New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my home network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an ipconfig /all and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected and therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try and do an a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or is not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the cable is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known as the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted. Normally you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted would be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an ipconfig /all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try and do an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

Michael,
Thanks your reply is very informative. The router is a Linksys BEFSR41v3
and only has one light to signal connection status. That light is steadily
flashing on and off which according to the linksys manual means that it is
sending/transmitting data. In regards to the cable, I've tried three
different cables, two of which I've used to connect other laptops with, so
I'll assume I'm using the correct cable. Any other suggestiond would be
greatly appreciated!

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or is not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the cable is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known as the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted. Normally you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted would be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an ipconfig /all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try and do an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

On a picture of a BEFSR41 router I see 3 rows of lights in 5 columns.
The columns are 1 2 3 4 and WAN

I would expect that the WAN would have its link light on and activity
blinking.
If you unplug the cable to the computer (both ends) I would expect no lights
on for columns 1 2 3 4 (assume you have nothing else plugged in for testing
purposes) and neither light at the computer end .

Plugging the cable back in at port 1 (docs say it automatically determines
crossover straight cable types) there still should be no lights for 1 2 3 4.

Now plugging the cable in at the computer one light should light at the
computer port, the other may flash. The light link/activity on the router
should light now, and may flash a bit.
(On my dell the Ethernet connector has a small green led in upper left that
is the 'connected' light and another in upper right that is the 'activity'
light. All laptops that I have seen have had something similar)

If no lights in columns 1 2 3 4 at the router end and no lights at the
computer end it is possible that the interface is disabled.
If the interface is disabled you should have got 'nothing' when you did a
ipconfig /all, but might as well check anyway.
Do you have a icon in lower right with two computer screens? In your case
probably also has a red x on it.
If not, right click in the taskbar (bottom of screen) click properties,
notification area tab, under system icons, make sure network is checked.

Hovering over the icon will give you current state which is probably '..not
connected...' right click it and select network and sharing center. You will
probably get this computer' with red X to the Internet globe.

Clicking on the red X will give you a reason that it failed to connect to
the internet.
At least two possibilities 'local area connection is disabled' and 'a cable
is not plugged in ...'

If you get the 'disabled' message than the connection can be enabled, if
'cable not plugged in ...' then you have about exhausted your options, the
interface on you brand new computer is bad and you will have to take it
back.

(hmmmm, I expect that you have tried the other 2 3 4 ports on the router
also).

Michael



"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,
Thanks your reply is very informative. The router is a Linksys BEFSR41v3
and only has one light to signal connection status. That light is
steadily
flashing on and off which according to the linksys manual means that it is
sending/transmitting data. In regards to the cable, I've tried three
different cables, two of which I've used to connect other laptops with, so
I'll assume I'm using the correct cable. Any other suggestiond would be
greatly appreciated!

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or is not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the cable is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet
interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known as
the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted. Normally you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted would
be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the
condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an ipconfig
/all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try and do
an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

Michael,
Once again thanks for your very detailed help. I went through much of what
you suggested and some (a little) I had though of on my own.
However, I must apologize for wasting your time. I know I've wasted about 4
days (on & off)of my own time. On this Acer, there is a very tiny slide
switch on the front, to enable/disable the wireless conncetion. According to
Acer you can't have both on (wired/wireless) at the same time. That may very
well be the case (with Acer it is), but my Dell laptop has no switch and I
ran a wireless connection (to the Acer and I'm fairly sure, but maybe not, to
the internet also on my neighbors network ) and a wired connection (to my
router) at the same time with no problem. There is no switch on the Dell
(other than software to disable the wireless connection). So live and learn.
Years ago I helped a friend for an hour (over the phone) with a mouse that
wouldn't work and then asked, uh, is it plugged in?
One last question, Is the Dell setup the usual or is the Acer setup the usual?
Thanks again,
Charles
"Michael" wrote:

On a picture of a BEFSR41 router I see 3 rows of lights in 5 columns.
The columns are 1 2 3 4 and WAN

I would expect that the WAN would have its link light on and activity
blinking.
If you unplug the cable to the computer (both ends) I would expect no lights
on for columns 1 2 3 4 (assume you have nothing else plugged in for testing
purposes) and neither light at the computer end .

