Posted on 08/29/2007 9:40:24 PM PDT by 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!
Start, connect to, show all connections, wireless connection. Does the laptop have a wireless card?
Maybe it only likes Firefox?
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.
If the Wi-Fi is built in to the computer most of the time it will default to off to save battery power.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
What is this coffee shop wifi that you speak of?
Oh goodness, I got this computer back in 2003! The warranty has definitely expired.
So touch a metal object before handling your disconnected computer will eliminate static charges?
Are you logged on?
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!
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.
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