Vista - wireless router / internet connection....grrrRR

Hi,

ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my new
(sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.

to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824". As
instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch the
install CD "wizard".

It immediately returns an error message saying

"The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
Ethernet adapter
Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "

boom! Im goosed.

what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to the
internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install some
sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just paid
a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all included.

In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what I
need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something simple
enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help me
out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!


thanks and have a nice day.

GrahamO

"grahamo" <grahamo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C00D6C8B-6793-40AB-A4B6-CA17864DC5E9@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
>
> ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
> connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my
> new
> (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
>
> to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824".
> As
> instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch
> the
> install CD "wizard".
>
> It immediately returns an error message saying
>
> "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
> You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
> Ethernet adapter
> Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
>
> boom! Im goosed.
>
> what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to
> the
> internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install
> some
> sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just
> paid
> a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all
> included.
>
> In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what I
> need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something
> simple
> enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help me
> out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!
>
>
> thanks and have a nice day.
>
> GrahamO
>
Usually laptops include a network adaptor but you should be sure one was
included and that it is compatible with your router. Also, it may have an
Ethernet adaptor as opposed to a wireless adaptor so check that as well.
Some of the newer routers have, in addition to prior standards, also newer
standards which may not be compatible with the adaptor in your laptop and
some of those routers may be set to default to the newer standard. You may
need to be sure you have the router set to a standard compatible with your
laptop's adapter.

That said, you probably will be able to get more and better help with this
issue in the vista.networking_sharing newsgroup.

--
Michael Solomon
Backup is a PC user's best friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

grahamo wrote:
> Hi,
>
> ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
> connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my new
> (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
>
> to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824". As
> instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch the
> install CD "wizard".
>
> It immediately returns an error message saying
>
> "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
> You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
> Ethernet adapter
> Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
>
> boom! Im goosed.
>
> what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to the
> internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install some
> sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just paid
> a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all included.
>
> In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what I
> need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something simple
> enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help me
> out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!

My guess is that the router installation software isn't
Vista-compatible. If you don't have an XP computer you can use, most
routers allow you to install them manually. You will need to refer to
the router's manual (or Netgear's website), but the usual technique is:

1. Power should be off to the DSL/cable modem and the router, usually
just by having them unplugged.

2. Attach the DSL/cable modem to the Internet port of the router with an
ethernet cable.

3. Turn on the DSL/cable modem, usually just by plugging it in.

4. After the modem's lights are lit, turn on the router, usually just by
plugging it in. Lights should be on.

5. Attach your computer to a port on the router with an ethernet cable.

6. Open a browser (IE, Firefox - doesn't matter).

7. In the addressbar, type the router's IP address. This will look
something like:
http://192.168.0.1 [enter]

8. This should bring you to the router's administration utility. Enter
the default username (if any) and password. You will find this
information in the router's manual.

9. Choose your connection - If DSL, this is usually PPoE. If you have
DSL and it is different, check with your ISP to find out what to use. If
you have cable, most routers will show that option as simply "cable".

10. If you have DSL and choose PPoE, you will then enter in your
username and password. This is the username and password for Internet
access, sometimes the same as your email address/password but not
always. You will know this from when you set up the DSL connection the
first time.

11. After you've saved your settings, you should have Internet access on
your computer.

12. Change the username and password for the router's administration
from the default to something you will remember. Writing these things
down is A Good Thing.

12. Now set up your wireless.

a. Change the default SSID to something recognizable - I prefer for
clients to not use their family name but that's your choice. As an
example, my wireless SSID is gruehouse57. Means nothing unless you know
me. ;-)

b. Set your wireless encryption. Since this is a new laptop, you can
use good encryption like WPA2-PSK.

c. Create a passphrase - you will type this passphrase in on
computers that are going to connect to the wireless network.

13. Save your settings and unplug the computer's ethernet cable from
router. You should get a notice that wireless networks are available and
your new one should be there. Click connect, put in the passphrase, and
go surf on the couch.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

grahamo wrote:
> Hi,
>
> ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
> connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my new
> (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
>
> to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824". As
> instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch the
> install CD "wizard".
>
> It immediately returns an error message saying
>
> "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
> You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
> Ethernet adapter
> Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
>
> boom! Im goosed.
>
> what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to the
> internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install some
> sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just paid
> a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all included.
>
> In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what I
> need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something simple
> enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help me
> out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!
>
>
> thanks and have a nice day.
>
> GrahamO
>
You need to connect the router between your computer and the modem. You
can't set up the router unless you're connected to it directly.
http://www.swhowto.com/HomeNetWiring_Ch3.htm

"grahamo" <grahamo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C00D6C8B-6793-40AB-A4B6-CA17864DC5E9@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
>
> ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
> connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my
> new
> (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
>
> to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824".
> As
> instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch
> the
> install CD "wizard".
>
> It immediately returns an error message saying
>
> "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
> You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
> Ethernet adapter
> Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
>
> boom! Im goosed.

