Why does Windows XP not recognize that the internet is connected?

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farmerjohn1324

Member
In a previous post, it was said that it was a problem with my Windows XP that it did not recognize that I was connected to the internet even though the Wireless Connection said connected.

This happens from time-to-time. Sometimes, it connects no problem, other times, the browser will say "can't connect" even though the wireless is connected fine.

Silly question... why can't Windows XP recognize the connection 100% of the time. Seems like a simple enough thing for an operating system to do, right?

I have many other problems related to RAM, but I don't think this is a RAM problem.
 
I think using something a bit more up-to-date than your >10 year old system would alleviate most of your issues.
 
No this isn't a RAM problem. It's a problem to do with your Wi-Fi card and/or its drivers or your router settings.

Try reinstalling or updating your Wi-Fi drivers.
 
I have a Linksys wireless adapter that plugs into a USB port. I am at a hotel. How do I reinstall or update my drivers?

And yes, I'm sure when I update my system, most or all of my problems will go away.
 
Start -> My Computer -> right click on it and go to Properties -> Hardware -> Device Manager and then find your wireless adapter. Right click on it -> update driver device software.

I think that's how it's done in XP going from memory.
 
It says "the wizard could not find a better match for your hardware than the software you currently have installed."

Is there any way I can find a better driver manually?
 
I downloaded a driver from the linksys website. I don't know if it's the one I currently have or not.... it gives me a list of files that I unzipped, and they are...

AE1200xp64.sys, AE1200xp.sys, AE2500xp64.sys, AE2500xp.sys, bcmh43xx64.cat, bcmh43xx.cat, bcmwlcoi64.dll, bcmwlcoi.dll, bcmwlhigh5.inf

....now how do I take this and install a driver out of it?
 
You manually install the driver. Use this methoud outlined here: http://www.addictivetips.com/window...-or-device-drivers-manually-in-windows-vista/

Browse for the .inf file Make sure all the files are in the same folder.

Here's what an INF is. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INF_file

If I read this right you say it's connected but you don't get Internet? If that's the case it means the router is working and more than likly the USB WIFI card is too, but the router is unable to get an Internet connection from the modem. Would be a hotel problem.

BTW, if this WIFI connection is unsecured I would make sure you use a VPN. Or at the least make sure that when you log into a secure site that you see a padlock in your browser.
 
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To install those drivers you need to do what I said in my last post, but when you click on Update Driver Software select the option that says 'Let me browse my computer for a driver' (or similar). Navigate to those files.
 
I updated the driver, but the folder with the driver is on my desktop.

What is the more traditional location where drivers are saved? (where all the other drivers are?)
 
Once the drivers have been updated you can either delete the folder you installed the drivers from or store it elsewhere for use later if you think you might need to install that driver again.
 
If I deleted the folder, wouldn't that delete the driver? The folder is called "AE1200xp" and it's on my desktop.

What is the folder that drivers are traditionally stored in?
 
No it won't delete the driver because the driver is already installed. All you have on your desktop are the files that are required to install the driver.

If you download a program from the internet - let's say you downloaded a file called 'setup.exe' to install the program - and then installed the program and deleted setup.exe afterwards, the program remains installed doesn't it? The same idea applies to the files you downloaded.

The actual files that the driver installs (and are needed to run) can be stored in all manner of places. Depends entirely on the driver.
 
farmerjohn1324 said:
Yes, I see that now. Is there a good free program I can download that will tell me if any of my drivers should be updated?
Click to expand...

Not really, no. You need to be careful because most 'driver scanner' thingies are rubbish and sometimes malicious.
 
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