Plugging the cable back in at port 1 (docs say it automatically determines
crossover straight cable types) there still should be no lights for 1 2 3 4.

Now plugging the cable in at the computer one light should light at the
computer port, the other may flash. The light link/activity on the router
should light now, and may flash a bit.
(On my dell the Ethernet connector has a small green led in upper left that
is the 'connected' light and another in upper right that is the 'activity'
light. All laptops that I have seen have had something similar)

If no lights in columns 1 2 3 4 at the router end and no lights at the
computer end it is possible that the interface is disabled.
If the interface is disabled you should have got 'nothing' when you did a
ipconfig /all, but might as well check anyway.
Do you have a icon in lower right with two computer screens? In your case
probably also has a red x on it.
If not, right click in the taskbar (bottom of screen) click properties,
notification area tab, under system icons, make sure network is checked.

Hovering over the icon will give you current state which is probably '..not
connected...' right click it and select network and sharing center. You will
probably get this computer' with red X to the Internet globe.

Clicking on the red X will give you a reason that it failed to connect to
the internet.
At least two possibilities 'local area connection is disabled' and 'a cable
is not plugged in ...'

If you get the 'disabled' message than the connection can be enabled, if
'cable not plugged in ...' then you have about exhausted your options, the
interface on you brand new computer is bad and you will have to take it
back.

(hmmmm, I expect that you have tried the other 2 3 4 ports on the router
also).

Michael



"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,
Thanks your reply is very informative. The router is a Linksys BEFSR41v3
and only has one light to signal connection status. That light is
steadily
flashing on and off which according to the linksys manual means that it is
sending/transmitting data. In regards to the cable, I've tried three
different cables, two of which I've used to connect other laptops with, so
I'll assume I'm using the correct cable. Any other suggestiond would be
greatly appreciated!

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or is not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the cable is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet
interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known as
the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted. Normally you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted would
be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the
condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an ipconfig
/all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try and do
an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

Charles,

I have had WAY more than my fair share of 'duh' moments!!

My Dell is an old inspiron 8100, no internal wireless so no 'switch' it does
allow me to have both a wireless (card) and wired. I know most laptops now
have internal wireless and have some way of turning off the wireless (saves
battery and needed to use on an airplane). I was unaware that, at least on
some laptops it is an either or condition with the wired.

Any kibitzers out there with info on this feature?

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
news
Michael,
Once again thanks for your very detailed help. I went through much of
what
you suggested and some (a little) I had though of on my own.
However, I must apologize for wasting your time. I know I've wasted about
4
days (on & off)of my own time. On this Acer, there is a very tiny slide
switch on the front, to enable/disable the wireless conncetion. According
to
Acer you can't have both on (wired/wireless) at the same time. That may
very
well be the case (with Acer it is), but my Dell laptop has no switch and I
ran a wireless connection (to the Acer and I'm fairly sure, but maybe not,
to
the internet also on my neighbors network ) and a wired connection (to my
router) at the same time with no problem. There is no switch on the Dell
(other than software to disable the wireless connection). So live and
learn.
Years ago I helped a friend for an hour (over the phone) with a mouse that
wouldn't work and then asked, uh, is it plugged in?
One last question, Is the Dell setup the usual or is the Acer setup the
usual?
Thanks again,
Charles
"Michael" wrote:

On a picture of a BEFSR41 router I see 3 rows of lights in 5 columns.
The columns are 1 2 3 4 and WAN

I would expect that the WAN would have its link light on and activity
blinking.
If you unplug the cable to the computer (both ends) I would expect no
lights
on for columns 1 2 3 4 (assume you have nothing else plugged in for
testing
purposes) and neither light at the computer end .

Plugging the cable back in at port 1 (docs say it automatically
determines
crossover straight cable types) there still should be no lights for 1 2 3
4.

