I optimistically named the wireless network I was trying to set up, “My netbook’s networking!” Unfortunately, it is doing nothing of the sort — at least not at its own home. I tried to set the network up on a Qwest DSL account. Internet service was originally set up, by CD I think, for an old computer that I believe does still function (though its monitor exploded some time back — making loud sizzling noises, no less).
At this point, my netbook believes that it is the only computer on its network, and that it can’t do internet until I plug its ethernet cable back in. It doesn’t actually have an ethernet port, but I am having a hard time convincing it of this. Any thoughts?

1. Which operating system are you using on your notebook?
2. What is the exact verbage of the message it gives you?
3. Are you using earthlink totalconnect?
   I have a friend whose browser constantly went into offline mode until we reinstalled the wireless drivers.
4. Has it ever been connected via wifi?
5. If not does it have a PC/PCI expansion port?
6. Is there any indication that it is getting a wireless signal or seeing the wireless router?

If we can’t figure anything out from this then I have more questions for you.

Thanks, Dave. I can answer most of those questions: The netbook is running Windows XP. It does a great job with Wifi networks that have already been set up correctly; right now, it’s connected to a Wifi network at a coffee/ tea place. I am not using any earthlink systems. The netvook (an Acer Aspire 1) has 3 USB ports, and some other type of port. I will have to look at the exact wording of the message when I get back home, and try to connect to the internet there; I know that it thinks it has an Actiontech (Qwest) ethernet connection, which I guess was how the other computer was connecting to the modem. At one point, I think I tried to use a USB cable to connect this netbook to the modem, but the system wouldn’t recognize it without going online to get the info…. which I couldn’t, at the moment, do.

My netbook was right. I was wrong. In addition to its three USB ports, it has an ethernet port.
Dave, if you hadn’t had me poking around looking for expansion ports, I might not have discovered that near the joint where it opens and closes…. is an ethernet port.
As soon as I tried connecting via ethernet (as opposed to USB) the netbook was remarkably cheery.

Glad you figured it out.

Wait a minute, the OP was about a wireless network but it sounds like you are now connecting via a ethernet wire so we aren’t finished yet.

What we know:

• The wireless works on the notebook side since you were able to use it at the cafe.
• The network and DSL connectivity works since you can connect via ethernet cable.

• What kind of security is in place on the wireless router? It might be stopping you from connecting
• Do you have the SID and any security key (WEP)?
• Do you have the router’s password? We might need to get into the router and configure the wireless network by hand.

You are helpful and knowledgeable, and I will remember that. I think it’s okay. As long as the netbook will run on ethernet, I guess it doesn’t matter about the USB connection (probably better to run it on ethernet, as the headset and CA Security Suite are using two of the three USB ports, already). I did try to set up a network between the netbook and the computer with the broken monitor (I think I clicked ‘WPA’ when Windows prompted me) but I guess I just didn’t successfully set it up. As long as I didn’t create some security issue by trying to set up a network, I think it’s okay.

@Dave…you are a master on this…now, I need your help…How can I ensure I use the right key words to get people signing up to my Spanish classes?? :)

Ron Smith is the master of getting noticed by others. My advice would be to put plenty of pornographic pictures up on your profile (just kidding). I’m sure you would get noticed by someone then.

If I understood the marketing side of this biz my class on networking would already be full. However, if you ever need computer troubleshooting I am available.