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Local Items: Another computer question
Bonaire Talk: Local Items: Archives: Archives - 2008: Another computer question
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sparty (BonaireTalker - Post #72) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 10:39 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

When traveling, we occasionally (about 10% of time) run into a problem where our wireless connection will say "connected" but we cannot access the internet. It sometimes says the problem is with a firewall but even after we disable the firewalls, it still will not allow us to connect to the internet. Like I said, one hotel/motel works fine, next hotel or motel will be a problem. Any ideas?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Trevor Hibdige, Lac Bay Villa (BonaireTalker - Post #99) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 11:05 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

When any connection is made, the first thing the connection does is ask for a reference number. This number is called the IP Address and it is issued by the Master to the connectee like a temporary telephone number.

The issuing of these IP Addresses is subject to a timer on the receiver (you and me) such that if we don't receive the address in time, it assigns a default address which does not allow communication to the internet or any network stuff.

Here is the check. It will tell you the IP Address and I promise it will not do any harm provided this is all you do....

1. Click the Start Button and click Run
2. Type "cmd" without the "" and click OK.
3. A good old fashioned DOS box opens up with a prompt like C:\>Documents and Settings\Yournamehere

If it reads anything else don't worry.
4. Type "ipconfig" and press enter
5. Loads of rubbish fill the screen
Mine says
Windows IP Configuration
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection 3:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.2
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.0.1

Anything in IP Address OTHER THAN 169.aaa.bbb.ccc should be OK. If you see anything beginning with 169. then that means the Master did not answer in time. If this is the case and your machine works in other locations, pass the information on to the Master....

The DHCP is not working

(DHCP is the name for the machine that issues the IP Address)....

When you are finished with the black DOS box, close it with the X like any other Window...


Trevor

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sparty (BonaireTalker - Post #73) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 11:36 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I will print off your instructions for use the next time I have the problem. If I understand you, the problem is not with my settings, but rather with the wireless provider/router. This is frustrating because on occasion I have called the desk to inquire about whether they are having problems and have been told "no, their system is working".

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2839) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 11:38 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

some times you have to type ipconfig /renew. It will ensure that you are reconnecting.. Also, in your set up, be sure that you have checked "automatically connect" Sometimes you will need to reboot your machine.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ChrisA (BonaireTalker - Post #40) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 2:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Also, some hotels will issue you an IP address, rather than allow your PC to obtain one automatically, and give you the settings such as gateway, subnet mask, proxy name to get out.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sparty (BonaireTalker - Post #74) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 3:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

When you say some hotels issue IP address, do you mean they provide you a verbal or written instruction or do you mean their system issues the address when you try to connect? I have never had anyone provide me an IP address, though I have had them give me a user name and password.

Thanks for all the assistance so far. I would sure love to solve this problem because we travel quite a bit and it has certainly caused some problems in the past.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freddie (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #9514) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 3:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just found out this past weekend at a hotel that my home page will not bring up the internet.in order to use the password that the hotel had given me... I had to log onto something else like msn or google.. actually I got on more than once bringing up Bonaire Talk.. who knew??

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ChrisA (BonaireTalker - Post #41) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 3:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yes, some will give you certain settings to put in your computer to get you out. Basically there are two methods, they will have a server waiting for PC's to get on the network and automatically give them an address with the correct settings (DHCP) OR provide each guest with an IP (and other settings) to enter manually (static IP). Most networks are configured to give the addresses automatically when you boot up the machine. It is important that you have your wireless card "turned on" when you boot up or you will not get an address. This can happen if you are accustomed to using an ethernet cable to attach to a network. In that case, you would need to either reboot once your wireless is enabled (easiest) or release and renew as stated above.

I know this sounds like a lot but there are really quite a few options to try when troubleshooting connectivity. Typically if they supply a username and password they are giving out the addresses automatically.

Another option is to check your proxy settings in Internet Explorer (if that is your browser). At the top of the IE window, select Tools, Internet Options, Connections tab, LAN settings and be sure that Automatically detect Proxy is selected. To further complicate things, if you use an ISP with their own software, they will sometimes have proxy settings that will interfere when you connect through another provider (hotel).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sparty (BonaireTalker - Post #75) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 5:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

When traveling, we always shut off the computer so it boots up every time we turn it on. We never turn the wireless off because we have wireless at home as well. I checked the tools, connections, lan settings and I have the "automatically select settings" option turned on but below that is a box for "proxy server" that contains a box to be checked to "use a proxy server for your lan". That box is unchecked.

One other problem with the idea of the hotel providing any information other than a password, is that I have found that many of the desk clerks have very little knowledge of the system and will give you an 800 number to call. On occasion I have tried that method to get help but after lengthy attempts to assist me they suggest I go to the desk and get a cable to use instead of the wireless. Thanks again for all the advice and help.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ChrisA (BonaireTalker - Post #42) on Thursday, January 17, 2008 - 6:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I feel your pain. I run our computer support department so whenever I travel for business I usually visit each travel companion at least once to get them connected. :-) Sounds like you have everything set the best way to connect in most situations. We call it the 80/20 rule. If you can connect 80% of the time, you're doing pretty well. You're right about the hotel workers not being much help either.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2844) on Friday, January 18, 2008 - 9:53 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I continually have problems with some folks who have more than one wireless program/setup configured on their laptops..When all else fails I just plug em in on a LAN cable..problem solved.

 


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