Networks @ Home

MartinW · 28th May 2007, 23:29

I have just bought a desktop and laptop to replace the current two units and want to get them all networking to allow the transfer of files etc plus then update printers etc.

The new desktop (Vista) doesn't seem to want to see my network yet the existing two desktops are ok as was the old laptop (all three on XP).

The new laptop (also Vista) won't connect properly via wireless with my Linksys wireless b/b modem router.

I hate computers! Any ideas, please, I have wasted hours trying to get the laptop to even communicate with the outside world, although the new desktop will connect with the net. My wireless was originally set for WEP with a key which worked fine.

JohnDotCom · 28th May 2007, 23:35

Was just going to Bed when I saw this, so will have a better think in morning.
Main Problem with Vista is Driver and equipment issues, if all set up as should be under your New operating system it should work, but.........
Post Make and Model number of Wireless Router as some just don't work with Vista I'm afraid.
Also what version of Vista are you using Please?

MartinW · 28th May 2007, 23:50

Thanks, John!
Linksys WAG54GS-UK if that helps that is 11b/g compatible.
The other computers were all on XP.
The new laptop and desktop are on Vista Home Premium
The older machines are running Mcafee.
The new machines Norton.

MartinW · 29th May 2007, 19:21

Updated the firmware on the Linksys (despite the website saying my model was Vista ok. Also learnt a lot about changing settings in Vista vs XP, and got an excellent telephonic walk through on wireless from a good MGB friend. I can see all the PCs now so can start copying over all my files etc and getting set up now that the AV and Office are installed. One negative is that Outlook Express is now Windows Mail and does not support synch with Plaxo!

Vista reminds me of car manufacturers - change for change sake with lots of glitz and nothing of substance underneath it all - with numerous updates being put out at great cost and still poor reliability!

JohnDotCom · 29th May 2007, 21:46

I have tried to advise people to avoid ifpossible at the moment, there is now over 150 Updates for Vista, and still not enough drivers etc.
Wait for SP1 due out later this Year, but that is sure to be delayed!
We are still be asked for XP Pro, NT4, Unix etc no requests at all for Vista!

MartinW · 29th May 2007, 22:05

Yup, I would normally wait for the bug free version, but the two units were long overdue replacement, and with my FY end in sight, I needed to spend now rather than later to beat the taxman. And being a small enterprise, and the IT dept all rolled into one, unless I went to all the hassle during the week of specially seeking out a supplier, PC World on a weekend only seems to offer PCs with Vista now.

28th May 2007, 23:29	#1
MartinW Newbie MG TF LE500 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chester Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Networks @ Home I have just bought a desktop and laptop to replace the current two units and want to get them all networking to allow the transfer of files etc plus then update printers etc. The new desktop (Vista) doesn't seem to want to see my network yet the existing two desktops are ok as was the old laptop (all three on XP). The new laptop (also Vista) won't connect properly via wireless with my Linksys wireless b/b modem router. I hate computers! Any ideas, please, I have wasted hours trying to get the laptop to even communicate with the outside world, although the new desktop will connect with the net. My wireless was originally set for WEP with a key which worked fine.

28th May 2007, 23:35	#2
JohnDotCom * Rover 75 FaceLift Tourer CDTi 170BHP Auto ConnSE 2005 Model Starlight Silver Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Abergele Posts: 28,735 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Was just going to Bed when I saw this, so will have a better think in morning. Main Problem with Vista is Driver and equipment issues, if all set up as should be under your New operating system it should work, but......... Post Make and Model number of Wireless Router as some just don't work with Vista I'm afraid. Also what version of Vista are you using Please?

28th May 2007, 23:50	#3
MartinW Newbie MG TF LE500 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chester Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks, John! Linksys WAG54GS-UK if that helps that is 11b/g compatible. The other computers were all on XP. The new laptop and desktop are on Vista Home Premium The older machines are running Mcafee. The new machines Norton.

29th May 2007, 19:21	#4
MartinW Newbie MG TF LE500 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chester Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Updated the firmware on the Linksys (despite the website saying my model was Vista ok. Also learnt a lot about changing settings in Vista vs XP, and got an excellent telephonic walk through on wireless from a good MGB friend. I can see all the PCs now so can start copying over all my files etc and getting set up now that the AV and Office are installed. One negative is that Outlook Express is now Windows Mail and does not support synch with Plaxo! Vista reminds me of car manufacturers - change for change sake with lots of glitz and nothing of substance underneath it all - with numerous updates being put out at great cost and still poor reliability!

29th May 2007, 21:46	#5
JohnDotCom * Rover 75 FaceLift Tourer CDTi 170BHP Auto ConnSE 2005 Model Starlight Silver Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Abergele Posts: 28,735 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	I have tried to advise people to avoid ifpossible at the moment, there is now over 150 Updates for Vista, and still not enough drivers etc. Wait for SP1 due out later this Year, but that is sure to be delayed! We are still be asked for XP Pro, NT4, Unix etc no requests at all for Vista!

29th May 2007, 22:05	#6
MartinW Newbie MG TF LE500 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chester Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Yup, I would normally wait for the bug free version, but the two units were long overdue replacement, and with my FY end in sight, I needed to spend now rather than later to beat the taxman. And being a small enterprise, and the IT dept all rolled into one, unless I went to all the hassle during the week of specially seeking out a supplier, PC World on a weekend only seems to offer PCs with Vista now.