Network Difficulties

prescott28 · 12 Apr 2008 at 20:34

Hi,

Having a few problems with the laptop and it's wireless connection.

Everytime I try to connect to the network (128 bit WEP) it cannot manage it but I seem to have found why. It keeps assigning an ip address starting 169.254.xxx.xxx

I have tried start>run>cmd>ipconfig /renewall with no sucess

Struggling on how to fix this as it's been a while since I tried my hand at any networking - any ideas?

PCDave · 12 Apr 2008 at 20:37

how far is the laptop from the router?
has the laptop connected before?
is there any interference between the laptop and router?

prescott28 · 12 Apr 2008 at 20:39

laptop to router is approx. 2 metres max - direct line of site

The laptop has been connected before but has had multiple reformats since. (Now on Win2k)

No interference that I am aware of

tolien · 12 Apr 2008 at 20:40

Are you sure the WEP key is right - 169.254 etc is an autoconfiguration IP, i.e. what Windows will set when it doesn't get an answer from a DHCP server (which would be your router).

WEP's useless anyway - use it as an oppurtunity to switch to WPA.

prescott28 · 12 Apr 2008 at 20:42

positive checked letter for letter and all in caps as in the router setup

PCDave · 12 Apr 2008 at 20:45

if its only 2 meters away why not use ethernet connection instead? much faster and more reliable

prescott28 · 12 Apr 2008 at 20:53

no ethernet on the laptop

circa 2001 600mhz celeron

even my till at morrisons is faster