Wireless Laptop Help Needed

Terry64 · 02-28-2009, 09:36 PM

I know this will be a very broad question, but to make long story short, was networked for home based job, left employment but able to keep oldest computer Dell Optiplex I believe, about 4 years old (I know ancient in computing world). I have a Belkin router and Linksys Wireless-G Access Point. I want to be able to use laptop for wireless around the house, but don't have a clue as to how to hook up the router or access point or if both are needed or if I can even make it happen with what I have. Any help would be appreciated.

Terry64

**johnwill** · 03-01-2009, 07:57 AM

The exact make/model of all the equipment would be the first step here, as well as the version and patch level of Windows on that laptop. Does the laptop have wireless capability?

Terry64 · 03-01-2009, 01:03 PM

How do I tell if it has wireless capability?

Terry64 · 03-01-2009, 02:03 PM

Dell Optiplex 170L Series Windows XP
Compaq Presario Laptop Windows XP
with a 3Com Megahertz 10/100 LAN CardBus PC Card
Belkin Router - was able to get internet through router
Linksys Wireless G Access Point with SES Model WAP54G
It appears all I need to figure out is how to make laptop to hit access point?

**johnwill** · 03-03-2009, 07:32 AM

Hold the Windows key and press R, then type devmgmt.msc

Please respond to all the following steps.

Under Network adapters, please tell me all the devices listed.
Are there any devices under Network adapters that have a red x displayed?
Also, are there any devices anywhere in the Device Manager display with yellow ? or ! displayed?

Terry64 · 03-16-2009, 10:45 AM

1. FE575C-3COM 10/100 LAN CardBus-Fast Ethernet
2. No.
3. No.

02-28-2009, 09:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Terry64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Wireless Laptop Help Needed I know this will be a very broad question, but to make long story short, was networked for home based job, left employment but able to keep oldest computer Dell Optiplex I believe, about 4 years old (I know ancient in computing world). I have a Belkin router and Linksys Wireless-G Access Point. I want to be able to use laptop for wireless around the house, but don't have a clue as to how to hook up the router or access point or if both are needed or if I can even make it happen with what I have. Any help would be appreciated. Terry64

03-01-2009, 07:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,720 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Wireless Laptop Help Needed The exact make/model of all the equipment would be the first step here, as well as the version and patch level of Windows on that laptop. Does the laptop have wireless capability? __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

03-01-2009, 01:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Terry64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Re: Wireless Laptop Help Needed How do I tell if it has wireless capability?

03-01-2009, 02:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
Terry64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Re: Wireless Laptop Help Needed Dell Optiplex 170L Series Windows XP Compaq Presario Laptop Windows XP with a 3Com Megahertz 10/100 LAN CardBus PC Card Belkin Router - was able to get internet through router Linksys Wireless G Access Point with SES Model WAP54G It appears all I need to figure out is how to make laptop to hit access point?

03-03-2009, 07:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,720 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Wireless Laptop Help Needed Hold the Windows key and press R, then type devmgmt.msc Please respond to all the following steps. Under Network adapters, please tell me all the devices listed. Are there any devices under Network adapters that have a red x displayed? Also, are there any devices anywhere in the Device Manager display with yellow ? or ! displayed? __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

03-16-2009, 10:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
Terry64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4 OS: XP	Re: Wireless Laptop Help Needed 1. FE575C-3COM 10/100 LAN CardBus-Fast Ethernet 2. No. 3. No.