Can't get wireless to work, again

[learninmypc]

A few days ago my friend brought me his wifes Toshiba laptop that they're letting a friend use saying they couldn't get it online wirelessly.
Using my DSL, I got it online & updated some programs & then decided to try my USB wi-fi & had no problem getting it online. Fine.
It was returned to their friend & last night,(a few days later), it was brought back because no wi-fi.
I went into device manager & see an exclamation mark on the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
I did re try my USB wireless flashdrive & it don't work on the laptop BUT works on my tower fine.

 

[CAMusing]

http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/CS-025780.htm

 

[learninmypc]

http://www.intel.com/support/wireless/wlan/sb/CS-025780.htm

I went there Start>All Programs>Intel Proset wireless & got this

 

[mike1959]

Have you tried Intel's automatic driver updater?
http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect

If there is anything missing, or are any updates, this should sort it out.

Would be useful if you could prove if it connects to the net with an Ethernet (CAT 5e) cable, because it would help to rule out a few things.
( I run my system with a 12 metre long Ether cable, running all along my hallway.
It's faster, and safer too! )

 

[learninmypc]

Have you tried Intel's automatic driver updater?
http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect

If there is anything missing, or are any updates, this should sort it out.

Would be useful if you could prove if it connects to the net with an Ethernet (CAT 5e) cable, because it would help to rule out a few things.
( I run my system with a 12 metre long Ether cable, running all along my hallway.
It's faster, and safer too! )

I'll try the link you provided & yes, it does connect on ethernet.

 

[learninmypc]

I've downloaded & installed the update but still unable to get online using wi-fi.
The yellow exclamation point is still there.

 

[learninmypc]

Using my USB wi-fi I was able to get online for a few minutes,but then it quit.

 

[Rabbit01]

What if you uninstall the devices w/ the exclamation mark, then reboot the computer and let Windows detect and reinstall the drivers?

 

[learninmypc]

What if you uninstall the devices w/ the exclamation mark, then reboot the computer and let Windows detect and reinstall the drivers?

It finally worked, but since there are a few walls & a floor interfering, the connection
is sporadic at best.
I'll probably be going to the house where this laptop has been in use & I'm betting it won't be using wi-fi there. Thanks to all that helped me, you're damn good.:grinthumb

 

[learninmypc]

Where it says Firewalled, what does that mean? This laptop is using the Windows firewall.

 

[learninmypc]

In the above post, I would like to know what "Firewalled" means & if it might be a good idea to install a different firewall ?

 

[Rabbit01]

I think it just mean that connection is protected by Windows firewall. I don't see that on my work laptop, but that's probably because Windows firewall isn't running. The IT dept has installed Sophos antivirus & firewall on it.

Don't have much experience w/ Windows firewall. On my own desktop, I have Comodo firewall. When I install a new program, it'll ask whether the installation should continue or not. Or if an unknown program tries to make an outbound connection, it'll ask whether to permit it or not. Haven't add much problem w/ it.

 

[mike1959]

As far as I remember, XP's firewall blocks all incoming connections that are NOT on the allowed list. It does not filter outgoing connections at all.
From Vista onwards, the Windows firewall checks both incoming and outgoing connections.
PC's in a business environment will usually have far 'tougher' filtering by a third-party firewall, ( I have seen and used Sophos ), and so don't use Windows firewall at all. There is no need for two firewalls to be used, and will cause problems if they are.
Certain programs do need access through the firewall at any time, Web Browser being one. But many programs give access through when you install them, to check for updates, such as Adobe products, etc. This is why you get warnings of updates that are available for download, although you didn't ask for them.
It is an idea with XP to turn off the windows firewall, and install a third party one, to give filtering in and outbound.
With Vista & 7, the windows firewall is much more effective, I use it and don't have any trouble.
This is a useful page to read, especially the line about 10 up from the end of the site about Windows XP.
http://www.iopus.com/guides/free-firewall.htm

I have used 'onlinearmor' and thought it was very good, for free.
http://www.online-armor.com/products-online-armor-free.php
* Bear in mind that a firewall is not 'Anti-virus', although some 'Anti-virus' software does include a firewall too, see;

http://www.brighthub.com/computing/smb-security/reviews/31876.aspx

 

[learninmypc]

Thank you both for your replies. I think when I get it back, I'll install a different firewall on it,possibly PCTools firewall + since I have it on my tower & no problems. Will post back then to let you know.