wifi help please

I recently purchased an Acer Aspire One model NAV50 with Windows XP. The wireless connection worked fine the first time I used it at a library wi-fi hotspot. I don't have wi-fi at home, so I installed the software for my wired broadband connection and plugged in my wired modem (NetComm NBS ADSL2+ modem/routerso I could download some large files. This worked fine. But now I can't get the wireless connection to work anywhere - it says it connects to the wireless network ok, but neither Firefox nor IE8 will connect to websites, just says "server not found".

Is there some setting that I have accidentally changed that stops the browser using the wireless connection? What should I do to get it working again? Please explain in simple language. Thank you.

 

did you install any software from your isp when you hooked up your home wired modem?

 

Yes, I installed the software that came with the NetComm modem/router. Do you think if I uninstalled it, the wireless would work again?

 

It would be worth a shot!

 

If you're using ADSL at home, and your router has an Ethernet port, (a cable driven network) your best bet is to uninstall all proprietary software, and just plug in your ethernet cable. Usually a thick blue or yellow cable with square, clear plastic ends.

The only time you need the software installed is if you're connecting to your router with the USB cable.

When using the ethernet cable, windows will automatically connect to the ADSL router after a few seconds by adjusting network settings (ip addresses and such). When using USB you must have the drivers installed. This can be done without installing the proprietary software, however it's a bit more difficult.

Since the drivers can be installed separately for the USB connection, the rest of the software for the modem/router is essentially bloatware and can have adverse effects on your system, as you are seeing on your machine.

Long story short, uninstall all the modem software, grab an ethernet cable, plug in, wait a few seconds and you're online without altering any system settings at all.

 

Thanks, I will try your suggestion.

 

Still I can connect to the wifi network but cannot get IE or Firefox to link to any websites. Can anyone else help? Can I restore all the factory settings somehow?

 

I haven't a clue what is actually happening but I'm now wondering if the Netcomm software isn't taking over - take a look in your StartUp folder and make sure the NetComm software isn't starting when you boot. If it is - maybe - just maybe it is still trying to manage your Internet connection (ip, etc.). Just a thought...

 

FWIW - I just checked Acer and found they have an updated Wireless Driver. I have 8.0.0.238 and the update is 8.0.0.259. I'm not going to update the driver until I have a problem but it might help you with your problem.

 

Thanks for the information about the driver. Today I restored all the factory settings to the netbook and I am pleased to say that my wireless now works beautifully. Of course, I now have to reinstall my extra programs again, but I will NOT be setting up internet access through my home connection this time. Still don't really know what caused the problem... Whew.

 

the isp software is probably changing your tcp/ip settings, and adding in an ip address and/or dns numbers. (those settings are whats keeping you from connecting to other wifi connections) your modem should do this automatically, and software from your isp should not be needed.