Quick Windows computer question. (Vanity)

today | me

[thefactor]

Hey all!

I have a real quick question that someone should answer in about 5 posts. My mom bought a Toshiba lap top. We have wireless cable internet. The lap top automatically connects to the wireless network but the internet will not come up!

I do a diagnostic and the laptop shows my wireless network but there is evidently an issue with the IP address. As in the lap top doesn’t have the IP address. Do I have to restart the wireless network? Please help me! Thanks.

PS-Not to start a war, but this kind of thing is why I'm switching to MAC in a few months. I bought my girl a MacBook last year and the darn thing finds networks automatically and just seems to be user friendly. I'm also getting the iPhone because it is simply the coolest thing i have ever used. Don't hold all of this against me. My mom needs help. Think of the children!

[thefactor]

Thanks in advance for your help.

[thefactor]

what we spoke about yesterday. thanks!

[CougarGA7]

Is your wireless hub encrypted. If not it should be. You need to input you encryption key.

[CougarGA7]

Also make sure you TCP-IP on the laptop is set to acquire its IP address automatically.

[ShadowAce]

[MarineBrat]

What’s the IP address of the laptop?

Start/Run
CMD
IPCONFIG /ALL

Post the info here.

[mikrofon]

The answer is- ‘Mac’

[thefactor]

hmm... i don’t think so.

[Kimmers]

I am also saving my pennies for a Mac....FYI if you go to their website you can get a refurbished with a full warranty and save yourself some money.....

[Shryke]

You almost assuredly have your wireless card set to authenticate in a different manner than the wirless router requires.

[Shryke]

Whoops! I pinged the wrong guy (a Mac doofus to boot - this can happen just as easily to Macs). See above please.

[thefactor]

just letting you know you have another convert...me!

[edcoil]

Make sure your wireless router is not set to static. Do you have netgear or lynksys?

[thefactor]

netgear

[aft_lizard]

Whoops! I pinged the wrong guy (a Mac doofus to boot - this can happen just as easily to Macs). See above please.
___

Bingo, anybody who switches because of this is asking to be pised off again no matter what computer they own. This isnt a PC only thing, this is a user only thing.

[thefactor]

i did what you said. there is a lot of info. what am i looking for?

[Billthedrill]

The function that "automatically" acquires an IP address is DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol). If your 'puter isn't set to use it, it will choose an IP address from a range your router doesn't recognize. That may be your problem.

At the risk of offending the Holy Warriors, this happens with all operating systems. Sorry.

[discostu]

There’s probably security turned on for the network and the laptop needs to be configured for it. The laptop can probably find and connect to unsecured networks just as easily as the iBook, it all becomes a little more difficult if the network is secured though.

[thefactor]

i have used both and have only ever had issues with PC's. and have you ever tried to get tech support on the phone? if i call toshiba they tell me to call the internet provider. the internet provider tells me to call the lap top manufacturer.

i am computer literate compared to many people i know. but i do not wish to go changing settings in my moms computer without getting some informal, yet more informed help first.

[thefactor]

sounds good. but how do i change that problem?