Up until a week ago I was able to connect (wireless) to the internet on my laptop (Dell XPS running windows XP)

Before it would simply pick up any available unsecure signal and connect automatically without a need for me to do anything. However, now it won't connect to the internet at all. I'm not sure what is wrong with it or if I did anything to mess it up.

Help!

(P.S. Sorry, I am new at this and have no idea what information you might need. Just let me know and I can post or look for any information you might need regarding my PC and hardware/software and the like)

Thanks so much!
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am ready to throw the laptop out the window out of frustration! :o

Hi eMonkey,

Welcome to The PCHF,
Do you have your own wireless internet router or are you "jacking" other siganls from your area.
If you are connecting to other siganls, you might find that they have secured their connections so you cannot connect to their internet connection.
If the connection is yours, could you post the make/model of the wireless router so we can check further.

Thanks for the welcome and quick reply.

I think (not 100% sure) that my laptop was picking up my connection.

I have a desktop downstairs with Verizon DSL using a WESTELL (Model 327W) modem/router. Upstairs I have the laptop in question which was supposed to allow me to connect to the internet wirelessly. It did before (since February) by automatically connecting by picking up any available signal, but now I just can't get online no matter how much I try.

could you try to find the wireless connection setup which is in the control panel, run it and see what signals it picks up. Just check if there have been any changes made to the connection from your desktop pc. Also try turning the router off and disconnect the power for a couple of minutes before restarting it.

Radar,
Thank you so much for your assistance.
I disconnected and powered down my modem/router and then reconnected and it worked! My laptop was picking up the internet signal again. All is back to normal again. Woohoo!

You guys and this website rocks!
I am adding it to my favorites right now.

Thank you again! You saved me a lot of headaches.

GJ radar.

Glad we were able to help you....don't forget to recommend our services eMonkey