Wireless network troubleshooting

[Urchin]

Well, I've just about given up, so I'm here asking for help. 

I just moved, and the wife doesnt want me stringing up a hard line across the living room so I am trying to get my computer to use the wireless network.  I've had my wife's laptop on a wireless network for two years, and I have a PS3 that is ALSO working fine on the wireless network. 

However, my computer will absolutely not work unless I make the network unsecure. 

If I put the network to WPA, I was occasionally able to connect for a number of seconds before the connection would drop - each time that would happen I would have to put in the key again.  I was never able to open any web pages.

If I put the security to WPA2, or WEP (or WPA the vast majority of the time), the system hangs on "acquiring network address". 

Again, it works wonderfully if I make the network unsecure, but I am uncomfortable having an unsecure network in the community I live in.

Any help is much appreciated.

[Fulmar]

Sounds like a cheap Wireless card using the RaLink chipset (dozens and dozens of brands have this chipset).

I've had personally experience with 3 ralink chipset wireless cards and have nearly identical symptoms you're having.

Do you know what model/brand wireless card you're using?  And can you physically look at the card and see a chip on the circuit board that says 'Ralink?'

[Urchin]

Wireless adapter is a USB Linksys WUSB54G version 4.  Router is a Linksys WRT-54G.  I updated the routers firmware, and the adapters drivers.

[BaldEagl]

Are you using the Windows connection manager or the one that's bundled with the card? 

If you're using the one the came with the card uninstall it then re-boot and let Windows grab the drivers off the disc when it finds new hardware.  Then use the Windows connection manager but you'll need to know the entire encrypted key.

[Urchin]

I'm using the Windows software.

However, when I tried the 'SES' stuff with the linksys software, it thought about it for a while then said that the SES network could not be detected.

[Vulcan]

If it's your gaming ring string a cable. Wireless blows for gaming.

[Fulmar]

If it's your gaming ring string a cable. Wireless blows for gaming.

I just moved, and the wife doesnt want me stringing up a hard line across the living room so I am trying to get my computer to use the wireless network.  I've had my wife's laptop on a wireless network for two years, and I have a PS3 that is ALSO working fine on the wireless network. 

[BaldEagl]

Are you running a software firewall (either Windows firewall or as part of a security package)?  Have you checked to make sure it's configured to allow your wireless connection?  Have you tried just turning that off to see what happens?

Is your SSID set properly?  How about workgroup names for networking?

Is there more than the one router or any types of switches?

Have you tried plugging the card into a different slot/port on your computer?

Have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers (let Windows find them... do not install them using an installer)?

Just throwing out ideas.

[Fulmar]

If other computers on your network are not having any issues, I'd pull everything out and uninstall the wireless card etc.  Start from the beginning again.

Make sure the drivers you have for the wireless card are the most current.  A lot of disks that ship with hardware are outdated by the time you get them or the time they were sitting in the warehouse. 

Make sure the firmware on your router is up to date as well (check the changelog for resolved issues).

[humble]

I'd ditch the USB "card" for an actual internal card, the USB can be the problem...

[Fulmar]

I've personally installed this Belkin (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833314011&Tpk=Belkin%20F5D7050) on someone's computer.  Picked it up at Walmart at the time, worked right out of the box with XP SP3.