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General discussion

Windows Vista and AT & T wireless router problem.

Dec 28, 2010 4:05AM PST

I have a laptop that runs Windows Vista. I recently moved and have AT & T UVERSE as my cable provider, with wireless router for the computer. My laptop says I'm "connected" to the internet but when I click on Inernet Explorer, it cannot find the page. The tecnician said that there is something in my computer that is not allowing it to make the actual connection through the wireless, eventhough it recongnizes my wireless network and show "connected" and the signal strength is good. I am so frustrated, I am only able to actually connect when I am hooked up to the hardwire. Anyone have a similar issue? Any suggestions?

Discussion is locked

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I have Uverse and a better tech
Dec 28, 2010 5:53AM PST

A better tech disabled the WPS in the router and it worked fine. Later I changed the security to wpa.

WEP will frustrate many as the symptom is consistent with what happens if the password is incorrect. Move to WPA now.
Bob

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AT & T Uverse
Dec 28, 2010 8:21AM PST

Mr Proffitt, is this WPS, WRA and WEP language that the tech will be familiar with when I call him back? I can work with my brother or my dad on this issue too since they are both kinda computer "savvy".
Basically AT & T told me that AT & T techs were not "computer guys" and their level of troubleshooting is sometimes not as high as we expect it is and that I should contact someone with more computer knowledge....I about fell over, thought this was part of their job. Thanks for the help, gonna investigate when I get home.

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Almost.
Dec 28, 2010 8:56AM PST

But one tech is not like the next so all bets are off. WRA is not a term I would understand.

My tech was PC savvy and knew the problem in seconds. For me, I rarely use WPS but it seems nice (when it works) but I can share a little since I moved 2 months ago and have uverse.

Remember, the techs are not there to troubleshoot your PC. Many forget that!
Bob

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I think you meant ...
Dec 29, 2010 3:28AM PST

WPA rather than WRA - accuracy is rather important as it helps prevent misunderstandings.

This link (there are two pages so don't forget to look at the second page via its link at the bottom of the article) should help you understand the three wireless security measures AND should help you understand why turning off or disabling WPS was suggested by Bob -
http://www.brighthub.com/computing/hardware/articles/26609.aspx

You do need some type of wireless security though and after reading the link I offered you you can see why WEP would be fine IF you live a couple miles from the nearest road or neighbor but more likely you will understand why Bob mentioned that he later configured WPA and recommended you do so.

You can easily do this yourself by following the instructions in the Router's manual (sometimes called a User Guide). If you do not have the manual you might tell us the make and model of the router and we can likely point you to one.

This generic router configuration link might show how easy it can be -
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/homenetworking/ht/routerconfigure.htm

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One more little detail...
Dec 30, 2010 12:12AM PST

When I was/am connected with the ethernet cable, I disconnected to see what would happen and tried to navigate, the little computer icon says "connected with limited access" and then internet explorer cannot find the page. Is this a indicator for what direction the problem may lie? I'm actually home today in front of my computer, and I am going to attempt to get the wirless going on my own so to speak...
The make of the router is 2wire gateway? 3801HGV..

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That message can happen
Dec 30, 2010 3:20AM PST

If the security is WEP and the password was off by a bit. The easy fix is to move to WPA.
Bob

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I'm fixed!
Jan 4, 2011 1:19AM PST

Just wanted to thank you guys for all the help. I learned a heck of alot over the past 5 days or so about my computer and security. I finally convinced AT & T to send out another tech after I spent yet another hour on the phone with a greatly skilled customer service person (after 2 hrs with my brother). The tech came out and replaced the router with the older style, said that he has had numerous problems with the newer one like mine...made a couple of adjustments and wah-lah!
I am completely unchained now and free to roam about the house!
Thanks again, I really dig this site and have made it a favorite on my bookmarks.
Monika~