How to connect new laptop to existing secured wireless networking

Mach1pro,

XP does have a wireless network wizard that can save the "setup" to a USB drive after the wizard is run.  However you only have one computer to setup.  The wizard would be more work.  Follow Punky's steps to get the SSID and encryption type and key.  If you setup security then there is a good chance you also are using MAC filtering (telling the router which computers to allow).  Look for a section for this and input the new computer's wireless network card's MAC address (i.e. physical address).

If you don't have the address look on the bottom of the laptop for a sticker with it or run "ipconfig /all" (no quotes) from a DOS prompt (Start -> Run -> type cmd -> press Enter).  In the results look for the wireless adapter and the physical address listed for that adapter.

It will need to be entered in the router if you are doing the filtering or the computer won't be allowed to connect.  Even with the right info.

Let me know if you have any questions or need more information.

b0lsc0tt

making some progress, but still can't get the internet.
In my working laptop, my wireless network connection details show an IP address and subnet mask within that of the router and its assigned by DHCP. In my new laptop it shows an IP address and Subnetmask out of range and instead of DHCP it says Automatic Private Address.  If I click the repair on the connection all numbers are zeroed out and it says assigned by DHCP, but once the numbers are finally assigned it once again says Automatic Private Address.  I've looked at all my network settings between the two laptops and they appear to be the same.  What am I missing?

The new laptop isn't getting an IP from the router.

What security did you find on the router?  What have you set up on the laptop?

Do the router and the new laptop have an ethernet port?  If so, try and connect the new laptop to the router with an ethernet cable.  Does that work?

Most likely the issue is a missing step or item in the security or a mistyped encryption key.  If you can connect with an ethernet cable then you will know it isn't a general network issue with your computer.

Let me know if you have a question about any of this or need more info.

bol

When I connect the laptop to the router with a patchcord I get an almost instant network connection and can see the internet.  Even the wireless network connection at this time shows a valid dhcp IP address assignment. If I pull the patchcord, I am no longer able to make my internet connection.  I'm still at a loss

bolscott, I wan't using Mac Filtering, but went ahead and enabled this feature and input the addresses. Still no results; however I removed the router security, successfully connected to it and the internet with the new laptop. Re-enabled the router security. Connected again inputing the key and now it connects to the internet fine. So both laptops are hitting my router with WEP security and no broadcast of SSID.  Just one more question before I close this topic as you brought up Mac Filtering: By me leaving Mac Filtering in place, if I understand it right, this will provide an even greater level of security for my network by only allowing someone who has a network card with these predefined addresses. Is that right?

That's correct.  MAC filtering is a very easy way to provide just an extra level of security.  Just always remember to setup the new computer in the router. :)

I'm glad it is working now.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

bol

I'm glad I could help.  Thanks for the grade, the points and the fun question.

bol