Now plugging the cable in at the computer one light should light at the
computer port, the other may flash. The light link/activity on the router
should light now, and may flash a bit.
(On my dell the Ethernet connector has a small green led in upper left
that
is the 'connected' light and another in upper right that is the
'activity'
light. All laptops that I have seen have had something similar)

If no lights in columns 1 2 3 4 at the router end and no lights at the
computer end it is possible that the interface is disabled.
If the interface is disabled you should have got 'nothing' when you did a
ipconfig /all, but might as well check anyway.
Do you have a icon in lower right with two computer screens? In your case
probably also has a red x on it.
If not, right click in the taskbar (bottom of screen) click properties,
notification area tab, under system icons, make sure network is checked.

Hovering over the icon will give you current state which is probably
'..not
connected...' right click it and select network and sharing center. You
will
probably get this computer' with red X to the Internet globe.

Clicking on the red X will give you a reason that it failed to connect to
the internet.
At least two possibilities 'local area connection is disabled' and 'a
cable
is not plugged in ...'

If you get the 'disabled' message than the connection can be enabled, if
'cable not plugged in ...' then you have about exhausted your options,
the
interface on you brand new computer is bad and you will have to take it
back.

(hmmmm, I expect that you have tried the other 2 3 4 ports on the router
also).

Michael



"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,
Thanks your reply is very informative. The router is a Linksys
BEFSR41v3
and only has one light to signal connection status. That light is
steadily
flashing on and off which according to the linksys manual means that it
is
sending/transmitting data. In regards to the cable, I've tried three
different cables, two of which I've used to connect other laptops with,
so
I'll assume I'm using the correct cable. Any other suggestiond would
be
greatly appreciated!

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or is
not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the cable
is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet
interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known as
the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a
DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted. Normally
you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted
would
be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more
expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the
condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an ipconfig
/all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try and
do
an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

Michael,

Yes, me too, makes me cringe thinking about them. I too would like to hear
from others about this. Was Dell trying to save a few sheckels, uncaring
(who cares if you run out of power) or whatever, to put a hardware switch on
mine since the wireless card is internal (Inspiron 9400). Or maybe is it
because the stock battery is so much better (than Acer's) that it's a non
issue. This Acer (Aspire 3690) is not known for it's battery life. But then
of course the Acer was $350 and the Dell was $1100 (?-last year).

Maybe I should have read the online manual, but who reads those? ;-)

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

I have had WAY more than my fair share of 'duh' moments!!

My Dell is an old inspiron 8100, no internal wireless so no 'switch' it does
allow me to have both a wireless (card) and wired. I know most laptops now
have internal wireless and have some way of turning off the wireless (saves
battery and needed to use on an airplane). I was unaware that, at least on
some laptops it is an either or condition with the wired.

Any kibitzers out there with info on this feature?

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
news
Michael,
Once again thanks for your very detailed help. I went through much of
what
you suggested and some (a little) I had though of on my own.
However, I must apologize for wasting your time. I know I've wasted about
4
days (on & off)of my own time. On this Acer, there is a very tiny slide
switch on the front, to enable/disable the wireless conncetion. According
to
Acer you can't have both on (wired/wireless) at the same time. That may
very
well be the case (with Acer it is), but my Dell laptop has no switch and I
ran a wireless connection (to the Acer and I'm fairly sure, but maybe not,
to
the internet also on my neighbors network ) and a wired connection (to my
router) at the same time with no problem. There is no switch on the Dell
(other than software to disable the wireless connection). So live and
learn.
Years ago I helped a friend for an hour (over the phone) with a mouse that
wouldn't work and then asked, uh, is it plugged in?
One last question, Is the Dell setup the usual or is the Acer setup the
usual?
Thanks again,
Charles
"Michael" wrote:

On a picture of a BEFSR41 router I see 3 rows of lights in 5 columns.
The columns are 1 2 3 4 and WAN

I would expect that the WAN would have its link light on and activity
blinking.
If you unplug the cable to the computer (both ends) I would expect no
lights
on for columns 1 2 3 4 (assume you have nothing else plugged in for
testing
purposes) and neither light at the computer end .

Plugging the cable back in at port 1 (docs say it automatically
determines
crossover straight cable types) there still should be no lights for 1 2 3
4.

Now plugging the cable in at the computer one light should light at the
computer port, the other may flash. The light link/activity on the router
should light now, and may flash a bit.
(On my dell the Ethernet connector has a small green led in upper left
that
is the 'connected' light and another in upper right that is the
'activity'
light. All laptops that I have seen have had something similar)

If no lights in columns 1 2 3 4 at the router end and no lights at the
computer end it is possible that the interface is disabled.
If the interface is disabled you should have got 'nothing' when you did a
ipconfig /all, but might as well check anyway.
Do you have a icon in lower right with two computer screens? In your case
probably also has a red x on it.
If not, right click in the taskbar (bottom of screen) click properties,
notification area tab, under system icons, make sure network is checked.

Hovering over the icon will give you current state which is probably
'..not
connected...' right click it and select network and sharing center. You
will
probably get this computer' with red X to the Internet globe.

Clicking on the red X will give you a reason that it failed to connect to
the internet.
At least two possibilities 'local area connection is disabled' and 'a
cable
is not plugged in ...'

If you get the 'disabled' message than the connection can be enabled, if
'cable not plugged in ...' then you have about exhausted your options,
the
interface on you brand new computer is bad and you will have to take it
back.

(hmmmm, I expect that you have tried the other 2 3 4 ports on the router
also).

Michael



"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,
Thanks your reply is very informative. The router is a Linksys
BEFSR41v3
and only has one light to signal connection status. That light is
steadily
flashing on and off which according to the linksys manual means that it
is
sending/transmitting data. In regards to the cable, I've tried three
different cables, two of which I've used to connect other laptops with,
so
I'll assume I'm using the correct cable. Any other suggestiond would
be
greatly appreciated!

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or is
not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the cable
is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet
interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known as
the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a
DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted. Normally
you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted
would
be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more
expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the
condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an ipconfig
/all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try and
do
an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

Charles,

On my neighbor's HP there is elongated control button above the keyboard
that lights up blue when the wireless is enabled (not only wireless uses the
battery but the light also). It is a button so may just tell the system to
disable wireless rather than control power to it in some physical way.
Have never checked to see if the wired goes away when the wireless is on
(she has never had it connected wired, first time she tries I may have the
answer, genius that I am )

Michael


"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,

Yes, me too, makes me cringe thinking about them. I too would like to hear
from others about this. Was Dell trying to save a few sheckels, uncaring
(who cares if you run out of power) or whatever, to put a hardware switch
on
mine since the wireless card is internal (Inspiron 9400). Or maybe is it
because the stock battery is so much better (than Acer's) that it's a non
issue. This Acer (Aspire 3690) is not known for it's battery life. But
then
of course the Acer was $350 and the Dell was $1100 (?-last year).

Maybe I should have read the online manual, but who reads those? ;-)

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

I have had WAY more than my fair share of 'duh' moments!!

My Dell is an old inspiron 8100, no internal wireless so no 'switch' it
does
allow me to have both a wireless (card) and wired. I know most laptops
now
have internal wireless and have some way of turning off the wireless
(saves
battery and needed to use on an airplane). I was unaware that, at least
on
some laptops it is an either or condition with the wired.

Any kibitzers out there with info on this feature?

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
news
Michael,
Once again thanks for your very detailed help. I went through much of
what
you suggested and some (a little) I had though of on my own.
However, I must apologize for wasting your time. I know I've wasted
about
4
days (on & off)of my own time. On this Acer, there is a very tiny
slide
switch on the front, to enable/disable the wireless conncetion.
According
to
Acer you can't have both on (wired/wireless) at the same time. That
may
very
well be the case (with Acer it is), but my Dell laptop has no switch
and I
ran a wireless connection (to the Acer and I'm fairly sure, but maybe
not,
to
the internet also on my neighbors network ) and a wired connection (to
my
router) at the same time with no problem. There is no switch on the
Dell
(other than software to disable the wireless connection). So live and
learn.
Years ago I helped a friend for an hour (over the phone) with a mouse
that
wouldn't work and then asked, uh, is it plugged in?
One last question, Is the Dell setup the usual or is the Acer setup the
usual?
Thanks again,
Charles
"Michael" wrote:

On a picture of a BEFSR41 router I see 3 rows of lights in 5 columns.
The columns are 1 2 3 4 and WAN

I would expect that the WAN would have its link light on and activity
blinking.
If you unplug the cable to the computer (both ends) I would expect no
lights
on for columns 1 2 3 4 (assume you have nothing else plugged in for
testing
purposes) and neither light at the computer end .

Plugging the cable back in at port 1 (docs say it automatically
determines
crossover straight cable types) there still should be no lights for 1
2 3
4.

Now plugging the cable in at the computer one light should light at
the
computer port, the other may flash. The light link/activity on the
router
should light now, and may flash a bit.
(On my dell the Ethernet connector has a small green led in upper left
that
is the 'connected' light and another in upper right that is the
'activity'
light. All laptops that I have seen have had something similar)

If no lights in columns 1 2 3 4 at the router end and no lights at the
computer end it is possible that the interface is disabled.
If the interface is disabled you should have got 'nothing' when you
did a
ipconfig /all, but might as well check anyway.
Do you have a icon in lower right with two computer screens? In your
case
probably also has a red x on it.
If not, right click in the taskbar (bottom of screen) click
properties,
notification area tab, under system icons, make sure network is
checked.

Hovering over the icon will give you current state which is probably
'..not
connected...' right click it and select network and sharing center.
You
will
probably get this computer' with red X to the Internet globe.

Clicking on the red X will give you a reason that it failed to connect
to
the internet.
At least two possibilities 'local area connection is disabled' and 'a
cable
is not plugged in ...'

If you get the 'disabled' message than the connection can be enabled,
if
'cable not plugged in ...' then you have about exhausted your options,
the
interface on you brand new computer is bad and you will have to take
it
back.

(hmmmm, I expect that you have tried the other 2 3 4 ports on the
router
also).

Michael



"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,
Thanks your reply is very informative. The router is a Linksys
BEFSR41v3
and only has one light to signal connection status. That light is
steadily
flashing on and off which according to the linksys manual means that
it
is
sending/transmitting data. In regards to the cable, I've tried
three
different cables, two of which I've used to connect other laptops
with,
so
I'll assume I'm using the correct cable. Any other suggestiond
would
be
greatly appreciated!

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or
is
not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the
cable
is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet
interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes
when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known
as
the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a
DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted.
Normally
you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted
would
be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more
expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the
condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my
home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an
ipconfig
/all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected
and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try
and
do
an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media
is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

Michael,

Well, at least on hers, it sounds like it's somewhat out of the way. On the
Acer, it's the same elongated button but it's on the front, (where you could
easily bump it) with an orange light for off and a green light for on (and
that's not in the manual). So, either way it eats up a little power even if
it is an led. next to that is an identical button which when flipped one way
says (currently) "no bluetooth device" and the other way "no 3G device".
That one doesn't stay left or right, it ends up returning to center but has a
light on both sides (I have no idea what colors).
Evidently, it seems like the thing to do these days, however it still
doesn't answer the question. Besides, why couldn't you be connected to the
internet two different ways. If it's just a quest of power, it's a big
assumption on Acer's part that if you're using a wireless network, you're not
plugged in to a/c power. If I have a wireless network in my house/office
with a docking station at my desk, it's a moot point.

And , hey, it's my father that alway used to say to me "genius that you
are". Funny how he got smarter as I got older. grin

Charles

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

On my neighbor's HP there is elongated control button above the keyboard
that lights up blue when the wireless is enabled (not only wireless uses the
battery but the light also). It is a button so may just tell the system to
disable wireless rather than control power to it in some physical way.
Have never checked to see if the wired goes away when the wireless is on
(she has never had it connected wired, first time she tries I may have the
answer, genius that I am )

Michael


"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,

Yes, me too, makes me cringe thinking about them. I too would like to hear
from others about this. Was Dell trying to save a few sheckels, uncaring
(who cares if you run out of power) or whatever, to put a hardware switch
on
mine since the wireless card is internal (Inspiron 9400). Or maybe is it
because the stock battery is so much better (than Acer's) that it's a non
issue. This Acer (Aspire 3690) is not known for it's battery life. But
then
of course the Acer was $350 and the Dell was $1100 (?-last year).

Maybe I should have read the online manual, but who reads those? ;-)

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

I have had WAY more than my fair share of 'duh' moments!!

My Dell is an old inspiron 8100, no internal wireless so no 'switch' it
does
allow me to have both a wireless (card) and wired. I know most laptops
now
have internal wireless and have some way of turning off the wireless
(saves
battery and needed to use on an airplane). I was unaware that, at least
on
some laptops it is an either or condition with the wired.

Any kibitzers out there with info on this feature?

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
news Michael,
Once again thanks for your very detailed help. I went through much of
what
you suggested and some (a little) I had though of on my own.
However, I must apologize for wasting your time. I know I've wasted
about
4
days (on & off)of my own time. On this Acer, there is a very tiny
slide
switch on the front, to enable/disable the wireless conncetion.
According
to
Acer you can't have both on (wired/wireless) at the same time. That
may
very
well be the case (with Acer it is), but my Dell laptop has no switch
and I
ran a wireless connection (to the Acer and I'm fairly sure, but maybe
not,
to
the internet also on my neighbors network ) and a wired connection (to
my
router) at the same time with no problem. There is no switch on the
Dell
(other than software to disable the wireless connection). So live and
learn.
Years ago I helped a friend for an hour (over the phone) with a mouse
that
wouldn't work and then asked, uh, is it plugged in?
One last question, Is the Dell setup the usual or is the Acer setup the
usual?
Thanks again,
Charles
"Michael" wrote:

On a picture of a BEFSR41 router I see 3 rows of lights in 5 columns.
The columns are 1 2 3 4 and WAN

I would expect that the WAN would have its link light on and activity
blinking.
If you unplug the cable to the computer (both ends) I would expect no
lights
on for columns 1 2 3 4 (assume you have nothing else plugged in for
testing
purposes) and neither light at the computer end .

Plugging the cable back in at port 1 (docs say it automatically
determines
crossover straight cable types) there still should be no lights for 1
2 3
4.

Now plugging the cable in at the computer one light should light at
the
computer port, the other may flash. The light link/activity on the
router
should light now, and may flash a bit.
(On my dell the Ethernet connector has a small green led in upper left
that
is the 'connected' light and another in upper right that is the
'activity'
light. All laptops that I have seen have had something similar)

If no lights in columns 1 2 3 4 at the router end and no lights at the
computer end it is possible that the interface is disabled.
If the interface is disabled you should have got 'nothing' when you
did a
ipconfig /all, but might as well check anyway.
Do you have a icon in lower right with two computer screens? In your
case
probably also has a red x on it.
If not, right click in the taskbar (bottom of screen) click
properties,
notification area tab, under system icons, make sure network is
checked.

Hovering over the icon will give you current state which is probably
'..not
connected...' right click it and select network and sharing center.
You
will
probably get this computer' with red X to the Internet globe.

Clicking on the red X will give you a reason that it failed to connect
to
the internet.
At least two possibilities 'local area connection is disabled' and 'a
cable
is not plugged in ...'

If you get the 'disabled' message than the connection can be enabled,
if
'cable not plugged in ...' then you have about exhausted your options,
the
interface on you brand new computer is bad and you will have to take
it
back.

(hmmmm, I expect that you have tried the other 2 3 4 ports on the
router
also).

