XP host, 98SE client, no communication

Moose60 · 02-25-2006, 07:47 PM

This has been driving me crazy for 3 days. Here's the set up:
XP host computer connected to Verizon DSL through the Westell gateway. No problems with connection to internet, network wizrd works fine.
98SE with Linksys USB adapter. (Tried the Westell adapter first, created havoc with the computer and didn't connect either). The Linksys ste up fine, and recognizes some LANs apparently belonging to neighbors. My network, as set up with XP does not appear on the list. However, I can ping the 98 from the XP. That's all the connection I can get.
This should be lots easier thatn it appears to be. Any help is appreciated.

**johnwill** · 02-26-2006, 09:12 AM

How exactly is this network configured? I don't understand the "as setup with XP", the W98 computer should be connecting directly to the wireless router with no involvement of the XP system.

Moose60 · 02-26-2006, 10:29 AM

You're right John, thank you. The 98 connects through the router/modem (Westell from Verizon). Todays breakthrough development is that the Linksys on the 98 now tells be "you are connected to the access point but the internet cannot be found" and it gives me a signal strength reading, which appears to be somewhat low and apparently cuts out from time to time. The distance in linear feet is really only about 15 feet, through the floor and one wall. I am attempting to rearrange to make that better, but I am still guessing that there will be no internet. And, I am a little disappointed in the signal strength - with the Westell adapter I had originally, I got good signal strength, but no connection.

Moose60 · 02-26-2006, 10:32 AM

One more thing, just to clarify what I meant by "as set up by XP." I set up the XP using the network connection wizard and it gives the option of making a disk to take to another computer to do set up. I used the disk (which would not work with the old Westell adapter) but ended up manually setting up the downstairs (98) connectin anyway.

**johnwill** · 02-27-2006, 08:19 AM

Turn off any encryption to debug. Also, if the signal strength is low and variable, you are going to have continuing issues. Consider an external antenna for better range. Also, the propagation pattern is horizontal from wireless devices, so reorienting the antenna to be more horizontal might improve the signal strength on lower floors.

Moose60 · 02-27-2006, 04:06 PM

How do I turn off encryption?

**johnwill** · 02-28-2006, 01:26 PM

Access the router's configuration pages, and in the wireless setup section, that option exists.

02-25-2006, 07:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Moose60 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4 OS: xp	XP host, 98SE client, no communication This has been driving me crazy for 3 days. Here's the set up: XP host computer connected to Verizon DSL through the Westell gateway. No problems with connection to internet, network wizrd works fine. 98SE with Linksys USB adapter. (Tried the Westell adapter first, created havoc with the computer and didn't connect either). The Linksys ste up fine, and recognizes some LANs apparently belonging to neighbors. My network, as set up with XP does not appear on the list. However, I can ping the 98 from the XP. That's all the connection I can get. This should be lots easier thatn it appears to be. Any help is appreciated.

02-26-2006, 09:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,623 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	How exactly is this network configured? I don't understand the "as setup with XP", the W98 computer should be connecting directly to the wireless router with no involvement of the XP system. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-27-2006, 08:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,623 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Turn off any encryption to debug. Also, if the signal strength is low and variable, you are going to have continuing issues. Consider an external antenna for better range. Also, the propagation pattern is horizontal from wireless devices, so reorienting the antenna to be more horizontal might improve the signal strength on lower floors. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-28-2006, 01:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,623 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Access the router's configuration pages, and in the wireless setup section, that option exists. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-26-2006, 10:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
Moose60 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4 OS: xp	You're right John, thank you. The 98 connects through the router/modem (Westell from Verizon). Todays breakthrough development is that the Linksys on the 98 now tells be "you are connected to the access point but the internet cannot be found" and it gives me a signal strength reading, which appears to be somewhat low and apparently cuts out from time to time. The distance in linear feet is really only about 15 feet, through the floor and one wall. I am attempting to rearrange to make that better, but I am still guessing that there will be no internet. And, I am a little disappointed in the signal strength - with the Westell adapter I had originally, I got good signal strength, but no connection.

02-26-2006, 10:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
Moose60 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4 OS: xp	One more thing, just to clarify what I meant by "as set up by XP." I set up the XP using the network connection wizard and it gives the option of making a disk to take to another computer to do set up. I used the disk (which would not work with the old Westell adapter) but ended up manually setting up the downstairs (98) connectin anyway.

02-27-2006, 04:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
Moose60 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4 OS: xp	How do I turn off encryption?