Do you have a cable modem? DSL modem? You need one or the other in
order to use a wireless connection. Then you need a wireless network card
in your laptop. Most these days have one. A phone modem connection isn't
enough.

Mike

"grahamo" <grahamo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C00D6C8B-6793-40AB-A4B6-CA17864DC5E9@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
>
> ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
> connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my
> new
> (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
>
> to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824".
> As
> instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch
> the
> install CD "wizard".
>
> It immediately returns an error message saying
>
> "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
> You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
> Ethernet adapter
> Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
>
> boom! Im goosed.
>
> what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to
> the
> internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install
> some
> sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just
> paid
> a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all
> included.
>
> In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what I
> need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something
> simple
> enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help me
> out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!
>
>
> thanks and have a nice day.
>
> GrahamO
>
>
It could be as simple as switching the wireless lan on. Most laptops have a
wireless Lan switch somewhere near the keyboard or even somewhere on the
edge of the casing, so that the Lan can be switched off in sensitive areas.
Look at your manual.

--
Ian

And make sure your internal wireless on the laptop is turned on, check your
manual


"grahamo" <grahamo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C00D6C8B-6793-40AB-A4B6-CA17864DC5E9@microsoft.com...
> Hi,
>
> ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
> connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my
> new
> (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
>
> to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824".
> As
> instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch
> the
> install CD "wizard".
>
> It immediately returns an error message saying
>
> "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
> You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
> Ethernet adapter
> Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
>
> boom! Im goosed.
>
> what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to
> the
> internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install
> some
> sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just
> paid
> a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all
> included.
>
> In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what I
> need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something
> simple
> enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help me
> out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!
>
>
> thanks and have a nice day.
>
> GrahamO
>

Hi Ian,

do you have your wireless network sorted now? If not, what you have to do is
set the router up while it is plugged into your laptop, and then you can
unplug and run wirelessly after that. When it said to make sure you are
connected to the internet, this means your internet must already be working
to begin with. Your internet at this stage is only working whilst you are
plugged in. You then go through a set up process which programs the router.
Then you can unplug and connect wirelessly.

I had problems with my setup initially and found that I had to change the
security settings to make things work.

Best regards,
Brian.


"Ian Betts" <igb123@talktalk.net> wrote in message
news:20A7FFA0-F0D3-44F5-A1E9-68C899F06B39@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "grahamo" <grahamo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:C00D6C8B-6793-40AB-A4B6-CA17864DC5E9@microsoft.com...
>> Hi,
>>
>> ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
>> connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my
>> new
>> (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
>>
>> to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824".
>> As
>> instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch
>> the
>> install CD "wizard".
>>
>> It immediately returns an error message saying
>>
>> "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
>> You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
>> Ethernet adapter
>> Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
>>
>> boom! Im goosed.
>>
>> what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to
>> the
>> internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install
>> some
>> sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just
>> paid
>> a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all
>> included.
>>
>> In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what
>> I
>> need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something
>> simple
>> enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help
>> me
>> out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!
>>
>>
>> thanks and have a nice day.
>>
>> GrahamO
>>
>>
> It could be as simple as switching the wireless lan on. Most laptops have
> a wireless Lan switch somewhere near the keyboard or even somewhere on the
> edge of the casing, so that the Lan can be switched off in sensitive
> areas. Look at your manual.
>
> --
> Ian

Check this, check that - aaaaaaaarrrrrrrggggg. Simple remedy, and worked for
me. Download the trial of Network Magic, and ALL of your networking issues
will be easily resolved. Setup, printer sharing, graphical network map, etc.
It's all there. This program is great! I have 3 desktops, 2 laptops, 2
printers, and my son's WII all networked smoothly, and easily. DL it.
You'll be glad you did.

http://www.networkmagic.com

"grege" wrote:

