Jo-Anne wrote:
I'm using Windows XP, fully updated. For a while I've been unable to connect
my laptop wirelessly to my network (I have a wireless router). However, it
works when plugged in to the router. I recently discovered that my netbook,
which appeared to connect wirelessly, was actually using someone else's
unsecured network. My local ISP suggested that I unplug the modem, unplug
the router, wait 30 seconds, plug in the modem, and then, after the DSL
light came on, plug in the router. I did all that, but the situation remains
the same.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

Jo-Anne


So don't you have to be "pro-active", go into the netbook,
find the application that controls which network you connect
to wirelessly, find *your* router, and connect to that ?

How is unplugging the other equipment, going to cause a
"miracle" on the netbook ?

You need to take control. You're supposed to be "steering"
the netbook, not letting it drive :-) If your Wifi network
is secured, it should be taking some extra work on your
part, on the netbook, to get it connected. (I.e. keys
or passwords to enter)

Now, if you've tried to connect to your own wireless
network, using some application on the netbook, then
you should phrase the question that way. Indicate
what tool you would normally use on the netbook to
set up Wifi (like Zeroconf or some proprietary
tool provided with the netbook), and ask a question
about the specifics of that.

The reason you don't want to connect to a stranger's
Wifi network, is they can "sniff" your packets,
extract bank passwords or credit card numbers and
so on. That is also one of the reasons, it isn't wise
to connect to "free" proxy sites you sometimes
see advertised in newsgroups. Such proxy servers
can be the tools of evil minds - bent on stealing
"WOW gold" or the like.

Paul