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General discussion

If you can fix it, I'll send beer!!

Apr 21, 2008 10:37PM PDT

Hi folks,

here's the issue. I have a Macbook Pro, running Leopard, and Parralels with XP. I'm trying to log onto a WiFi network in a hotel - free access - but only the parallels side will allow me to load and access the internet. Leopard says there is a good signal strength, recognises the signal but just won't play!! It is annoying the hell out of me! Parallels works fine. Other items such as iTunes and iChat won't load with Leopard either.

If I connect via ethernet, neither parallels OR Leopard work, but both show they are connected.

All the systems check out ok, connection etc, DNS, but it is almost as if it won't move off the 'I connected' stage!! It is driving me crazy.

Currently I have a shiny Macbook, that has to run as a Windows-based PC to function - the shame of it!!!!!

I used it at Schiphol airport (WiFi, where you brought access time) and everythning worked perfectly.

Currently working in Kazakhstan, so I REALLY need my Maccie to play nicely!!!

Best regards

Garfy007


PS This has also been posted on the 'wireless' forum Happy

Discussion is locked

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That wireless beast
Apr 22, 2008 10:22AM PDT

Shut down XP.
Just on the Mac side, attempt to connect to the wireless signal in the hotel.
Once the Mac says it is connected, go to System Preferences > Network and take a look at the IP address you airport card thinks it has.

From what you are describing, I would lay odds that the address starts with 169. This is a self assigned address and, as you have found out, does not allow you to do anything.

I had the same problem this weekend with my iPhone and a new Wireless "N" router. Says it connected but did not get an IP address from the Router.
Some routers do not play nicely with the DHCP side of the Mac. If this was at the house, I would advise a firmware update. As it is, you could ask but I doubt you would get much of a response. Other than, "It works with Windows so it must be OK." Yeah, right!

Here is something you can try. Set the wireless card to be NOT DHCP. Taking a cue for the windows side, pick an IP address that is in the range that the hotel is pushing out.
Then try to connect.

Good luck

P

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R U using Active Directory???
May 10, 2008 7:29AM PDT

You don't say if you have the Active Directory function turned on. If you do, that might be the source of your problem. I have run into some hotels that the Apple with AD turned on, will not make a connection and will just hang somewhere in the booting process. It might even get as far as letting you enter your password (but getting this far is not common) but the connection will never complete. It requires the old "10 sec power button down Kill Switch" to get any chance to use your computer again.

One thing you can try is to get out of the range of any wireless router. Log into your computer (presuming it will now let you on)and turn off the Active Directory function. Then shut down and go back into your room or where ever the hotel provides service. Try logging in again. If it is the AD vs. Hotel problem, you should now be able to fully use your system.

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Not sure he has a booting problem
May 10, 2008 8:20AM PDT

more of a wireless connection problem.

P