- The modem is connected to my main computer which is is an XP OS. The wireless router is a D-link WBR 1310. My (XP) laptop (wireless) runs off this router as well. The problem lies with my new "vista" computer - it will not connect to the internet thru the router (but does connect directly without the router) I previously had an old "ME" computer before I got the vista. The "Me" computer connected to the internet thru the router with no problem. I only want to share the internet on all computers. I don't know much about networking so I would want a detailed solution. By the way - My ISP is satellite. Appreciate your help!

First things first - do you know if the network card on your new machine is working properly? When you connect directly to the Internet via your modem on the new machine, are you using a USB connection or are you connected via your network card?

From the problem you suggest it sounds like the network card and the router aren't functioning together correctly - this may be down to old network card drivers or a problem assigning an IP address. It is a strange problem as two XP machines are working quite happily with your current setup.

The first thing to do is to go into Control Panel and look for your network settings. From here, you will be able to see whether or not your computer is connected to the router. If it is, then you will be able to right click on the wireless network icon and select properties. Using the tabs, you can see if your machine is connected to the network, if it has successfully sent and received data and if it has been assigned an IP. If a wireless network icon appears but you are not connected, then it is probably a configuration problem. If a wireless network icon doesn't appear, then the problem is a little more fundamental and may be solved by reinstalling the card and/or updating drivers.

Let me know how you get on and I'll try and answer any questions you might have along the way.

John

Thankyou for your reply. As far as I know the network card is fine. I am connected via the network card.
I would almost guess it could be a problem assigning an IP address. From what I can see on the vista, I can't locate an address now.
When connecting the vista to the router, I show an "unidentified network" in my network and sharing center - (shows I'm connecting to a network but not connecting to the internet). When I go into "network" from the start menu it only shows the vista - (when connected directly to the modem). From the main computer when I logon to D-link statistics under "Dynamic DHCP Client List" the vista is included in that list.
I had someone else in to connect my computers to the internet, they couldn't get an internet connection with the vista. Then I tried recreating a network. As a result I may have lost the I.P. address as I can't find one now. My vista is in another room (approx 20' cable) Hope you can make all this out!

My conversation with HP - advised I needed a wireless card installed on my PC to connect with the wireless router.
D-Link advised router is working fine with my main (wired) PC and wireless laptop and their built in firewall doesn't interfere with the Vista OS.

Vista: I do not understand why I can't get a connection to the internet using my network card /ethernet cable. My older computer and laptop connects fine using the ethernet cable connected to the router.

The retailer where I purchased the computer can not provide any solutions without having to look at it. I took it back before but they said my internet connection was ok and sent me home with it again. Yes, it does work fine if its connected directly to the modem. They said I should be able to connect to the router via network card (should not be limited to only a wireless card).

Anyone want to offer any help before I take this computer back - for credit!

It is worth checking whether or not your firewall is turned on on the Vista machine - it's a long shot but worth a look as I've seen curious network problems solved by simply turning the Windows firewall off. In your case this is perfectly fine as it sounds like you have a firewall built in to the router.

If the retailer has tested the card and confirmed it works, is receiving an IP address and so forth, then there isn't much else it can conceivably be short of an intermittent cable or card fault which is again highly unlikely.

Let me know how you get on and I'll do some digging - I must admit I'm running low on ideas given the symptoms.

John

I had uninstalled Norton and the windows firewall on the vista. The retailer only tested the internet connection directly to their "shaw" provider. It works for me too when I connect directly to my "satellite" provider. I have a 40' and 50' cable that I've tested connections with and they work fine when directly connected to the modem. These cables also work fine connected to my older machines connected thru the router. I think this is about it for my story. I've exhausted myself the last couple of weeks trying to get this to work. Thanks again for your help.

Just had an error message. It read something like "unable to reach DNS server. 198.192.0.1" Also when I enter that address in my browser - it flips to http:/// and then I get the IE cannot display webpage notification.
Is there anything you'd like to add?