Computer connectavity problems...please help

[shmoore]

I am running Windows XP on my Dell Inspiron 1501.

The resort where we are staying has WIFI and I used it all last week with no problems. This week I have gotten on a few times, but most of the time it will not connect.

I get a pop up saying that I am connected and when I check "Connect to" it says that I am connected, but Explorer won't connect.

I have used Explorer's tool to diagnose connection problems. One time it said to fix the "winsock provider catalog", I clicked on the button to fix it and restarted the computer. I was able to connect using WIFI for a day or two...then it wouldn't. When I ran the diagnose connection problems it did not give me any choices.

I can use my AOL Dial up that I have for traveling, but it is slow. However, I think that shows that my modem is working. Explorer works fine with AOL dial up.

I have a feeling that I need to click on a button somewhere, but can't figure out where. Suggestions PLEASE.

Sandy

 

[Jbart74]

I am running Windows XP on my Dell Inspiron 1501.

I can use my AOL Dial up that I have for traveling, but it is slow. However, I think that shows that my modem is working. Explorer works fine with AOL dial up.

I have a feeling that I need to click on a button somewhere, but can't figure out where. Suggestions PLEASE.

Sandy

I'm sorry to say that I probably can't really help you figure this out, but I can tell you that your AOL Dial Up uses your dial up Modem. Your wireless connection uses a Broadband Modem. These two Modems are completely different pieces of hardware within your laptop. So a working Dial up connection does not tell you anything about the state of your wireless connection. They are seperate entities and work independently of each other.

Does that make sense?

It is possible that the wireless in your resort is not reliable. I travel a lot for business and find that many times in Hotels, the wireless is "easy come/easy go." This is most likely your problem. Do you have a wired option in the room?

Try right clicking on the wireless icon in your toolbar and left clicking on [repair] That works for me often in new locations.

 

[DaveNV]

This is just a guess, but after Googling the winsock error you reported, I saw a LOT of sites talking about a trojan virus that was messing with files on the PC. Not sure if you have one, but you may want to try and check anyway. If you have a good, current virus protection software installed, you may want to check your system. Then I strongly recommend you go to www.malwarebytes.com and download their free malware scan tool. It's an excellent resource for catching those stray bugs that the major software may miss.

After things are clean, go to Network Connections in the Control Panel and delete the wireless connection settings. Restart your PC and try to connect again. You'll have to set up the wireless connection data again, but it should give a better chance of working right for you.

Edited to add: The Winsock entry is what controls your computer's ability to go online. If you can do so via LAN connection, then your Winsock settings are probably ok. But a free tool at this website will check your Windows Registry for errors, and fix things that are corrupted, which may include your Winsock entry: http://www.registrypatrol.com.

I'm sure others will have suggestions, too. But this will get you started.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[shmoore]

John and Dave thanks for your help. I tried the one that works for you when you travel, but it sadly it didn't work for me. I am going to wait until I get home tomorrow and see if my pc connects to my home network that I know is reliable before I make more changes. At least I can use AOL for now. Thanks again.

Sandy

 

[shmoore]

Guys, I think John was right about the server being the problem. As soon as I got home, I checked out my computer on my local network and it worked like a charm.

Yeah...I am so glad I'm not having that problem at home. I like to use my laptop in the family room where my husband watches tv so we can be in the same room. My computer room is in the back of the house....too far away from dear sweet hubby of 45 years.

Sandy

 

[Jbart74]

Sandy,

I'm glad you're back up and running! Enjoy!