Old LapTop.

Sam Quentin

My uncle gave me an old laptop, it's running Windows XP.
The problem is: It's not showing 'available networks', it's just not giving me a choice to connect to my Sky Router.. Everything else I have just shows available networks and I choose my home broadband router and just enter the router password and it's connected...
If I get a flash drive will that do the job!?
Does a flash drive plugged into laptop usb then pick up available networks...

theteal

A usb flash drive provides some storage space, it has no effect on network connectivity.

It sounds like the problem in the network card, it could be disabled, could be faulty, might only work on 2.4 and your router is pushing out 5.0. Do you see any neighbours WiFi networks on the laptop?

Johnboy1951

Have you checked for an on/off switch for the wireless?
Some laptops have such a switch.

Atlantic Dawn

Do you know if it even has a WIFI adaptor built in, there's a chance if very old that it doesn't. You can buy them and connect via USB if it doesn't...

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Wifi-Dongle-Usb-Adapter-Wireless-Dongle-Adaptor-802-11-B-G-N-Lan-Network/122913991181?hash=item1c9e3eaa0d:g:jQsAAOSwdTJaW5bP

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/USB-Wifi-Router-150Mbps-Wireless-Adapter-Dongle-LAN-Card-Antenna-For-PC-Laptop/192074158239?hash=item2cb883109f:g:QsUAAOSw2gxYtrZr

smuggler.ie

Sounds like OP call USB WiFi adapter a "flash drive".

Yes, USB WiFi adapter would do the job

niallb

Windows XP didn't support WPA2 until Service Pack 3.
Before doing anything else, check to see what version of Windows is on it - if it says SP2 or lower, you'll have to update it.
While you're at it, changing the OS to almost anything else will give you a better experience!

What model is the laptop? It should be easy to work out then if there's built in wireless, but even a USB wifi dongle won't connect to modern networks without the update.

smuggler.ie

Correct me if I'm wrong
1.WPA2 - security protocol - even if not supported still should show SSID as available network if WiFi card present. Wouldn't be able to connect obviously.
2.With USB adapter should work as encryption/handshake is done on/via card/adapter. Getting drivers for XP might be culprit.

niallb

If there's a WiFi card, it should show ssid, but likely not connect to it. Finding the model of the laptop helps rule out there being an existing wireless card that's turned off.

WPA2 would still require support in the operating system on a usb dongle.

Sam Quentin

Sorry guys, thanks for all your quick replies.
I will check all this when I'm finished working tonight.

Sam Quentin

theteal wrote: »

A usb flash drive provides some storage space, it has no effect on network connectivity.

It sounds like the problem in the network card, it could be disabled, could be faulty, might only work on 2.4 and your router is pushing out 5.0. Do you see any neighbours WiFi networks on the laptop?

It doesn't even show a list of available WiFi 📶 neighbours etc

Sam Quentin

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Do you know if it even has a WIFI adaptor built in, there's a chance if very old that it doesn't. You can buy them and connect via USB if it doesn't...

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Wifi-Dongle-Usb-Adapter-Wireless-Dongle-Adaptor-802-11-B-G-N-Lan-Network/122913991181?hash=item1c9e3eaa0d:g:jQsAAOSwdTJaW5bP

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/USB-Wifi-Router-150Mbps-Wireless-Adapter-Dongle-LAN-Card-Antenna-For-PC-Laptop/192074158239?hash=item2cb883109f:g:QsUAAOSw2gxYtrZr

It does give some options about ethernet and some other connections... Vodafone is showing in internet option, that's probably how it was connected before!?

FanadMan

Windows XP is a real pain when it comes to wireless. Are you sure that there is wireless available with your current computer configuration? Maybe your uncle had a PCMCIA or USB wireless adapter installed.

You said that there are wireless connections in the list. They may be old ones that the laptop were able to access. Follow this to remove all older connections and try again.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-networking/how-to-delete-a-wifi-network-profile-windows-xp/602a616d-8adc-4e73-9f52-8213c1a9ba08

Do you have an ethernet cable that you could use to connect the laptop to the router? It would help us to know if the network adapters are active or not.

Sam Quentin

niallb wrote: »

Windows XP didn't support WPA2 until Service Pack 3.
Before doing anything else, check to see what version of Windows is on it - if it says SP2 or lower, you'll have to update it.
While you're at it, changing the OS to almost anything else will give you a better experience!

What model is the laptop? It should be easy to work out then if there's built in wireless, but even a USB wifi dongle won't connect to modern networks without the update.

It's an E-SYSTEM EI 3102 and it's in great condition..

Sam Quentin

I'll try Monday connecting Ethernet cable.

Sam Quentin

This may be what it was connected to before!?

smuggler.ie

Check this out:
Enabling-Wireless-Zero-Config-WZC-on-Windows-XP

smuggler.ie

Wireless Zero Configuration Reference

The Wireless Zero Configuration can also be started and stopped from a command prompt. To start the Wireless Zero Configuration, run the following command:
net start wzcsvc

To stop the Wireless Zero Configuration, run the following command:
net stop wzcsvc

NialltheITGuy

WiFi Card shows Wireless G version, which is old and may not be compatible with today G Versions.

Buy a small usb WiFi with N+ 2.4Ghz / 5ghz ( It will say this on the box ) some have XP Compatibility.

N and AC WiFi standards are in use nowadays, the G standards are old and todays G can be incompatible with old G WiFi Cards.

WiFi: (Confirmed working with XP/Vista/7/8.1/10)
pcworld dot ie -> tplink tlwn725n usb wireless adapter n150

Source:(Please Google, I cannot post URLS)
actiontec DOT com evolution-wi-fi-standards-look-802-11abgnac

NialltheITGuy

NialltheITGuy wrote: »

WiFi Card shows Wireless G version, which is old and may not be compatible with today G Versions.

N and AC WiFi standards are in use nowadays, the G standards are old and todays G can be incompatible with old G WiFi Cards

Are you just making this up as you go along?

802.11b/g/n is the common implemented standard. If you’re saying some 802.11g cards/nics won’t work with 802.11b/g/n routers becuse they’re ‘old G type’, you're wrong.

JZ
A real life IT guy.

Sam Quentin

smuggler.ie wrote: »

Check this out:
Enabling-Wireless-Zero-Config-WZC-on-Windows-XP

Good write up and it looks promising, I'll try this later and see what happens.

Sam Quentin

NialltheITGuy wrote: »

WiFi Card shows Wireless G version, which is old and may not be compatible with today G Versions.

Buy a small usb WiFi with N+ 2.4Ghz / 5ghz ( It will say this on the box ) some have XP Compatibility.

N and AC WiFi standards are in use nowadays, the G standards are old and todays G can be incompatible with old G WiFi Cards.

WiFi: (Confirmed working with XP/Vista/7/8.1/10)
pcworld dot ie -> tplink tlwn725n usb wireless adapter n150

Source:(Please Google, I cannot post URLS)
actiontec DOT com evolution-wi-fi-standards-look-802-11abgnac

I'll try configuring it first and if that doesn't work WiFi adapters are pretty cheap, so I'll give that a go

NialltheITGuy

I have experienced numerous older Wireless G based network cards not joining newer Routers.
(If you dont believe me about this, google it there are many, many, many fine examples)
It falls on the WPA2 protocol implemented by XP.
XP clearly supports WPA2 (with updates), but also depends on the wireless card you have, it would have to support wpa2 if using g or n bands.

From an XP Guru:
1. Make sure, you verify under "Preferred Networks" click on the connection that's not working, click properties.

Verify WPA2 is an option in "Authentication". If it's not download the latest drivers for your wireless adapter, restart computer and check again.

2. Next problem is XP's Wireless Lan Manager; it is absolute garbage on XP for WPA2. I have seen many XP SP3 unable to connect to WPA2 because of this. You need to use the wireless manager that comes with your wireless adapter drivers. When you install them opt to install with the software, not just the driver.

GarIT

Just be aware most banking websites won’t let you use them if you are using XP and you have to assume any information you put into it is available to scammers has XP is no longer updated or secured by microsoft. As long as you are only doing thinks you would mind anyone else knowing about XP should be fine.

NialltheITGuy

Install Linux, There are many Types but Zorin OS (Irish Guys) have decent Distro.

distrowatch dot org and google what will run well.

I do this with all XP laptops I get. I have many that'll be donated to my local school once all refurbished.

smuggler.ie

"old G" .... "new G" .....
WTF you are talking

NialltheITGuy

smuggler.ie wrote: »

"old G" .... "new G" .....
WTF you are talking

G (Original - Old)

Super G (new)

Super AG (new)

I ment to say XP and WPA2/PSK has trouble unless SP3 is installed, still buggy after the fact.

Newer NICS are better. TP-Link N150 less than €20, no issues.

Sam Quentin

I'm getting a bit confused here, I really just want to get online for now.. Then I can download update any extras to bring this 'baby' into the future.... I can't do all this until Monday,. I'll update you all on my progress.
Thanks

NialltheITGuy

quickest would be create WEP access on Router TEMPORARILY.

WEP has no problems with XP but very insecure. Use this to connect the XP laptop.

Access to your router is written on the Router. WEP would replace your current WPA2 2.4Ghz setting, G only works at 2.4Ghz, Keep the settings on 5Ghz Wifi side if you have it, no need to change these.

Without changing WiFi Settings:
If you have a Network cable, plug it in directly to router to go online, make sure ethernet port is active and set to automatic DHCP Lease

smuggler.ie

@Sam Quentin
Ignore all that nonsense...., troubleshot you build in WiFi card or get USB adapter, confirm you got SP3 on your XP

NialltheITGuy wrote: »

Super G (new)

Super AG (new)

Non of these were approved as 802.11 Standard, feature only....
www.pcmag.com

Be warned, however, that Super G is not standards-based......

wikipedia.org

Super G is one of several competing incompatible proprietary extension approaches....

http://ethw.org

This feature may interfere with other networks and may not support all b and g client cards.

Even if "feature" not supported should read SSID

Sam Quentin

smuggler.ie wrote: »

Check this out:
Enabling-Wireless-Zero-Config-WZC-on-Windows-XP

We'r getting there..
Now showing available networks.
But just wont connect!?

Sam Quentin

smuggler.ie wrote: »

Check this out:
Enabling-Wireless-Zero-Config-WZC-on-Windows-XP

Only one of those available networks give me a chance to enter 'network key'.