I need laptop help

[Lisa L from MI]

That's why I don't want to attempt it myself. I have no idea what any of that means.

I know what you mean...I am afraid to screw it up and not be able to connect wirelessly. I have had this laptop for over a year and have not had a problem while being "unsecure"....wonder if it really matters???

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

We use linksys for our router. You can access the the routing box by typing the address for the router box and clicking go. Then you have the option to set up a code to protect your network. Also, change the password to access your router box. I know that linksys comes with a generic password. We had a neighbor that kept accessing our router box and changing the name of our netework. You can also change the name of your wireless network so that you will easily recognize it.

Then on your laptop you can view available networks, choose your network and then type in your code to connect.

Some cable or dsl modems work as router boxes. That means if you have a router box and a cable or dsl modem that also has a built-in router box, you need to access the cable/dsl modem and change the setting so that it will not use it's built-in router.

Another option is to just run a cord from your router box to your laptop. My laptop is in our living room and my router is upstairs in a bedroom. Since I always use my laptop while I am sitting on our living room couch, DH ran a cord down the wall, so now my laptop is wired.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

We use linksys for our router. You can access the the routing box by typing the address for the router box and clicking go. Then you have the option to set up a code to protect your network. Also, change the password to access your router box. I know that linksys comes with a generic password. We had a neighbor that kept accessing our router box and changing the name of our netework. You can also change the name of your wireless network so that you will easily recognize it.

Then on your laptop you can view available networks, choose your network and then type in your code to connect.

Some cable or dsl modems work as router boxes. That means if you have a router box and a cable or dsl modem that also has a built-in router box, you need to access the cable/dsl modem and change the setting so that it will not use it's built-in router.

Another option is to just run a cord from your router box to your laptop. My laptop is in our living room and my router is upstairs in a bedroom. Since I always use my laptop while I am sitting on our living room couch, DH ran a cord down the wall, so now my laptop is wired.

So, how do you know what the "address" for your router box is?? I have Linksys too.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Another weird thing I just noticed...when I look at the "details" when I click on my connection thingy....it says "lease expires 1-1-07"??? What does that mean??

 

[SillyMe]

Another weird thing I just noticed...when I look at the "details" when I click on my connection thingy....it says "lease expires 1-1-07"??? What does that mean??

Guess you'll find out tomorrow.

 

[SillyMe]

Okay, I moved into the new house and ready to set up my wireless system. I have a Linksys router. Will it walk me through the MAC filter set up?

 

[HonestAbe]

I'll try to answer a couple of the questions.

The lease expires is nothing you should worry about. It is the IP address you have pulled from the DHCP server. It laymans terms it is the setting that allows you to talk on the network in the first place. Dont worry though as it will renew itself with no interaction from you.

As for the MAC filter, it probably wont. However you should be able to login to the router and then find something (probably under security) that will save only allow these MAC addresses to connect. To get the MAC address from your computer, open a command prompt (cmd) and type (without quotes) "ipconfig /all" There is a space before the forward slash. Then look at the output and it will tell you the MAC address. That hexidecimal sequence (letters and numbers) is what you plug into the MAC filter on the router. The other important part is make doubly sure you have all the MAC addresses on the wireless devices on your network listed in there. Otherwise they wont be able to connect. Be very cautious as you can potentially lock yourself out of the router if you fat finger any of it and then you will have to completely reset your router.

 

[SillyMe]

I'll try to answer a couple of the questions.

The lease expires is nothing you should worry about. It is the IP address you have pulled from the DHCP server. It laymans terms it is the setting that allows you to talk on the network in the first place. Dont worry though as it will renew itself with no interaction from you.

As for the MAC filter, it probably wont. However you should be able to login to the router and then find something (probably under security) that will save only allow these MAC addresses to connect. To get the MAC address from your computer, open a command prompt (cmd) and type (without quotes) "ipconfig /all" There is a space before the forward slash. Then look at the output and it will tell you the MAC address. That hexidecimal sequence (letters and numbers) is what you plug into the MAC filter on the router. The other important part is make doubly sure you have all the MAC addresses on the wireless devices on your network listed in there. Otherwise they wont be able to connect. Be very cautious as you can potentially lock yourself out of the router if you fat finger any of it and then you will have to completely reset your router.

Thanks. This may be a stupid question, but do I have to enter the MAC address for my desktop, too? The router will be hooked up to my desktop.

 

[SillyMe]

I did it! So far it seems to be working okay. I secured it with the MAC filter.