Wireless networking

I want to set the laptop (win 98SE - yes I know a dino!) for wireless when travelling. I have installed a wireless card, and both lights illuminate when it is within range of a network. The utility software identifies the network, signal strength OK and all that. But when I go into IExplorer it won't connect to anything. I have tried taking all the IP settings out from my eithernet TCP/IP. But still no joy. When I go into IE and type in a page, the lights on the card don't blink, so I think (?????) that IE is still trying to connect through the eithernet card, even though its unplugged from the wall. I've tried typing ipconfig and ipconfig/renew_all into the MSDOS prompt. In both cases it shows to network cards (presumably the eithernet and the Wireless) one with some IP,gateway and DNS settings, the other with zeros thoughout. The one with settings in the eithernet I am guessing. I have removed all the WEP gubbins from the wireless network, and my PDA works fine on it without any hex codes and so on.

Help!!! I am stuck, frustrated and fed up! Absolutely no idea why it may not work. I know some of you are IT fiends - any chance of some tips? Pleeeeease[:X]

Have you checked your firewall status?

RR

[HighFlyer]

Try disabling the other network card (ethernet one) in Device Manager then run the ipconfig/ renew propmt again

What sort of DHCP & IP address are you getting? If your IP is out of the ordinary (from 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254) and you have a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0 then Windoze is assigning an APIPA ... ipconfig/ renew should fix that

Just my thoughts ...

Yeah, what Sarah said :D

It might help if you can post the ipconfig details. At your DOS prompt, type:

Code: Select alliconfig /all > c:ipconfig.txt

Then open the c:ipconfig.txt file and copy & paste the info into a post here...

Cheers

Michael

I don't think I have a firewall (??) but could be wrong. I think it maybe too much for win98.
Good idea about disabling the ethernet - I think I know how to do that. The IPs i get are normal 192.168.1.1/33 with a subnet of 255.255.255.0. So I think that is Ok (which is lucky as I have no idea what a APAIA is - I thought it was a scalp condition!).
Thx both - and more tips much appreciated.

Wow talk about an overload of info.
Here is a good rundown to try

Is it your Wireless Access Point?

If yes have you configured the DHCP portion of it (ie does it automatically assign an address to your wireless card when it connects)

Check the IPCONFIG /ALL as stated above. The key entries you are looking for are:
DHCP ENABLED YES
DHCP SERVER A.A.A.A (Where this is a valid ip address)
DNS SERVER A.A.A.A (as above)
DEFAULT GATEWAY A.A.A.A
IP ADDRESS B.B.B.B

Now for 99.9% of home wireless networking setups all of the A.A.A.A should be the same and the B.B.B.B should be similar (but not the same)

Perhaps you can post your findings here and we can continue to troubleshoot your problem

There may be some slight issues with Win98 and DNS as I know it doesn't like it.

By the way sailor99, 192.168.1.1/33 is inconsistant with a 255.255.255.0 subnet mask and a /33 CIDR is invalid (It only goes as far as 32 and the only usable ones start at 30)

BTW, you may wish to check your Connection Settings in IE as for a home setup there should NOT be any proxy entries

Paul

[HighFlyer]

Sorry if i rambled on in my last mail .. you caught me in 'work mode' where i'll regularly spout out a load of garble

Try Michaels suggestion as it helps if we can see what ipconfig details you are getting. Just type the whole thing in command and go to your root directory and copy and paste us everything in the newly created text file. Once we see all the details you are gettig it makes things a little easier

APAIA - (Automatic Private IP Addressing) Basically ... If your computer doesnt get an IP from the DHCP then Windoze gives it one. Just a term for it. Damn i ought to show this to my boss next time he accuses me of 'messing' with the servers to prove i do actually know something LOL

Sarah, I think you are in the wrong job:D:D, if you fancy a move into the IT support arena let me know, although I doubt I could afford your LV and travel lifestyle:D

Paul

[HighFlyer]

Sarah, I think you are in the wrong job

What, because i do network admin ... Yeah i know! The trick is to look and sound like you know what you are doing ... and to always carry a pen!

