Member Avatar for 13leafclovers

hello everyone,

I recently purchased a linksys WRT54GC router, basically both wireless and LAn in it. The router is connected to my desktop comp and the internet works fine there. However, no matter what I do, i can't get our wireless Dell laptop to detect the network. I have tried changing channels and SSID's several times but to no avail. any advice for me?

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Dani AI

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Given the checks already reported by and the suggestions from and , the problem is best approached as a short, ordered isolation procedure that separates router configuration, radio/channel issues, client drivers, and firmware. The steps below assume the SSID is being broadcast and the laptop’s card works on other APs; concentrate next on router-side policy, RF, and client-driver mismatches.

Focus on the router first: confirm Wireless MAC Filtering is disabled (or that the laptop’s MAC is explicitly permitted), confirm the AP is in a mixed B/G access-point mode (not a client/bridge or G-only mode), verify SSID uses simple ASCII characters and broadcast is enabled, and lock the 2.4 GHz channel to one of the non‑overlapping choices (1, 6 or 11) rather than Auto. Also check the router’s transmit power and that the built‑in DHCP server is enabled (so clients get an IP). See the WRT54GC user guide for the web UI locations for Wireless, MAC Filter and DHCP, and Linksys’ basic troubleshooting checklist. (manualslib.com)
WRT54GC manual (user guide) · Linksys troubleshooting page

Client-side checks and quick tests: update or reinstall the laptop’s wireless driver (Windows Update or vendor support page), remove any old saved profiles for the home SSID, and temporarily set a static IP in the router’s LAN range to rule out DHCP issues. Use the router’s Wireless Client / Associated Clients list to watch for the laptop attempting to associate when powered on nearby. If the client still cannot see the SSID, try an alternate USB Wi‑Fi adapter to rule out subtle radio/driver incompatibility. (learn.microsoft.com)

If the above fails, factory-reset the router, restore minimal default settings, and upgrade to the latest official firmware (backup the configuration first). Older WRT54GC firmware releases have documented bugs/security issues, so prefer the vendor’s current release; replacing firmware with third‑party builds is an advanced step and carries a brick risk. After firmware/ reset, re-check MAC filtering, wireless mode, channel and client drivers. (studylib.net)

Short checklist: disable MAC filter → fix channel to 1/6/11 → set Wireless Mode to B/G mixed → verify DHCP on → update laptop driver → check Wireless Client list → factory reset + firmware update.

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Member Avatar for w1r3sp33d

Is the pc set to connect to unsecure networks?

Is the AP broadcasting the SSID?

Member Avatar for 13leafclovers

Is the pc set to connect to unsecure networks?

Is the AP broadcasting the SSID?

Yes, the pc IS set to connect to unsecure networks and the SSID is being broadcast

Member Avatar for w1r3sp33d

by chance have you successfully used the wireless at a coffee shop or someplace? I would just like to rule out that whole bunch of stuff at once.

Is WEP set at either end? If so do the key numbers match on both sides?

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

Did you follow your router's guide to setting up your router? The guide will walk you through the steps of setting things up simply at first to ensure the connections work, and then they walk you through the steps of setting up security.

Furthermore, are your router and wireless card in the laptop compatible? If your router and wireless card are both 802.11b or 802.11g (in any combination), then they are compatible. If one of them is is 802.11a and the other is not, then they are incompatible.

Member Avatar for 13leafclovers

ayyup, laptop's successfully connected to other wireless networks in another city. I'm pretty sure both the router and laptop are compatible with G and B system. As well, I followed the installation guide exactly but to no avail. thanks for taking the time to look at this guys

Member Avatar for 13leafclovers

also, the WEP's match, and I've also tried it WITHOUT any encryption at all. On the laptop, on that list of available wireless networks, my home network just doesn't show up; even though my laptop's like 3 inches away from the router.

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

What kind (make and model) is your laptop?

Member Avatar for w1r3sp33d

Given all that info I have to ask, can anyones wireless laptop see your AP or is it only accessable thru the wired network for anyone?

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