Wireless

[Sammy Snake]

I have a desktop PC and recently bought a new laptop and router. The idea being to use both desktop and laptop wirelessly.

I have finally managed to get my desktop up and running wirelessly with no problems but I can't get the laptop to connect. When I connected it to the router using the ethernet cable, it worked fine but won't connect at all wirelessly.

Can anyone tell me in very simple terms what I should be doing to set it up? When you search for wireless devices within range, it finds none (even though there are) and says to make sure that the wireless switch is switched on. What is the wireless switch and where is it?

[rope]

Sammy,

What version of windows is running on the laptop? what make is your laptop and the wireless card if it is not built into the laptop?

And finaly what make is the router?

[October]

You sure it says wireless switch and not radio ? Try Fn (bottom left on keyboard) + F2 (top left on keyboard) at same time.

[wideboy]

Believe it or not, some new laptops have a switch eg. Acer, at the front of the computer and this can easily be leaned on and stops the wireless working. Check if your laptop has such a vswitch (check the manual?).

[wig]

I assume your laptop is wireless enabled. I had the same thing with a Toshiba laptop. There is a switch on the right hand side of the computer with an aerial sign by it, switch it on. Also on the function keys on your keypad(often doubling up as number keys) one of them should have the same aerial sign (F8 on mine) it toggles wireless on & off, you may need to do that as well. Then search for wireless devices. Good luck.

[Sammy Snake]

Laptop is Toshiba so I will try wig's suggestion. I assumed that the wireless card was already built into my laptop as I did explain to the man in PC World exactly what I wanted before I chose one.

Both desktop and laptop are running XP. October, I did try trouble shooting and it did says something about checking the radio was on and as far as I can tell, it is (no, not Radio One!!)

I'll let you know how I get on....

[Sammy Snake]

wig, I think I love you!!

What a STUPID switch - I would never have seen it in a million years if you hadn't said. I can't even see the point of it - I will leave it permantly switched on now I know about it!!!

WHY oh WHY can't people write instruction manuals in English in language that most people understand? I'm not completely stupid when it comes to computers but would never have sussed this one without the help of he lovely people on this site!!