Trouble finding my network/internet

giambotic · #1 12-02-2002, 05:37 AM

Okay here is the deal... I recently purchased a new laptop with an intergrated wireless OriNOCO mini pc card running on windows XP pro. Upon startup for the very first time, I was easily able to recognize my Linksys router and the Internet. However could not find either the host desktop which is connected via network cable directly to the router(Linksys/w98), the downstairs desktop connected via usbwireless(Linksys/me), or the kitchen laptop connected via wireless card (Linksys/w98).

All computers including the new laptop had internet intitially then I think I did something I shouldn't have. I started the MIcrosoft Network setup wizard so I could see the files/drives of the other computers. I cannot access the internet any longer, with the Orinoco card nor can I see any computer on the network. Everything works okay on the other computers. I have had some success in getting it to connnect at times but then I lose it upon restart.

Since then, I have done the following:

1) up graded the firmware for my router
2) tried a static IP
3) called all support who could be possibly involved.

Right now orinoco is disabled, and I am using the Linksys USB on the new laptop. When I enable the Orinoco card I get cannot connected. Event though I use a static IP. Does anyone have any ideas???? I would like to use the integrated card, thats why I purchased it. Thanks for any help.

Greenstead · #2 12-02-2002, 10:17 AM

I have an orinoco gold PC card which I could never get to work until I recently upgraded my XP Pro to SP1 and put the card in and it stared working (I wish I knew why). I can pull it out and put it back and it works fine using the internet and sharing with my other PCs. Note there is a bug with SP1 which makes wireless cards show disconnected after Resume from Hibernate.

It sounds you must be familiar with your settings but here's my standard checklist you can run thro if it helps:
- All PCs have TCP/IP installed.
- All PCs have Netbios over TCP/IP enabled.
- All PCs have the same workgroup.
- All PCs have a unique computer name.
- All wireless connections have the same SSID.
- ALL PCs have network shares defined directly under c:.
- ALL NICS are on the same subnet (typically IP 192.168.0.* subnet 255.255.255.0).
- MS Client and file & printer sharing are checked on each NIC.
- All NICs have their node type = broadcast or hybrid (check with Ipconfig /all or winipcfg).
- XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled.
- All 3rd party firewalls are disabled, uninstalled and deleted (until connection is working).

giambotic · #3 12-03-2002, 05:12 AM

Thanks for the checklist... the only thing I can find that is not consistent at this point is that the node type on the "offending" laptop is listed as unlnown. However I am connected using a linksys USB like I mentioned bfore. Also I am not sure how i would check "ALL PCs have network shares defined directly under c:".

Additionally, Gateway is sending me a new card as they say it is bad but I really don't think it is. When I run card diagnostics on the client manager everything checks out okay. I connected initially when I firsted started it and have had connections before. So I think it is in the configuration. Specifically, something Changed by running the network setup wizard.

In fooling with it I noticed in the client manager there is a link on the advanced tab called site monitor. On that tab, I have found that when i click it it says nonspecific ssid. I have repeatedly tried to add linksys (my SSID) and it will not move into the available networks box although it has shon a connection a few times. Hmmmmmmmmm

One more thing. When I i click on wireless connection properties profile and hit refresh it connect for a second and then drops...this is WEIRD! and it flashes a connection every so often.

Greenstead · #4 12-03-2002, 09:04 AM

Have you installed SP1?

I think I had the same problem with the SSID.

You can also set SSID in the driver configuration. (Open the network connection and select 'Configuration', Advanced settings.

Also ensure on the wireless tab you allow windows to use automatic wireless configuration.

Also on the wireless tab try to add the SSID and ensure it is not set for ad hoc connections.

giambotic · #5 12-03-2002, 06:18 PM

Yes I did install SP1. Actually, when I turned the computer on this morning It was connected. I then disabled the linksys usb and it still worked when I did that. But then... I restarted and the connection dropped. Now what happens is when I refresh the orinoco card I get a signal for a second then it drops. I am able to add the ssid to the preferred networks but it does not show up in the available when I refresh. SO now I am back to using the USB.

BTW ad hoc is not checked ...

Greenstead · #6 12-03-2002, 08:58 PM

Hmm..I'm a bit stumped - but then I don't know why my card started working either.

As a long shot I don't suppose you have MAC authentication on in the router?

Maybe the RMA will make a difference (it may have different firmware in it).

giambotic · #7 12-04-2002, 04:03 AM

Yeah I can't figure it out. I've tried so many things with all of the different support people. They are sending me the new card so I will just install it and see how it goes...maybe the card is bad??? If it still does not work I will probably send the integrated card back and just by a PCI card... probably linksys to be safe.

What did you mean by "Maybe the RMA will make a difference (it may have different firmware in it)."? What is RMA?

Greenstead · #8 12-04-2002, 08:39 AM

RMA is supplier talk for Return to Manufacturer Authorisation. It means they agreed to give you a working card for your dead one.

All these cards have firmware in them which has to be compatible with the driver. Whilst you still have the old card it might be worth going to Orinoco's site and getting the latest driver and firmware and try it (Winter 2002 version, firmware V8.1 last time I looked).

http://www.expressresponse.com/cgi-b...rch_erproduct=

(I think the client manager can tell you your current driver and firmware versions).

giambotic · #9 12-05-2002, 05:55 PM

Thanks for your help thus far. According to wireless support at Gateway they said that the card is probably bad. I called again to locate my card. They claim that installing the linksys usb may have been causing a conflict so we removed it and the software and guess what... the Orinoco card worked. At least till I restarted. Then no go again. Sooo I guess I just wait for the card and then if that works then it was the card. If not then they say I need to send the PC in for service. EEEEK.

giambotic · #10 12-10-2002, 05:06 AM

Greenstead

Thanks again for the help. We aren't out of the woods yet. But a funny thing happened tonight. Throughout the day today I kept geting a popup message saying that a network cable was unplgged on the orinoco card. Well, I had disabled it so I thought it kind of weird. I came home this evening after being out for a bit and I'll be darned.... The orinoco card was enabled and working.(I think my wife enabled it.) I am expecting the replacment card tomorrow. I haven't restarted yet. Gateway claims it may be a problem with the antenna in the screen of the laptop. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for your time and update you.

Greenstead · #11 12-10-2002, 07:37 AM

Thanks.

It will be interesting to know the final outcome.

giambotic · #12 12-12-2002, 03:38 AM

Well It was the card evidently. Got the card today and replaced it, configured it and it has worked no problem. Thanks for all the help.

unixfan · #13 12-15-2002, 12:16 PM

Why dont you change the SSID from the Linksys default, its like your just asking for someone to hack it???