Local Area Connection?

Question

I can get online by connecting to a local network, but I have to do this each time my computer is turned on. Most people I know can just turn on their computers and have internet at their house. I have a Linksys wireless router connected to my cable modem. My Dell laptop is "internet ready" and the Notebook Adapter card that came with the router will not fit in my laptop. How can I establish a Local Area Connection? The "diagonsed" problem is that a cable is unplugged.

Answer 1

You say your laptop is "internet ready" which means that it has at least a wired network connector plug on your computer somewhere that allows you to plug in directly to a network connection using a standard network cable, like to the back of your router. That is why you get the cable unplugged diagnosis. It is constantly checking for that connection.

Your computer may also have a built-in wireless adapter too, depending on your model and age of computer. You would have to check to see if you do or not. If not, then you would have to purchase a wireless network adaptor for your computer. They come in many different styles including PC card slot type, USB, etc...

If you do have a wireless adaptor built-in, then you may have to setup your wireless to connect automatically when you are within range of a wireless network, and in some computers you may also have to turn on your wireless adapter by either a button on the computer or an internal selection, you should check your users manual for more information on your computer. To setup a wireless connection, click on your Start button and go to Settings, then to Network Connections. From there click on Creat A New Connection and follow the popup wizard to help you set it up.

You can also go into your Control Panel (Start - Settings - Control Panel) and look for Wireless Network Setup Wizard to help you setup a connection.

For more help or info email me or add additional info to your question above.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Local area cable disconnected means the laptop is trying to use the internal Ethernet port, not wireless. Does your laptop have built in wireless? If so, you need to make sure that is enabled. If you don't have built in wireless you need to get a wireless (wifi 802.11G) nic card that will work in your laptop. If all else fails, take the laptop to a store like best buy and tell them you need a wifi card that will work in it.