Browser times out using wifi

wingryder · 12-02-2007, 10:33 AM

Hi
New to forum and new to wifi. Trying to get a old thinkpad running 98se and a 3com xjack card to surf from local wifi hot spots. I can connect just fine to a very solid "open" network at my favorite hangout. Diagnostics says 90% and even higher. The 3com software shows solid green connection all the time.

However when I try to surf.. I see the page start to load and then it goes to "site not found" I guess it times out but this happens very quickly.. maybe within ten seconds or so. Happens on all pages. I just learned about ping and tracert today so have not been back to try that.

In tcp/ip properties ip address is set to automatic. After
that I am lost. I do use this laptop (rarely) on dialup with a modem card and it works fine.

What am I missing

Thanks
don

**johnwill** · 12-02-2007, 02:31 PM

Probably W98 drivers are not current enough for the networks in question. Have you ever connected to any wireless network properly with this rig?

wingryder · 12-02-2007, 03:13 PM

No I have only tried a couple of times with the same result. The drivers were the only ones listed for the 3com card available on driversguide. They seem to install just fine and show no problems. It was a complete exe file with their software and drivers. Only for 98se which is what I have.

don

**johnwill** · 12-02-2007, 06:27 PM

Truthfully, I'm not sure where to start without seeing the machine.

Have you successfully connected to a wired network with this machine with no issues?

wingryder · 12-02-2007, 09:59 PM

Yes I mentioned I can use dialup with the thinkpad with no problems using a pcmcia modem in the other slot.

**johnwill** · 12-03-2007, 08:49 AM

I was referring to wired as in an Ethernet connection to the router or network connection.

wingryder · 12-03-2007, 09:02 AM

Sorry Johnwill.. I am on the edge of my computer ability. No experience with Ethernet
or routers for that matter. I surf with simple dialup on my desktop from home and would like to expand that capability to wifi surfing on the thinkpad when traveling. One big problem is I cannot work on this problem from home per no strong wifi signal. I will try again later today. Thanks johnwill I do appreciate your help.

don

wingryder · 12-03-2007, 03:44 PM

Update.. went to public library today and everything worked fine.. No problems. Not sure what was different and haven't had a chance to go to orginal hotspot to test again.

don

**johnwill** · 12-03-2007, 07:02 PM

Well, that's progress!

12-02-2007, 10:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
wingryder Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 10 OS: win98	Browser times out using wifi Hi New to forum and new to wifi. Trying to get a old thinkpad running 98se and a 3com xjack card to surf from local wifi hot spots. I can connect just fine to a very solid "open" network at my favorite hangout. Diagnostics says 90% and even higher. The 3com software shows solid green connection all the time. However when I try to surf.. I see the page start to load and then it goes to "site not found" I guess it times out but this happens very quickly.. maybe within ten seconds or so. Happens on all pages. I just learned about ping and tracert today so have not been back to try that. In tcp/ip properties ip address is set to automatic. After that I am lost. I do use this laptop (rarely) on dialup with a modem card and it works fine. What am I missing Thanks don

12-02-2007, 02:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Browser times out using wifi Probably W98 drivers are not current enough for the networks in question. Have you ever connected to any wireless network properly with this rig? __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

12-02-2007, 03:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
wingryder Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 10 OS: win98	Re: Browser times out using wifi No I have only tried a couple of times with the same result. The drivers were the only ones listed for the 3com card available on driversguide. They seem to install just fine and show no problems. It was a complete exe file with their software and drivers. Only for 98se which is what I have. don

12-02-2007, 06:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Browser times out using wifi Truthfully, I'm not sure where to start without seeing the machine. Have you successfully connected to a wired network with this machine with no issues? __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

12-02-2007, 09:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
wingryder Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 10 OS: win98	Re: Browser times out using wifi Yes I mentioned I can use dialup with the thinkpad with no problems using a pcmcia modem in the other slot.

12-03-2007, 08:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Browser times out using wifi I was referring to wired as in an Ethernet connection to the router or network connection. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

12-03-2007, 09:02 AM	#7 (permalink)
wingryder Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 10 OS: win98	Re: Browser times out using wifi Sorry Johnwill.. I am on the edge of my computer ability. No experience with Ethernet or routers for that matter. I surf with simple dialup on my desktop from home and would like to expand that capability to wifi surfing on the thinkpad when traveling. One big problem is I cannot work on this problem from home per no strong wifi signal. I will try again later today. Thanks johnwill I do appreciate your help. don

12-03-2007, 03:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
wingryder Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 10 OS: win98	Re: Browser times out using wifi Update.. went to public library today and everything worked fine.. No problems. Not sure what was different and haven't had a chance to go to orginal hotspot to test again. don

12-03-2007, 07:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Browser times out using wifi Well, that's progress! __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience