older laptop won't connect to new router

[isitalostcause]

HI,

I have a Compaq Presario A940NR laptop which is several years old.  Until last week it was connected wirelessly through a router.  The router stopped working on all devices (printer, 2 other laptops).  Replaced the router with a Netgear N150. - wired to a desktop, wirelessly to printer and 2 newer laptops.  The older laptop listed above will not connect to the network.  I tried connecting (wired) directly to ISP modem via ethernet.  It won't even recognize that connection.  I may need an updated driver, but cannot connect to internet on the laptop.

Help! and Thanks,

[DavidPK]

Hi,

Could you let me know the following.

1.  Which operating system do you have installed?

2.  Open windows Device manager and open network adapters.  What devices are listed here?

Regards,

DP-K

[isitalostcause]

Operating System is Vista SP2.

Network Adaptors are

Atheros AR5007 802.11b/g WiFi Adapter

Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Ethernet NIC

Thanks,

Darlene

[DavidPK]

Hi Darlene,

Download the following 2 installers and save them to your Desktop.  These are the latest versions I could find.

Atheros Driver Installer

Realtek NIC Driver Installer

When the downloads have completed, right click the first installer and select 'Run as Administrator' to start the installation.  When this has finished, restart the notebook and then perform the same process with the 2nd installer.  Again, when the 2nd installation has completed, restart the notebook.

Regards,

DP-K

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, Darlene:

Here is a more recent version (MAR 2011) of the Atheros Wireless driver for your card. I suggest you use this one since you have a new router. There were lots of connection issues with Atheros cards and the new Linksys E series routers, for example.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=12...

Paul

[isitalostcause]

Ok - I installed the drivers.  When trying to connect to the network, a box pops up saying Windows cannot connect to the network - Diagnose the problem - Windows Network Diagnostics - Wireless authentication failed because of a timeout.  It retried a few times to no avail.  I have tried resetting the router.  Still nothing.

What next?

[isitalostcause]

Paul,

That was the right driver.

Thank you so much!  It works!

Darlene

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Darlene.

Happy to read that you got your network connection established.

Paul

[CoralH]

Paul,

Thank you.  Everyone in my home had WiFI but me.  The provider said it was the computer. The tech at the store said it was the modem.  I looked up the error messageon the internet and found no solution.  Got a bright idea to check HP this morning. and Voila, ran the upate for the Atheros driver and I am in business.

Big big thanks

coral

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Coral.