Can't connect 4th computer to a wireless network

[etaknosnhoj]

I've just got a new computer and wanted to link it and my old one together so I could transfer files. Since I didn't have the right kind of ethernet cable I decided I might as well get a USB wireless adapter to save wires trailing all over.

We already have a wireless network set up at home, with one PC and two laptops working fine (usually). But I can't seem to connect up my old PC with the new wireless adapter (I put the old wireless card in the new PC so I could get it up and running, then decided the easiest--hah--way to get files transferred was to get the old one on wireless too).  The old PC, the one with the problem, is running WinXP SP1 (new PC is on SP2, I don't know what the laptops are but there's no problem connecting them).

While the adapter (Belkin F5D7050uk) appears to have been installed fine, and in fact the computer says it's getting an excellent signal and is connected to the network, it's actually being a total liar, because I can neither get online nor share files. The adaptor's LED light blinks on occasionally, and according to the Belkin manual this means it's not configured right (and that's about the only helpful thing Belkin has to say).

I've spent many frustrating hours typing in network keys, which have been accepted, and manually configured the IP address to match the one on the connected computers (192.168.1.101), since it seemed to be inventing its own. Still nothing. The icon says it's connected, but it's still a dirty rotten liar. It'll ping the IP address, but not the default gateway (which I also had to manually type in, it's 192.168.1.1). The thing is that until I put this new adapter in, I had a fine and dandy connection on that machine. Right now I'm very loath to take out the wireless card working here, and put it back in the old one, in case I can't get either working again.

What am I doing wrong? Belkin, for their part, have been singularly unhelpful with support/troubleshooting. Is it the adaptor that's faulty, or my extremely rubbish computing skills?

Thanks (for reading to the end of this endless post),
K8

[etaknosnhoj]

Anything?  Anyone?  Is it really that hopeless?

[Calum]

Why is the old PC not on SP2?
Or am I reading it wrong?
SP2 would be the first step.

[Damnation]

Are you still waiting for an answer or did you sort it out?

[Calum]

Are you still waiting for an answer or did you sort it out?

I'm assuming it's not fixed, otherwise they wouldn't've posted back to ask for help and if it was hopeless.

[Damnation]

Oh sorry, didn't see your posts there. And I agree with you, SP2 would be the first step, its always easier to configure wireless through Windows instead of using the manufacturers software.

[Damnation]

I dont think I understand exactly etaknosnhoj, you mentioned a gateway. So I'm assuming you are on broadband, using an wireless DSL router. Is the router set to use DHCP? Is your PC configured to connect to an access point, are you sure the WEP or whatever keys you used are correct? Have you tried connecting without the encryption, but then you'll have to turn that off on your router.

[etaknosnhoj]

I don't understand it all either!  Yes, it's broadband, and yes it's a wireless router.  I don't know what DCHP is.  The PC is configured to an access point, and the WEP key has been typed and retyped about a hundred times (having recently connected a new laptop, we had the WEP key written down.  The laptop works fine, BTW).

How do I get SP2 on the old PC?  Remember I can't download anything for lack of connection.

[GX1_Man]

Free download from Microsoft on another PC that is capable of burning it to a CD.

[patio]

Or just order a CD from the Mothership...you pay shipping.

[Rob Pomeroy]

See also the networking FAQ (click below).

[etaknosnhoj]

Okay, here's the thing.  With a different PCI card, I've managed to get it admitting thee's a connection, although it says there's no signal.  So I'm trying to go through every single setting to make sure it matches what's on my other computer.  IP address, WEP key, the lot.

But...The Network Connection Properties dialog box is different on the PC with the problem.  There's no 'wireless networks' tab for one thing.  When I his 'configure' under the General tab, it brings up properties for the PCI device, but I can't check the settings because on the Advanced tab, it doesn't have the same things listed.

I looked into getting SP2.  After about half an hour of MS 'checking' my brand new computer's setting, it came to the frankly genius conclusion that I can't download SP2 because I already have it on that machine.  Ordering the disc costs me more...plus apparently it takes 4-6 weeks to ship it.  4-6 weeks?  It's transatlantic, not interstellar.

Must I get SP2?  Is there no other way to get this thing online?  It worked perfectly well without it.  Why isn't it working now?

<--Frustrated, annoyed, and despairing.

[2k_dummy]

What does ipconfig show for the ip address?

[etaknosnhoj]

It show 0.0.0.0  I've tried to change it manually to the same as the working computer (192.168.1.1) in the Network Connections box, but it doesn't make any difference.

[Rob Pomeroy]

Did you read the networking FAQ yet?