Posted on 03/28/2013 5:30:27 PM PDT by Graybeard58
I bought a new desk top today, Gateway and it has Windows 8 as the O.S. This is in addition to the desk top I already have, not to replace one.
I ignorantly assumed that I'd be able to hook it up and pick up my wireless router signal, not so.. Can anyone tell me what I need to do so?
I get a box from widows saying I need an Ethernet cord (not card) and to hook the computer to a modem that's connected to cable, which would make it not wireless at all.
Years ago, when I first got cable, I had to get an Ethernet card to make my old computer get cable. I wasn't even aware that they made those cards anymore as my desk top currently in use, needed no such card. All I needed was a modem from the cable company, I added the wireless router later.
I will be away from my computer from 1-2 hours but will read any replies when I come back. I hope I have explained the situation adequately - that I want my new desk top to be wirelessly connected to the internet. Thanks.
Is the new Gateway that you bought advertised as being wireless-capable?
What is the model number of the Gateway?
The Windows dialogue box will say that you need a new cable even if it is wireless.
You need to get a wireless USB adapter. One like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127272&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Wireless+Adapters-_-N82E16833127272&gclid=CNmg2dbWoLYCFeyPPAodhGYASw
I have two Windows desktops that I use cards like that to connect. My 3 Macs all have built in Wireless adapters.
Somewhere you should see a wireless network icon. Double-click to see all networks available. Find yours and double-click.
It will ask for you network key. A babble fish will appear.
Looking on the web at the specs of a Gateway desktop puter Model: DX4870-UB17, the first I found, since you don’t specify, I see the following:
Network Card Built-in 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) Allows a computer to connect to a network either by using cables (Ethernet) or wireless technology (IEEE 802.11).
I’d be surprised if you needed a separate card to accomodate wireless technology.
Nine times out of ten - your new laptop has wireless WiFi built in. Boot it up - get to a desktop screen and look in the lower right corner there will be a symbol for wireless. If you router has WiFi and it is turned on and already configured - you will likely see it broadcast and ID name when you click on the wireless WiFi icon on the status line (lower right corner). See if you can get this far and come back - send me a note and I’ll come back...
You may need to do a temporary wired hookup. When I get home, I’ll be able to help you since I have Win8 on my home system.
The wifi-blocking orb on the lower right will kill you every time.
Looking at the link I provided, you should see a settings icon on the right side, looks like a gear (circle with bars coming off of it).
In that, you should find the wireless adapter (is it even on).
If it isn’t on, switch to on (at least on my tablet and android, I have to toggle the off/on setting.
Then it is pretty easy, it will detect wireless networks, choose yours, put in your password.
Your desktop may not have built-in WiFi. Meaning you may need a wireless card or USB dongle thingy.
http://www.newegg.com/Wireless-Adapters/SubCategory/ID-31
Next addition to my directions. On their youtube video, it looks like that bar on the right slides out of view when not being focused on, move your mouse to the right and it should slide out. Or if it is touch screen, move your finger over that area.
HA! 3rd option: Using Windows 8. when that opens, 4th option: How do I connect to a network.
You need a wireless card about $25-35 (I used ASUS). It just installs in an empty slot on your mother board. Once installed you just need to install the drivers from a CD that comes with the card. I installed one myself in about 20 minutes using nothing more than screw driver. Hopefully your mother board has an empty slot. There are also USB wireless adapters that just plug into a an open USB slot. This is the easiest way to go..about the same cost as a card adapter.
Relative to most computers, that desk top looks pretty stable. I am sure once you get the networking hooked-up, there is almost zero connection issues.
I have a Gateway Win7. As I recall, it recognized my router with no problem.
Are you sure yours has a wireless card? If so, did you screw on the small ‘antenna’?
You win the 'Posting without Reading' prize on this thread.
First words of the post: "I bought a new desk top today"
I did read all the post - just read too fast and read laptop not desktop ... BFD there 3rd grader...
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