how to connect laptop to a linksys wireless router?

Question

I recently bought a Linksys 2.4 GHz Wireless N router. I hooked it up to my desktop and it works fine (slightly slower than when the PC was hooked directly to the model, but that's another story).

I set it up to work wirelessly with my laptop, but that's where the problem is. I renamed the network to something I was familiar with like the installation told me to, and I set the password key. When I tell my laptop to view available networks in range I can see the network, and it has full bars, but when I click on it and try to connect it says it is unable to connect.

I have used the laptop to connect wirelessly before plenty of times, on a number of different networks. It's a Compaq computer, maybe 2-3 years old, running XP.

Any settings or configurations I should try to change? The booklet that came with the router told me how to connect to the desktop, which I did, but it didn't say much more.

Thanks!

In response to the "WEP" reply ... it won't let me type in a password or anything. I click "connect" and it tries to connect for a few seconds before giving me the error message saying it is "unable to connect to the selected network."

NEW QUESTION: Ok, what I wanted to do was install the CD that came with the router on my primary desktop, which I did. Then I wanted to just open my laptop and connect. Is that possible, or do I need to install everything on the laptop too?

Answer 1

The problem you have generally is because the network name is already set in the "preferred" networks and the security key does not match.

The fix is to remove that network name from the list of wireless networks, then reconnect to it! You system will then ask for the key and you can setup the correct one.

IN XP Open the view wireless networks panel, click on advanced settings, then in the network panel click on the
Wireless networks tab..Just remove the network SSID from the list.

Then renew the view available networks and reconnect.
If you set a WPA setting you may have to change to WEP..if your laptop card does not support WPA some older cards do not support the newer security settings!

Answer 2

Smart Linksys wireless solution http://www.linksysroutersupport247.com/

Answer 3

did you install the wireless router and modem and service provider into your laptop?you can run a cable [10/100] hooked to your router and to your desktop and run wireless to other units.try setting up with no key first and make sure your settinngs are the same on all units.
computer name
workgroup

Answer 4

Make sure you are putting in the WEP or password key.
The WEP is used to keep other people from using your connection so make sure you are putting that in right.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Are you positive you have ADMIN rights? Also are you using one of those wireless utilities that come with so many laptops these days