I use a Linksys WRT54GS router that works fine running wireless
internet with my two MacBooks. But it REFUSES to connect with my HP
laptop that I just bought. It finds my network, I enter the CORRECT
password, and it says it can't connect. After wasting my time for days
with the Linksys people, I looked up the problem and it turned out HP
laptops have had this widespread wireless card failure so I quickly
returned the laptop instead of dealing with their customer service
which is known as the worst.

So I buy a new laptop, this time a Dell Inspiron and I'm having THE
EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I find my network, enter the correct password for
the SSID, and it says I can't connect. Then when I try to diagnose the
problem OF COURSE Windows says the problem is unknown.

I'm guessing it has to be Vista, right? I don't think I've heard one
good thing about it yet. I use my router to connect 2 Macs and 1 PC
wired and two MacBooks wirelessly and it works just fine. But when I
introduce Vista into it it does nothing but stop the router from doing
its job.

wrote:
I use a Linksys WRT54GS router that works fine running wireless
internet with my two MacBooks. But it REFUSES to connect with my HP
laptop that I just bought. It finds my network, I enter the CORRECT
password, and it says it can't connect. After wasting my time for days
with the Linksys people, I looked up the problem and it turned out HP
laptops have had this widespread wireless card failure so I quickly
returned the laptop instead of dealing with their customer service
which is known as the worst.

So I buy a new laptop, this time a Dell Inspiron and I'm having THE
EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I find my network, enter the correct password for
the SSID, and it says I can't connect. Then when I try to diagnose the
problem OF COURSE Windows says the problem is unknown.

I'm guessing it has to be Vista, right? I don't think I've heard one
good thing about it yet. I use my router to connect 2 Macs and 1 PC
wired and two MacBooks wirelessly and it works just fine. But when I
introduce Vista into it it does nothing but stop the router from doing
its job.

I'm guessing it is not Vista (even though I'm not a fan of Vista), since
my HP Vista laptop connects just fine to my WRT54G. I'm guessing that it
is the wireless security params, passkey included, that don't match: the
mode, the algorithms, the key, and (maybe) the renewal time must all match.

There are other things that could be causing your problem, but Vista is
probably not it; and, since you've tried two laptops with the same result,
hardware is probably not it.

Check that the router's SSID is unique; not the default that your lazy
neighbors may also be using. Check that WiFi is enabled on your laptop;
the switch is rather obscure on some laptops. Move the laptop very close
to the router while you chase the problem, to eliminate weak signal issues.
At least while you chase the problem, disable the MAC filter and run the
router in G-only mode. One more thing to do *but only temporarily* is
to disable wireless security
--
Cheers, Bob

On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:54:44 -0800 (PST), wrote:

I use a Linksys WRT54GS router that works fine running wireless
internet with my two MacBooks. But it REFUSES to connect with my HP
laptop that I just bought. It finds my network, I enter the CORRECT
password, and it says it can't connect. After wasting my time for days
with the Linksys people, I looked up the problem and it turned out HP
laptops have had this widespread wireless card failure so I quickly
returned the laptop instead of dealing with their customer service
which is known as the worst.

So I buy a new laptop, this time a Dell Inspiron and I'm having THE
EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I find my network, enter the correct password for
the SSID, and it says I can't connect. Then when I try to diagnose the
problem OF COURSE Windows says the problem is unknown.

I'm guessing it has to be Vista, right? I don't think I've heard one
good thing about it yet. I use my router to connect 2 Macs and 1 PC
wired and two MacBooks wirelessly and it works just fine. But when I
introduce Vista into it it does nothing but stop the router from doing
its job.

It could be Vista itself. Or it could be the combination of Vista and the
drivers for the WiFi adapters. There are some updates for Vista which fix WiFi
problems. And WiFi adapter drivers are still being developed too.
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/12/windows-xp-and-vista-on-lan-together.html
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/1...-together.html

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.