2 computers connected to router but one can't get online

[susan8231]

I have two PC's in the same room connected to the router and receiving good to excellent signal strength. One PC has no problem getting online while the other one can rarely get online. Or, if it does, it doesn't stay online. The problem computer is a Dell desktop using a wireless USB adapter. In the past, in different houses, it has never had a problem getting online. Windows 7 troubleshooting has not been helpful.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Qdos]

Try another USB WiFi adapter if you're sure you have the right drivers for it onboard.

Also check your router is set for compliance with A,B,G,N - or whichever WiFi protocol(s) the USB adapter offers.

 

[DustSailor]

Hello Susan,

What antivirus are you using? Based on your answer, I can give recommendations based on other users' experience with and problems because of certain antivirus software. I will provide an unbiased opinion and simply state what I've found to be true through personal experience.

Do not forget this step! It is very important that you let me know this information. If you skip anything, please let me know so that I do not assume that you've completed all steps.

Try some of these troubleshooting steps: Internet Troubleshooting Guide

Download the most recent wireless adapter software from your other computer onto a USB device and the load it onto the computer that is having trouble. Uninstall the previous wireless software before you install the new one.

If ALL of that tutorial doesn't work, then 1.) try installing an uninstaller utility (for the simple fact that windows uninstaller often leaves items behind) such as Revo Uninstaller Free. Use this program to 2.) uninstall the wireless driver (AFTER you've installed the wireless driver), and then 3.) attempt to install the newest driver once more using the "advanced" method.

REMEMBER! Create a system restore before you attempt to use Revo Uninstaller Free, just in case you remove something you shouldn't!

Failing that, Do steps 1.) & 2.) in the previous paragraph, but for step # 3.), install a slightly older driver instead of the most recent, as (at times) bugs in the most up to date wireless driver cause a slower internet connection speed.

You may also try an SFC scan.

Do let me know how this all turns out for you. Provide any extra information that you can if you still experience trouble, such as the full name of your computer (Is it a Dell, and what kind, etc). I can help you get the correct driver (if you aren't sure) if you provide this info.

Are you using Internet Explorer?

 

[susan8231]

I'm using Windows Firewall. The working computer is a laptop so no wireless adapter software. I usually use Firefox but also can't connect to IE.

 

[Qdos]

The working computer is a laptop so no wireless adapter software...

But you're talking of a USB WiFi adapter in the computer you're asking about, right?

 

[susan8231]

The laptop is ableto get online, it's the Dell desktop that can't. However, it's WiFi adaper appears to be working because it connects to the router.

 

[DustSailor]

Susan, anything that requires wireless networking also requires wireless software. Both laptop and desktop (if they have the wireless adapters).

Did you follow any of the tutorials I've listed, or tell me the name of your computer? Would you do that please?

 

[susan8231]

I uninstalled the wireless adapter and installed a newer driver. That didn't work so I went back to the original driver. Here's something that may be helpful. It shows that the Dell desktop is connected to the router but in the network map the other computer doesn't show and it also says the adapter is not connected. Thanks

 

[DustSailor]

Susan,
...
Did you follow any of the tutorials I've listed, or tell me the name of your computer? Would you do that please?

Just because the newer driver didn't work doesn't mean it is bad. Perhaps something else is wrong. That is why I linked you to all those tutorials. If you really want to fix the problem, please go back and make sure you follow all of those tutorials, and let me know how it goes. Otherwise we will both just be going around in circles.

 

[susan8231]

I've been going through the tutorials and am hung up on the ipconfig/renew. Here's the error message: No operation can be performed on Local Area Connection while it has its media disconnected.

 

[susan8231]

The compuet is a Dell Inspiron.

 

[DustSailor]

Hello Susan. If you flip your laptop around, there should be some text on the bottom that gives a more precise name to your computer. For example, mine is a Dell Inspiron M5040.

On your start menu task bar, to the far right is there an icon you can click with 5 bars indicating network connectivity? Click it and look for networks to connect to. Do you see yours? Make sure you are connected, and have entered the correct password to connect.

Also, type "network and sharing center" without quotes into the start menu search and click the top program. On the far left, click "Network Connections"". What do you see? Right click the wireless network connection and make sure it is enabled. Let me know how this goes

The newest driver for your wireless network is what I would recommend you use.

 

[susan8231]

There are 5 bars and it is connected. When I do Network and Sharing Center, there is no Network connections in sidebar on the left. It's a Dell Inspiron desktop.


Do you mean the newest driver for the router?

 

[DustSailor]

Alrighty... right-click on computer, and select "properties". Under "System", and under "model", it will list what your computer is. let me know

And I appologize, it is called "Change adapter Settings" in the network and sharing center, not "Network Connections" (though it links to this).

Your router shouldn't need a driver, I believe it should install its firmware automatically. If not, if you were to go into it, there should be a button to "update" or such. But no, I meant to use the most recent driver for your wireless adapter on your computer, which is why I've been trying to get your computer's name, so I can link you to the correct driver.

You are trying to use wireless right? Are you able to plug a Lan cable into the computer and use that to get online?

 

[susan8231]

It's a Dell Inspiron 530.

Yes the network connection is enabled.

 

[DustSailor]

Ah. They don't have drivers listed for Windows 7, as it must be an older model. The closest you have to your version is Vista 32bit drivers. This is the dell website with the drivers. Look under "Network" for your drivers: Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]. To install and use them, follow this tutorial: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/98073-drivers-install-vista-drivers-windows-7-a.html - by severedsolo

If you have trouble locating the drivers, click the link I gave you, and under "No", click "Choose from a list...", and then "Continue". Select "Desktop", "Inspiron", and then "530".

:warn: Uninstall all old wireless and other networking drivers before you install the new ones!

 

[susan8231]

What driver(s) am I looking for?

 

[DustSailor]

the network drivers. you can expand the list that says network.

 

[scrambledlife]

Go to control panel >device manager and click on network adapters if urs is there and yellow mark on it put cd for usb adapter in and update driver from cd.gl