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