I am doing the wireless thing. Sorry, forgot to add that.

oh, the room that I have my router in, is the kitchen, but the room where the network card is not being recognized is in the room that we turned from a garage-storage area and is not within open distance from each other. so, I have to figure out how to make that connection work or do I need 2 routers in this case?

Answer 1

I am assuming you have a wireless Router. it could be distance that could be affecting your computer located in the far corner. If you have a laptop with wireless capability you might what to install a wireless software called netstumbler which i think can be found at www.netstumbler.com but you might want to google it which will take you there. What that software does it searches for any wireless signal avaiable, now if you take that laptop with that software running it will tell you whether that computer is in range to recieve wireless signal. Now if thats the issue you might want to purchase signal booster antennas for your Router there which the manufacturer of that WIreless Router that you have should sell them. Now if the issue is cabling wise than you might want to drop the signal speed on your network card which sometimes helps it out. What you do is you right click on the icon that say's Network Places and select properties. Once in that window you will see a icon that says Local Area Connection you right click on that one as well and select properties. In the next window you will see a button that says Configure you click on that go to the Advance tab in there you will see a listing you need to go down the list until you see one that might say Link Speed or Speed and Duplex, once you have selected that one on the right hand side you will see an option that is on default on AUTO, you need to change that one to 10mb full Duplex or try different changes until you have a solid connection. Those steps are for Windows 2000 and XP. They should be the same steps for Windows 98 also. Try that software on a wireless laptop and if the signal is low try booster antennas. Good Luck any more questions you have i will be glad to help you.

Answer 2

Most likely your router is out of range of the wireless card. You should be able to tell by going into the wireless card settings and seeing if it shows your wireless routers signal strength. If it's 0 and you know the settings are correct for the card then it is distance. Easiest thing to do is move your wireless router around. Even something like 5 feet can make a difference, or even near a window could help. Remember the more walls and steel the signals hit the more they degrade. Generally the more open and high up the router is the better.

Answer 3

If you are using a wireless router there could be various reasons for low signals.

Signal interfernce devices-There are certain devices which could be a possible reason for interference. viz.,Microwave oven, Large speakers, cordless phones etc.,

Other reasons for interference : Distance between the w/l router and the target computer is too long than the specified range

If you are sure that there are no chances of a interference try these steps.,

1. Try carrying the computer near the W/L router(If u r using a Laptop)
2. If you are using a desktop try moving the router closer to the computer to confirm if it is just a distance issue

Check if the network is encrypted. If it is confirm whether the encryption type is matching

There are two encryption types 40 bit encryption & 128 bit

If you have chosen 40 bit encryption on u r router make sure u have selected the same on your computer as well.

If you are sure that there are no encryptions enabled try these steps :

-Try with a differnet w/l network card and check whether that makes a difference

Good Luck

Answer 4

You didn't specify if it was a wireless router, however assuming it is, check for obstructions that block the signal. If there is lot of obstructions, then you will need to purchase an additional antenna (pehaps omni-directional) that will let the PC connect with the router. The antenna is connected to the PC, if you get it with a lengthy cable, then you could mount it someplace where the line of sight is in view with the router.

Answer 5

You can buy signal extender for about $150 depending on your routers brand.
Good Luck! :)
Rom

Answer 6

is this a wireless setup or hard wired?

Could be a cable problem, or driver problem on the network card, or a basic client setup issue.

Answer 7

load up your A.K .47 and take it to the desert.