Dell Inspiron Network Issue

I'm using a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop (running Windows XP). It is about 4 years old. About 6 months ago i started having issues connecting to my home network over wireless. I updated all the card drivers, examined the wireless card itself and even tried a new external wireless card. None of these worked. The issue is not with the network b/c my other laptop can connect as well as my phone, kindle, etc...

I gave up and simply started using a LAN connection. This wasn't ideal but worked and I was able to connect. About 2 days ago the LAN connection stopped working as well. In the network connections settings when I check the wireless and wired connections they both say they are connected to the network but are still unable to connect to the internet in any way.

Any help with this issue would be great.

 

Since you have some wireless connectivity you are either using either a router plus modem or a modem/router. Have you tried simply unplugging the router for a few minutes? Have you tried resetting the router? Are you absolutely certain that your wireless is enabled in your networks? Does it show that you are connected to the router and just not the internet.

Finally, has your laptop worked at any public wifi areas?

All this assumes that you have the proper WEP or WPA key. Sorry about all the questions but they need answering.

Also what do you mean that you examined the card? Did you take the laptop apart?

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

I'm using a modem/router and have tried numerous time to restart it. I don't think the issue is with that because I am able to connect to it wired and wirelessly with my other laptop and phone. The wireless connection itself is working.

The laptop isn't able to connect to other networks either.

The WEP key is accurate. The security works with my other machines and I double checked it on the laptop in question.

I removed the back hatch of the laptop to ensure the wireless card was still connected. It was.

 

Wondering did you install the new drivers over the top of the old drivers?

 

That I'm not sure about. I went to the Dell website and downloaded the most up to date drivers available and installed them. I was under the impression that would overwrite previous driver information.

 

They don't unfortunately.

I would download the latest drivers to your desktop.

You would need to download them from another computer if you cant get on the net.

Save to your desktop via Flash drive, then uninstall the current drivers.

Then install the new drivers.

Worth a shot.

 

Good advice by Doug.

The other thing that you may want to check is that the Router is acting as a DHCP server
did you configuire the router or was it done by someone else?

Also bear in mind that if any of your devices support Wireless N you will have to use WEP2/WPA2 as opposed to WEP to get the 150MB per second rates

 

I installed the new drivers but still no internet connection. The frustrating part is that both LAN an wireless say they are connected but still do not connect to the internet. Any other thoughts?

 

Further to what Dalo has suggested,have you installed the Motherboard Chip set Drivers?

Have you the MOBO Disc.?

Have you followed Dalo's Advice?

Anything ODD showing in Device manager?

Sorry about all the questions.I would test the wireless Card,regardless.


http://www.ehow.com/...apter-card.html