Computer tech help needed.

[Bob C]

I know some of you are networking/IT guys. Help!

I've got a wireless router/hub at home. I have one machine plugged into it with an ethernet cable and I access it all the time with my laptop, so I know it's working ok.

Here's the problem. I gave my old Windows 98SE machine to my kids and bought a USB wireless adapter for it. The thing is picking up the network, according to the software that came with the adapter (it says it's "associated"). BUT, I can't get online with it. It works just fine when it's plugged into the router with an ethernet cable.

I'm sure I'm missing a setting, somewhere, but I'm stumped.

Any help out there?

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Bob,

Do you have security enabled on your wireless router? Also, did the USB adapter claim to work with Win98? The USB support, and wireless networking support, in Win98 was less than stellar.

Also, are the router and the wireless adapter from the same manufacturer? You can get products from different vendors to work together, but it is more work than with hardware from the same vendor.

PM me if you want some more help.

[Caradoc]

Here's the problem. I gave my old Windows 98SE machine to my kids and bought a USB wireless adapter for it.

See if you can insure that your adapter works with Win98 as KiltedCodeWarrior mentioned.

I work on Solaris, HP-UX, and Linux boxes all day. My primary desktop box is a Mac.

The Windows laptop belongs to my employer, and I don't install stuff on it - they support it. I don't monkey with it.

[haukehaien]

Pretty much what they said. USB devices are always problematic with 98, and wireless is also an issue. I would not normally attempt to get a USB wireless adapter to work with it. I would suggest either running it wired, or getting an adapter that will work with Linux and putting Linux on the machine. However, that may be a lot more work than you're interested in doing.

[Bob C]

Pretty much what they said. USB devices are always problematic with 98, and wireless is also an issue. I would not normally attempt to get a USB wireless adapter to work with it. I would suggest either running it wired, or getting an adapter that will work with Linux and putting Linux on the machine. However, that may be a lot more work than you're interested in doing.

Running it wired is not an option where I want the machine to be. I'm also not installing an OS that isn't compatible with any of my software.

Thanks for the input, though.

My XP machines work flawlessly and the 98 machine is showing a solid connection, so I can't imagine what is going on. It's like the 98 machine is connected, but does not know it.

[Caradoc]

Running it wired is not an option where I want the machine to be.

Sure it is. Replace the USB adapter with an ethernet-to-wireless bridge, plug the Win98 box into the bridge via ethernet, and connect the bridge to your wireless network. As far as the Win98 box is concerned, it's "wired."

Win98 may not like USB devices, but I *know* it'll support ethernet networks.

[switchblade5984]

or check the usb adapter site to look for problems or conflicts

[Kilted KT]

windows 98?

hmm...

smash the thing, order a kilt and head to the pub...will be easier.

[Bob C]

windows 98?

hmm...

smash the thing, order a kilt and head to the pub...will be easier.

While that sounds inviting, my kids would be disappointed.

[Southern Breeze]

Be glad it's Windows 98 you're dealing with. Several of the automated fountains we maintain use DOS/ Windows 95.