Member Avatar for haribo_harris

Hi there,

My problem is pretty much the same as PclubBbanger but its not as complex.

I don't want the computers to share files, I don't want the computers to share printers or talk to eachother. I would simply like both of them to be on the internet at the same time.

Basically, I can't get this Networking thing to work and I'm on the boarder of throwing both PC and laptop out of the window!!!


Basics:

Broadband modem is hooked up to Linksys Wireless-G Router
PC has Linksys Speedbooster Adapter
Laptop has CISCO Systems Card Adaptor
Both PC & Latop have Windows XP


PC can connect to the internet with Linksys router
Laptop, when hooked up to the card can't seem to find it and is always finding Default

I've tried Veiwing Available Networks but the laptop won't connect to the network.

When I originally installed the network, I made it secure - is this the problem.

Please can someone help or the PC & Latop are definately going to get it!

  • 1 Contributor
  • 1 Reply
  • 137 Views
  • 14 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by haribo_harris

Dani AI

Generated

This note addresses and echoes the kind of problems sometimes mentioned by @PclubBbanger: a wireless client that can’t see or join a network while another client works. Common root causes are driver/utility conflicts, mismatched security settings, hidden SSID or access control on the AP, DHCP failures, or a hardware/radio switch disabled on the client. A short, focused checklist often finds the issue quickly.

First-pass checklist (quick tests, low risk)

  • Temporarily disable AP encryption only for a brief test to confirm the client can associate; re-enable immediately after testing.
  • Use a single wireless manager: either the OS wireless service or the adapter vendor utility. Stop one if the other is active.
  • Reinstall or update the adapter driver from the manufacturer and check Device Manager for errors.
  • Manually add the network profile (SSID + correct encryption/key) if the AP is hidden or not shown.
  • Verify addressing with ipconfig /all; a 169.254.x.x address means no DHCP lease. Restart the AP and client after any change.

If the list above does not help

  • Confirm any physical wireless kill-switch, function key, or BIOS setting that disables the radio.
  • Try a different adapter (USB or another card) to isolate hardware vs AP.
  • Check AP settings for MAC filtering or legacy-only modes; consider upgrading AP firmware for compatibility.
  • Don’t leave the AP open—use WPA2 where supported and set a strong passphrase after testing.

Next-level diagnostics should capture the client’s ipconfig /all, Device Manager status, and a screenshot of whichever wireless utility is in use; those details pinpoint whether the problem is driver, DHCP, or security related.

Member Avatar for haribo_harris

Back again. I thought that I may not have gone into much detail in earlier post. So here we go:-

I bought a laptop from Ebay which came with a CISCO SYSTEMS (CISCO AIRONET 350 series - Wireless Lan Adapter). At the same time for my PC I bought a LINKSYS Wireless-G Router 2.4 with LINKSYS UBS Newtork Adapter (both have Speedbooster too).

Originally, I couldn't get the CISCO LAN Adapter Card to work in my laptop. So I installed the LINKSYS Wireless adapter on the laptop, which worked. Then I managed to get the CISCO LAN Adapter Card to work (I have no idea how), so I then removed the LINKSYS Wireless adapter from my laptop and re-installed it into the PC. Everything seemed to be working.

After approximately 2 weeks, the PC got a virus and I then realised that neither laptop or PC had a genuine copy of Windows XP, so I installed a genuine copy.

Since then I can now only access the LINKSYS Router via the LINKSYS adapter.

My laptop is recognising that I have a CISCO Lan Card, but it keeps either finding 'Default' or 'Wireless Conection Unavailable'.

I have tried setting up Networks through the Network Wizard but I'm not sure how this works. And if I try and View Wireless Networks through my CISCO Lan Card I get a grey screen and no networks.

Any suggestions.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.