Laptop won't recognize wireless connection/router?

Question

I have a new laptop and a linksys router (wireless N). The router has 3 computers connected but the laptop won't even see the connection (it did for 5 minutes but wouldn't connect). It sees neighboring connections but won't connect to those either (secured). I'm at a total loss!!

I have a Toshiba Satellite with Windows Vista.

Answer 1

CHeck these things:

- Does the laptop see the Network ID? If you don;t know it, go to the Wireless access point ad see what the Wireless Network ID is. The Default is usually "Linksys", but that is recommended to be changed. Many good wireless setups do NOT broadcast the network ID and require you to enter it on the laptop. Use Control Panel->Network Settings->Wireless Tab->Add Network ID

- Is an encryption of the network employed?> If so, you'll need to enter the security key. Be sure to use the same security setting (128 bit vs 64 bit, etc.)

- Check that the channel of the network is the same for the laptop and base.

-Are you mixing an 802.11b and 802.11g? Usually you can, but there may be issues. The other connections may be b, but yours may be g and not auto setting itself. Check your manual

- The network setting of the wireless may need to be set for your wireless network. Does a TCP/IP address get assigned automatically? If so you are using DHCP and need to be sure that the network is set up to detect that. Use the Computer Control Panel->Network Settings like before and check the properties on the TCP/IP

Answer 2

Well my sister had that same problem. She has a Toshiba Satellite. And I have a Linksys router Wireless-G. Somehow, her laptop didn't recognized the access point for some reason. Her laptop connected everywhere except my house. Well she took her laptop to a technician. And what the technician did was to open the laptops ports. For somehow the ports where not all open. And after that, she has not encountered any problems with her laptop.

Maybe this may be the problem that you have. Try opening your computer's connecting ports.

Answer 3

You router might be hiding its broadcast. It means that it will not show up on your laptop or neighbors without permission. It may also have a password. Check the following second link for the locationt of the routers settings. Follow instructions -Check out where it says "wireless ssid broadcast". Have it broadcast and see if your laptop finds it. If it does, connect to it and save it. It should be able to always find it if you hide its broadcast again.

The guy below me has the procedure about the password (security key) issue that you may be encountering also.

Good Luck

Answer 4

I agree with the others that the SSID is Hiding from you. Change your router setting until you find and connect. Then Hide it again.

If still unable to connect your router may need your MAC Address. The more secure networks use this feature to deny access to Unauthorized Visitors. You should see the addresses of the other computers on your network in the list if this feature is in use.
To obtain you laptop MAC Address:
Start, Run, cmd, type ipconfig/all, the Physical Address shown is the MAC Address for your laptop (i.e. xx-xx-xx-xx-xx-xx). Write it down and fat-finger it into your router MAC address list.

Good Luck