Michael



"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,
Thanks your reply is very informative. The router is a Linksys
BEFSR41v3
and only has one light to signal connection status. That light is
steadily
flashing on and off which according to the linksys manual means that
it
is
sending/transmitting data. In regards to the cable, I've tried
three
different cables, two of which I've used to connect other laptops
with,
so
I'll assume I'm using the correct cable. Any other suggestiond
would
be
greatly appreciated!

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or
is
not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the
cable
is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet
interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes
when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known
as
the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a
DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted.
Normally
you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted
would
be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more
expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the
condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my
home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an
ipconfig
/all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected
and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try
and
do
an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media
is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles

Michael,

Baloney, baloney, baloney. It has nothing to do with the switch. It
bothered me too much to leave it alone, so I kept futzing (which usually
causes problems) and finally found out that it was a intermittantly (sp?) bad
port. I guess that the connection worked fine for long periods of time and
because I kept fooling with it has now gone permanently bad.
So, don't bother your neighbor. This was bad enough when I wanted to blame
this on Acer but now it's Linksys (or really me).

Do you have a preferred router that's easy to setup? I occasionally do need
aLL 4 wired ports and may go wireless (although not with the current Vista)
in the future. From what I read pren N is better/faster than draft N and
Belkin has the best customer support and warranty but not the greates router.
Linksys has a decent router but the worst support.

Charles

"Charles" wrote:

Michael,

Well, at least on hers, it sounds like it's somewhat out of the way. On the
Acer, it's the same elongated button but it's on the front, (where you could
easily bump it) with an orange light for off and a green light for on (and
that's not in the manual). So, either way it eats up a little power even if
it is an led. next to that is an identical button which when flipped one way
says (currently) "no bluetooth device" and the other way "no 3G device".
That one doesn't stay left or right, it ends up returning to center but has a
light on both sides (I have no idea what colors).
Evidently, it seems like the thing to do these days, however it still
doesn't answer the question. Besides, why couldn't you be connected to the
internet two different ways. If it's just a quest of power, it's a big
assumption on Acer's part that if you're using a wireless network, you're not
plugged in to a/c power. If I have a wireless network in my house/office
with a docking station at my desk, it's a moot point.

And , hey, it's my father that alway used to say to me "genius that you
are". Funny how he got smarter as I got older. grin

Charles

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

On my neighbor's HP there is elongated control button above the keyboard
that lights up blue when the wireless is enabled (not only wireless uses the
battery but the light also). It is a button so may just tell the system to
disable wireless rather than control power to it in some physical way.
Have never checked to see if the wired goes away when the wireless is on
(she has never had it connected wired, first time she tries I may have the
answer, genius that I am )

Michael


"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,

Yes, me too, makes me cringe thinking about them. I too would like to hear
from others about this. Was Dell trying to save a few sheckels, uncaring
(who cares if you run out of power) or whatever, to put a hardware switch
on
mine since the wireless card is internal (Inspiron 9400). Or maybe is it
because the stock battery is so much better (than Acer's) that it's a non
issue. This Acer (Aspire 3690) is not known for it's battery life. But
then
of course the Acer was $350 and the Dell was $1100 (?-last year).

Maybe I should have read the online manual, but who reads those? ;-)

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

I have had WAY more than my fair share of 'duh' moments!!

My Dell is an old inspiron 8100, no internal wireless so no 'switch' it
does
allow me to have both a wireless (card) and wired. I know most laptops
now
have internal wireless and have some way of turning off the wireless
(saves
battery and needed to use on an airplane). I was unaware that, at least
on
some laptops it is an either or condition with the wired.

Any kibitzers out there with info on this feature?

