A Problem With My Laptop? - Computer Advice Needed

8/29/07

[MplsSteve]

Sorry for the vanity post but I'm having a possible computer problem and I need some Freeper input!

I inherited a laptop from my brother. Earlier tonight, I went to a coffeeshop where they have Wi-Fi access. I clicked on the Internet Explorer icon on the desktop but it wouldn't connect to the 'Net.

Am I missing something here? If a business has a working Wi-Fi, I should be able to connect to the Internet by clicking on the Internet Explorer icon...right?

Thank you!

[neodad]

Start, connect to, show all connections, wireless connection. Does the laptop have a wireless card?

[jdm]

Maybe it only likes Firefox?

[goldstategop]

If it has unsecured wireless access, if your card can pick it up, you should be able to logon. If not, you're out of luck. I have a Home WLAN but I suspect my DSL is so so and the funny thing is I'm online even though my Windows wireless icon status is disconnected. Go figure.

[Publius6961]

Am I missing something here? If a business has a working Wi-Fi, I should be able to connect to the Internet by clicking on the Internet Explorer icon...right?

Wrong.
Yes you are missing something. Things are not that simple, yet.
Depends on the WiFi card; every different one has different software to implement it, and it's never straightforward. Without the help of someone who has done it on that particular laptop, or unless you have the model of Wifi card being used, lots of luck.

Just a few days ago I tried to log my IBM laptop on to a Wifi at my auto dealers service lounge, I had the log-in name and password which was posted and I was not able to connect.

[ThomasThomas]

If the Wi-Fi is built in to the computer most of the time it will default to off to save battery power.

[CarrotAndStick]

If your laptop was earlier accessing the Internet via proxy servers, you’ll need to disable those.

Is the ‘Ad-hoc’ connection mode enabled?

Wouldn’t the staff at Starbucks be able to configure it for you?

[JesusBmyGod]

Are you running Vista or XP? Do you have a network icon in the lower right corner of your screen (two computer monitors stacked on top of each other)? If you do, click on them and select the “connect or disconnect” option. Are you sure you have a wireless card?

[jdm]

Has the laptop been used in this sort of environment before?

If so, who can you ask who would know how it connected in the past?

[TheSpottedOwl]

I don’t know about WI-FI, but am interested in anything related to computers.

There is a question I have regarding grounding oneself when taking a computer apart. I have heard that even when the computer is disconnected from the power supply, you have to be grounded. Our CD “drawer” is jammed, and we think we might be able to fix it ourselves.

[Yehuda]

” I have heard that even when the computer is disconnected from the power supply, you have to be grounded.”

YES, an excellent idea.

“Our CD “drawer” is jammed, and we think we might be able to fix it ourselves.”

Only try if your warranty has expired...

[woofer]

There is a question I have regarding grounding oneself when taking a computer apart.

Dissipitate accumlating static charges, like the discharge you'll get when touching a metal object (doorknob, drawer handle, etc.) after walking on a carpetted floor in your socks.

[shbox]

What is this coffee shop wifi that you speak of?

[TheSpottedOwl]

Oh goodness, I got this computer back in 2003! The warranty has definitely expired.

[TheSpottedOwl]

So touch a metal object before handling your disconnected computer will eliminate static charges?

[toddlintown]

Are you logged on?

[Yehuda]

Go to radio shack etc and buy an anti-static wrist strap (a few $) and use it before doing anything.

It would be a shame for you to actually be able to make the repair you are aiming for, and accidentally damage the mother board or other parts in the process.

Also wouldn’t hurt to actually do a search on the www for your computer model name and some variation of “stuck CD drawer” - you might save yourself some aggravation.

[TheSpottedOwl]

There is a Radio Shack in the next town. I’ll give them a call, or stop by tomorrow. I’m not real thrilled with eMachine customer service, but I will definately check out their site. Thanks for the help!

[Yehuda]

BOL!

[yhwhsman]

Our CD “drawer” is jammed, and we think we might be able to fix it ourselves.

Should be an easy fix. Look for a tiny hole, about the size that a paper clip would fit into. Most CD drives have them on the front, but some will have them on the back (which would require you to open the case). Push a straightened paper clip in the hole, this should release the CD drive drawer.

As far as grounding, if you keep the computer plugged in to a properly grounded outlet (three pronged) and touch the computer case periodically, you should be protected against a static discharge.

[brityank]

As far as grounding, if you keep the computer plugged in to a properly grounded outlet (three pronged) ...

Do NOT work inside an open case with the power plugged in. Use a jumper to connect the metal of the case to a ground point, or have the power cord on a switched OFF outlet. The power traces are open on the board, and you can zap it. Take it from someone who did that!

[MarkL]

There is a question I have regarding grounding oneself when taking a computer apart. I have heard that even when the computer is disconnected from the power supply, you have to be grounded. Our CD “drawer” is jammed, and we think we might be able to fix it ourselves.

If you look carefully at the "door" of the CD drive, if it's a laptop, or the front plate of the drive, if it's a desktop, you should see a tiny pin hole. This is the "emergency open" port. You need to straighten out a paper clip, inset it there, and you should be able to open the door.

Regarding static electric protection, yes, you should be grounded, as most computer equipment operated on well under 5 volt power, so a static discharge can cause problems, even if you don't see the "spark." And the problem with static discharge is that even a tiny one can degrade electronic components, leaving you with intermittent problems.

You can get an anti-static mat and grounding kit at most electronic supply houses. Radio Shack has them for about $25, and I've always had good luck with them. One other thing. Nearly every computer built has power going to the system board, even when powered off. So, before opening up your computer, you need to disconnect the power cable. Unfortunately, this means that the case is no longer grounded. But there's a solution (2 actually). The first is to make sure that the computer's plugged into a power strip, and then shut off the power at the power strip, leaving the power cable plugged in. However, you can't always do that at a client site, for one reason or another. Which I why I always carry one of these:

It's a 1' ground adapter, which goes between the computer's power supply and the power cable. It cuts off power, but allows the ground. It's only $2.00 from Cyberguys and they've got a 6' version for $2.50. This is especially useful if there's no good place to hook up your groundstrap: Simply use this adapter (or the first method I mentioned) and ground yourself right to the computer chassis.

Mark

[MarkL]

So touch a metal object before handling your disconnected computer will eliminate static charges?

Not always. If neither you nor the object you touch is grounded, she shock you might see and feel is simply the transfer of electrons bringing the two of you into equilibrium. This could still leave you with a sizable electric charge, more than enough to "ZOT" the electronic components.

To ensure that you're at "ground potential," you need to be, and stay, grounded.

Mark