[mitchja]

If it helps at all this is my config:

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : voyager
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-E0-18-B7-44-D6
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 212.159.13.50 /212.159.13.49
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : 17 January 2006 10:53:21
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : 18 January 2006 10:53:21

I use a Netgear DG834G ADSL router which has an IP address of 192.168.0.1 which is also a DHCP server.
I enter the DNS server IP addresses from within the router config page (which is obtained from my ISP (Plus.net), these are then pulled from the router to all the PC's (both wired and wireless) on my network.

Regards

So much information - thanks all - I am overwhelmed (both emotionally and intelectually!) I will work some of this tonight and come back when, sorry I mean if, I have problems.

Originally posted by mitchja

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 212.159.13.50 /212.159.13.49
I enter the DNS server IP addresses from within the router config page (which is obtained from my ISP (Plus.net),

That then in my book puts you in the 0.1% [8D]

Paul

Originally posted by HighFlyer

Sarah, I think you are in the wrong job

What, because i do network admin ...

You do network admin now? Your profile says you're a product manager, but I am sure it used to say something to do with marketing.
Jack(ess) or all trades?:D

Paul

[HighFlyer]

You do network admin now? Your profile says you're a product manager, but I am sure it used to say something to do with marketing.
Jack(ess) or all trades?

Official title: 'Product manager and General Dogsbody'

Oh, I do a multitude of things at my company that are beyond my remit, been through more positions than a gymnast so to speak!

As much as im employed to do (and enjoy) the Product Management stuff, im at my happiest tinkering with the hardware so i self assumed the role of network admin about 6 months after i joined the company! So its not my official job but i still get to do what i enjoy best - and abuse the web server - and utilise a 2 meg pipe for my own downloads ... etc etc !! [:w]

Originally posted by HighFlyer
..and utilise a 2 meg pipe for my own downloads ... etc etc !! [:w]

Yes, I love those 250kbps download speeds at work[:I]

Paul

Originally posted by mcuth
Yeah, what Sarah said :D

It might help if you can post the ipconfig details. At your DOS prompt, type:

Code: Select alliconfig /all > c:ipconfig.txt

Then open the c:ipconfig.txt file and copy & paste the info into a post here...

Cheers

Michael

Right tried what Highfly said (viz disabled the eithernet card (it has now disappeared from device manager) and did a ipconfig/renew all) no joy. so have done what you said Mcuth and the file says "Description - ppp adaptor, physical address - 44-45-53-54-00-00, DHCP enabled - yes,IP address - 0.0.0.0, Subnetmask 0.0.0.0, default gateway - nothing, DHCP server 255.255.255.255, then all the rest have nothing in too.

Am now going to continue down the thread and see if I can work through the other ideas

[HighFlyer]

Your Default Gateway should be your router address of 192.168.0.1 .. and it says nothing?

Can you copy and paste everything from the text file a-la Mcuth?

Comments added below

Originally posted by p17blo
Wow talk about an overload of info.
Here is a good rundown to try

Is it your Wireless Access Point? Is my WAP what? don't get this one

If yes have you configured the DHCP portion of it (ie does it automatically assign an address to your wireless card when it connects) in the router (? - ie the thing with aerials that connects to the telephone line) setup DHCP is enabled.

Check the IPCONFIG /ALL as stated above. The key entries you are looking for are:
DHCP ENABLED YES
DHCP SERVER A.A.A.A (Where this is a valid ip address)
DNS SERVER A.A.A.A (as above)
DEFAULT GATEWAY A.A.A.A
IP ADDRESS B.B.B.B

Now for 99.9% of home wireless networking setups all of the A.A.A.A should be the same and the B.B.B.B should be similar (but not the same)

Perhaps you can post your findings here and we can continue to troubleshoot your problem

There may be some slight issues with Win98 and DNS as I know it doesn't like it.