> And make sure your internal wireless on the laptop is turned on, check your
> manual
>
>
> "grahamo" <grahamo@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:C00D6C8B-6793-40AB-A4B6-CA17864DC5E9@microsoft.com...
> > Hi,
> >
> > ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
> > connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my
> > new
> > (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
> >
> > to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824".
> > As
> > instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch
> > the
> > install CD "wizard".
> >
> > It immediately returns an error message saying
> >
> > "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
> > You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
> > Ethernet adapter
> > Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
> >
> > boom! Im goosed.
> >
> > what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to
> > the
> > internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install
> > some
> > sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just
> > paid
> > a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all
> > included.
> >
> > In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what I
> > need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something
> > simple
> > enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help me
> > out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!
> >
> >
> > thanks and have a nice day.
> >
> > GrahamO
> >
>
>

thank you all so much (especially your good self "malke"), Im writing this
message over wifi in my living room. No connection.... the router works a
treat. you were spot on Malke.

cheers

GrahamO


"Malke" wrote:

> grahamo wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > ok, I'm lost. I've just purchased a new laptop...its running vista. Its
> > connected to the internet .... no problem. I want to be able to take my new
> > (sony viao) into any room in the apt, and connect to internet.
> >
> > to this effect I purchased a "netgear rangemax wireless router wpn 824". As
> > instructed, I leave my computer connected to the internet.... and launch the
> > install CD "wizard".
> >
> > It immediately returns an error message saying
> >
> > "The network adapter in this computer is not responding.
> > You must use the Installation Assistant on a computer with a working
> > Ethernet adapter
> > Click Quit to exit the Installation Assistant. "
> >
> > boom! Im goosed.
> >
> > what do I need to do next? I have no network.I have just a connection to the
> > internet via the modem from my internet supplier. Do I need to install some
> > sort of network adaptor? I hope thats not gonna cost me money cos I just paid
> > a lotta cash for this vaio in the hope that everything would be all included.
> >
> > In summary, could anybody out there be nice enough to explain to me what I
> > need to install? Do I need to make another purchase or is it something simple
> > enough. If there are people out there that could be kind enough to help me
> > out, I will email you a pint of guinness!!
>
> My guess is that the router installation software isn't
> Vista-compatible. If you don't have an XP computer you can use, most
> routers allow you to install them manually. You will need to refer to
> the router's manual (or Netgear's website), but the usual technique is:
>
> 1. Power should be off to the DSL/cable modem and the router, usually
> just by having them unplugged.
>
> 2. Attach the DSL/cable modem to the Internet port of the router with an
> ethernet cable.
>
> 3. Turn on the DSL/cable modem, usually just by plugging it in.
>
> 4. After the modem's lights are lit, turn on the router, usually just by
> plugging it in. Lights should be on.
>
> 5. Attach your computer to a port on the router with an ethernet cable.
>
> 6. Open a browser (IE, Firefox - doesn't matter).
>
> 7. In the addressbar, type the router's IP address. This will look
> something like:
> http://192.168.0.1 [enter]
>
> 8. This should bring you to the router's administration utility. Enter
> the default username (if any) and password. You will find this
> information in the router's manual.
>
> 9. Choose your connection - If DSL, this is usually PPoE. If you have
> DSL and it is different, check with your ISP to find out what to use. If
> you have cable, most routers will show that option as simply "cable".
>
> 10. If you have DSL and choose PPoE, you will then enter in your
> username and password. This is the username and password for Internet
> access, sometimes the same as your email address/password but not
> always. You will know this from when you set up the DSL connection the
> first time.
>
> 11. After you've saved your settings, you should have Internet access on
> your computer.
>
> 12. Change the username and password for the router's administration
> from the default to something you will remember. Writing these things
> down is A Good Thing.
>
> 12. Now set up your wireless.
>
> a. Change the default SSID to something recognizable - I prefer for
> clients to not use their family name but that's your choice. As an
> example, my wireless SSID is gruehouse57. Means nothing unless you know
> me. ;-)
>
> b. Set your wireless encryption. Since this is a new laptop, you can
> use good encryption like WPA2-PSK.
>
> c. Create a passphrase - you will type this passphrase in on
> computers that are going to connect to the wireless network.
>
> 13. Save your settings and unplug the computer's ethernet cable from
> router. You should get a notice that wireless networks are available and
> your new one should be there. Click connect, put in the passphrase, and
> go surf on the couch.
>
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
>