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
news Michael,
Once again thanks for your very detailed help. I went through much of
what
you suggested and some (a little) I had though of on my own.
However, I must apologize for wasting your time. I know I've wasted
about
4
days (on & off)of my own time. On this Acer, there is a very tiny
slide
switch on the front, to enable/disable the wireless conncetion.
According
to
Acer you can't have both on (wired/wireless) at the same time. That
may
very
well be the case (with Acer it is), but my Dell laptop has no switch
and I
ran a wireless connection (to the Acer and I'm fairly sure, but maybe
not,
to
the internet also on my neighbors network ) and a wired connection (to
my
router) at the same time with no problem. There is no switch on the
Dell
(other than software to disable the wireless connection). So live and
learn.
Years ago I helped a friend for an hour (over the phone) with a mouse
that
wouldn't work and then asked, uh, is it plugged in?
One last question, Is the Dell setup the usual or is the Acer setup the
usual?
Thanks again,
Charles
"Michael" wrote:

On a picture of a BEFSR41 router I see 3 rows of lights in 5 columns.
The columns are 1 2 3 4 and WAN

I would expect that the WAN would have its link light on and activity
blinking.
If you unplug the cable to the computer (both ends) I would expect no
lights
on for columns 1 2 3 4 (assume you have nothing else plugged in for
testing
purposes) and neither light at the computer end .

Plugging the cable back in at port 1 (docs say it automatically
determines
crossover straight cable types) there still should be no lights for 1
2 3
4.

Now plugging the cable in at the computer one light should light at
the
computer port, the other may flash. The light link/activity on the
router
should light now, and may flash a bit.
(On my dell the Ethernet connector has a small green led in upper left
that
is the 'connected' light and another in upper right that is the
'activity'
light. All laptops that I have seen have had something similar)

If no lights in columns 1 2 3 4 at the router end and no lights at the
computer end it is possible that the interface is disabled.
If the interface is disabled you should have got 'nothing' when you
did a
ipconfig /all, but might as well check anyway.
Do you have a icon in lower right with two computer screens? In your
case
probably also has a red x on it.
If not, right click in the taskbar (bottom of screen) click
properties,
notification area tab, under system icons, make sure network is
checked.

Hovering over the icon will give you current state which is probably
'..not
connected...' right click it and select network and sharing center.
You
will
probably get this computer' with red X to the Internet globe.

Clicking on the red X will give you a reason that it failed to connect
to
the internet.
At least two possibilities 'local area connection is disabled' and 'a
cable
is not plugged in ...'

If you get the 'disabled' message than the connection can be enabled,
if
'cable not plugged in ...' then you have about exhausted your options,
the
interface on you brand new computer is bad and you will have to take
it
back.

(hmmmm, I expect that you have tried the other 2 3 4 ports on the
router
also).

Michael



"Charles" wrote in message
...
Michael,
Thanks your reply is very informative. The router is a Linksys
BEFSR41v3
and only has one light to signal connection status. That light is
steadily
flashing on and off which according to the linksys manual means that
it
is
sending/transmitting data. In regards to the cable, I've tried
three
different cables, two of which I've used to connect other laptops
with,
so
I'll assume I'm using the correct cable. Any other suggestiond
would
be
greatly appreciated!

"Michael" wrote:

Charles,

Your physical address is of the correct form.

The implication is that your cable is either of the wrong type or
is
not
connected or is broken.
Does the light for the channel on your router light up when the
cable
is
inserted?
On most machines there are two lights associated with the Ethernet
interface
one should light when the cable is connected. (The other flashes
when
communications transit the card).

The term release does not apply to the physical address (also known
as
the
MAC or media access code).
The term release applies to the IP address that was obtained from a
DHCP
host (the router).

There are two types of Ethernet cables straight and twisted.
Normally
you
would use a straight to connect a computer to a router. The twisted
would
be
to connect two computers without any intermediary. Newer/more
expensive
routers can detect the cable type and automatically correct the
condition.

Michael

"Charles" wrote in message
...
New laptop with Vista Basic and I'm tryiong to connect it to my
home
network.
Plugged it into my wired router and nothing. So, I did an
ipconfig
/all
and
for both the wireless and the nic card iget media disconnected
and
therefore
I get physical addresses of gibberish (00-16-D4-DE-8F-6D). Try
and
do
an
a
release and it says no peration can be performed while the media
is
diisconnected.
So, how do you cponnect the media????????????
Thanks,
Charles