Wireless Internet Connection Not Working

[HPUserAndy]

Sorry if this has been asked before but I really need the help. My dad a Slimline s5220y PC and he wants to move it upstairs. Currently the internet connection is wired and I've tried numerous wireless adapters with no success... at first I tried one which worked on another computer in the house but not the Slimline. I had to download a driver for Windows 7 and it still didn't work, so I bought a Medialink adapter because I read it was one of the best adapters Amazon had to offer. It automatically installs drivers for Windows 7 and the light comes on but when I pull the ethernet cable out it won't even try to connect wirelessly... when I try to do it manually, it tells me that there's no connection available. We have a few laptops in the house and always see neighbors' connections pop up as options to connect, so obviously there's no issue there. I'm 99% sure that the problem is on the computer, but since it's not under warranty I can't contact HP. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

[Dragon-Fur]

Hi Andy,

I am not an expert (of any kind) on these devices, so this is not exactly about the device itself.  Let's assume it works for a moment....

Are you using MAC address filtering on your router?  It might explain why the machine cannot see your network.

Other "long shot" ideas:

• Weak router - not weak signal per sae, weak router.  We replaced our router twice and finally, finally upgraded to something that works well enough to send a decent signal for all our equipment.  Some of our electronics have inferior cards, other stuff we just tend to carry to rediculous distances and expect it to work.
• Double router - Depending on your house, you may be epecting too much.  Home routers are not good at going through some kinds of materials, or around corners - well, neither is the commercial stuff... but at work, you can boost the signal.  Think about boosting the signal - you can get another router and have them work together.  It's a bit of work to set it all up, but it might solve the problem and you would be a local hero for figuring it out.  Smiling.
• Go to NewEgg.com - read the reviews.  Sometimes the users there have ideas about what works and what does not.
• Give up - Hire someone to run the cabling... Buy an internal card... Buy Dad a new computer.  Dad would like new computer.  I just bought my old Dad a new computer to replace his Slimline 5200 - I couldn't stand it anymore.  It was worth it.  Dad's happy, my life is better now, too.   Smiling.

Troubleshooting Your Wireless Network (Windows 7)

I hope this helps!

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