By the way sailor99, 192.168.1.1/33 sorry I meant 192.168.1.1 OR 192.168.1.33, the 33 address is the one our work server assigns, but since I have disabled the eithernet card its gone anyway.is inconsistant with a 255.255.255.0 subnet mask and a /33 CIDR is invalid (It only goes as far as 32 and the only usable ones start at 30) our work server assigns 5 thru 253, 254 is the router IP at work

BTW, you may wish to check your Connection Settings in IE as for a home setup there should NOT be any proxy entries Nope it has auto detect ticked

Paul

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Your Default Gateway should be your router address of 192.168.0.1 .. and it says nothing?

Can you copy and paste everything from the text file a-la Mcuth?

Righty ho. Um, hang on I can't do internet on the laptop and thus can't paste to the internet. Oh![:?]

Got it - Just off to find a floppy disc!!!!

Hmm, definately something not quite right with the DHCP establishment. As soon as the wireless link is enabled and connects it should get the DHCP address. You card is configured is ask for one.

If you are sure about certain things you can try manually assigning your own addresses, but there are numerous options for home networking kit. These generally revolve around the 192.168.x.x range and 10.x.x.x range.

The first things I would do now would be to check your Wireless Access point (and my earlier question related to ascertaining whether you own your WAP). Ensure that DHCP is enabled on this.

If it is not then enable it, if it is enabled disable and re-enable it and either way, save your settings and reboot the wireless access point and try again.

What make is the wireless access point and card? Can help in ascertaining what the default may be.

Paul

And waiting for the laptop to reboot........[:(!].

Error 164#52 - humour failure immanent. Back up your work and boot laptop out window immediately.

Sorry to be really thick, is the Wireless access point the thing with aerials. If so it has DHCP enabled. I have disabled it and enabled it and no change. It has a range of addresses which is 192.168.1.32 to 254 if that helps. As to what type of wireless access point it is,...it is black and plastic. Only kidding, it's white. Serious answer its 3com

Hang on sec, just noticed something in the last post of the previous page.
You mention this give you settings for PPP adatper. This is your dial-up adapter, which won't have setting until you connect via modem etc.
Are you sure the wireless card is detected by Windows 98? I am racking my brains now to remember back in the days on Windows 98, i think you need to right click on my computer and select properties, you are looking for the Device Manager and then take a look in the section called network cards and see if you can see your wireless card.

Can anyone with a more recent grasp on 98 fill in my blanks?

Paul

Originally posted by sailor99
Sorry to be really thick, is the Wireless access point the thing with aerials. If so it has DHCP enabled. I have disabled it and enabled it and no change. It has a range of addresses which is 192.168.1.32 to 254 if that helps. As to what type of wireless access point it is,...it is black and plastic. Only kidding, it's white. Serious answer its 3com

And subject to you checking my posts above you can trying manually assigning yourself an address in that range, say 192.168.1.40 and then as Sarah has said you need your default gateway and dns entries to be the ip address of the router. If this still does not work and you are sure the wireless card is detected and working correct I think you are, what we affectionately call in the trade, 'b&gg&ered'! (But I am sure someone can help further)

Paul

Originally posted by p17blo
Hang on sec, just noticed something in the last post of the previous page.
You mention this give you settings for PPP adatper. This is your dial-up adapter, which won't have setting until you connect via modem etc.
Are you sure the wireless card is detected by Windows 98? I am racking my brains now to remember back in the days on Windows 98, i think you need to right click on my computer and select properties, you are looking for the Device Manager and then take a look in the section called network cards and see if you can see your wireless card.

Can anyone with a more recent grasp on 98 fill in my blanks?

Paul

Yep it's there OK and according to windows is working fine (lier!). The text file of that Ipconfig reads:
Windows 98 IP Configuration



Host Name . . . . . . . . . : OEMCOMPUTER

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

NetBIOS Scope ID. . . . . . :

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . : No

NetBIOS Resolution Uses DNS : No



0 Ethernet adapter :



Description . . . . . . . . : PPP Adapter.

Physical Address. . . . . . : 44-45-53-54-00-00

DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . : 0.0.0.0

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . : 0.0.0.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . :

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.255

Primary WINS Server . . . . :

Secondary WINS Server . . . :

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . :

Lease Expires . . . . . . . :
Doesn't look very similar to the earlier one posted.