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General discussion

HELP, I can connect to the WLAn but browers don't work

Jun 14, 2005 9:26AM PDT

I have an Inspiron 9200 (Dell) which is fitted with a Intel(R) Pro/Wireless LAN 2100 3A Mini PCI Adapter.

The problem is that I can connect to the WLAn (and can ping IPs) however my browers (IE and netscape) do not work.

THey simply display a message saying they cannot connect.

Solutions please?

Discussion is locked

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Given this much information?
Jun 14, 2005 9:29AM PDT

I don't see the issue.

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info
Jun 15, 2005 8:01AM PDT

The router is a Buffalo router, it's fairly sophisticated and allows a lot of variables. I have checked all the settings for it but have found nothing which seems to be connected with the problem.

My problem, in more detail, is that I am able to connect to the internet -- that is to say that the wireless LAn icon in the task tray appears active and I am able to ping IPs -- however, I cannot use my browsers or sign in to MSN. the browsers simply displah the same message they would if I wasn't connected at all. It is very odd. I seem to be connected yet my laptop (dell, inspiron 9200) doesn;t behave as if it were.

I have read elsewhere on the net that uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers for the intel proset might solve the problem. However I'm reluctant to do that because I would have to download the drivers using another computer onto removable media and then run them on this laptop, I wonder if the drivers would automatically find the intel proset. In any case this laptop is very new so that is unlikely to be the problem.

As for firmware for the router, I'm not quite sure how to update the firmware. I have not found anything to `click that allows me to update the router.

thoughts?

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You didn't write much.
Jun 15, 2005 8:10AM PDT

For instance if you have WEP/WPA enabled or what settings are not stock.

As to firmware the verdict is harsh. Have latest or some things do not work.

-> Worth noting is that some spyware will damage the WINSOCK settings or files and complaints like yours surface. WINSOCKFIX or WINSOCKXPFIX is safe and easy to resolve this. In fact, if you don't do this I would ask why not.

Bob

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A comment about "new."
Jun 15, 2005 8:13AM PDT

This derails far too many new owners. Brand new products are being shipped/delivered daily with out of date or defective firmware or drivers. It's such a high percentage that I never trust that the firmware or drivers are current.

Those that don't believe it? I'll wait till they lose a few weeks or enough money on phone support....

Bob

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s
Jun 15, 2005 7:43PM PDT

I have WEP enabled. However the malfunctioning browser occurs even when there is no encryption.

How do i update the drivers and firmware, I thought it would be difficult since the laptop in question obviously has no internet. Can I just download onto a memory key and then stick it on the problematic laptop?

thanks

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You have WEP enabled.
Jun 15, 2005 9:19PM PDT

Try it with all STOCK settings and no WEP/WPA etc.

If it works then you step forward with WEP. One thing at a time.

-> Too many times we find the WEP is not compatible between this and that and have to use MAC FILTERING instead as we wait for new drivers.

About drivers,
"Can I just download onto a memory key and then stick it on the problematic laptop?"

Yes, but for now I'd get the network working since we know that WEP is on and needs to be off for the first outing.

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More info please:
Jun 14, 2005 10:51AM PDT

how are you getting on the Internet?
Using a router?
What type and have you updated the firmware?
Can you get to the Internet with a direct connection to the PCs NIC?

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I had a similar problem
Jun 15, 2005 11:00PM PDT

It turned out that it was the internet settings, rather than a netowrk issue.
I found I had to manually enter DNS server addresses in the IE options screen, even though I use DHCP from the modem/ router. You may find if you check with your ISP that they list the DNS server addresses. If so, put these into you network settings on the PC and see if that resolves. Alternatively, get someone with a net connection to find out the IP address of a web site (find this by opening a cmd prompt and type tracert www.bbc.co.uk). Enter the IP address into the browser (including Http:// but not www). If this gets you through to the site, it's definetly a DNS issue