Computers

[CptnBlues63]

Not resolved yet, but now it appears that I am running an ancient router. So ancient, Verizon didn't bat an eye at sending me a new free on.

At least you get them free (like me) Lot's of ISP's charge for their modems.


What's happening with the computer?

[badwhale]

At least you get them free (like me) Lot's of ISP's charge for their modems.


What's happening with the computer?

Well, I'll preface by saying that wifey's computer took a shit, and it was decided before that it would be replaced with a laptop. Now, I did hasty research, and there is just way, way too many options in this market. So, I got something. It wasn't ungodly expensive, but it's not $50 either. I would expect this thing to do something out of the box.

It won't connect to the wi-fi here, and basically any new computer today is an expensive paperweight without internet.

Windows 8....um....it's....different. I also foolishly didn't opt for the touchscreen model.

Alas, we'll see what the new router does.

[CptnBlues63]

Well, I'll preface by saying that wifey's computer took a shit, and it was decided before that it would be replaced with a laptop. Now, I did hasty research, and there is just way, way too many options in this market. So, I got something. It wasn't ungodly expensive, but it's not $50 either. I would expect this thing to do something out of the box.

It won't connect to the wi-fi here, and basically any new computer today is an expensive paperweight without internet.

Windows 8....um....it's....different. I also foolishly didn't opt for the touchscreen model.

Alas, we'll see what the new router does.

Microsoft is supposed to have either released, or is about to release an update for Windows 8 that brings back the Windows 7 start button and menu's so you may want to look into that. Here's a link to some info on the update:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100844998

The wireless issue could be several things. Before doing anything else, I would look for newer drivers for the wireless device. If there are newer, definitely update them on the laptop and try again.

The current router is only capable of WEP security, and I think that's the hissy fit with the new laptop.

That's not too likely to be the issue. Encryption should not affect a wireless devices ability to connect to a wireless network. All it does is encrypt the wireless network to prevent intrusion or theft of data. WEP is old enough that it's easily penetrated with the right software. Maybe 10 minutes if you know what you're doing. WPA2 on the other hand is still a whole lot harder to crack. But I digress.....the problem is connecting to the network itself and encryption should no be able to prevent that if you know the correct encryption key (WLAN password).

If you're buying a new router, be aware that all your devices will have to connect manually (the first time) to the new WLAN (wireless local area network) even if you use the same SSID and encryption key. It's a new router and will not be aware of existing wireless devices (like smart phones, pads etc) that have been connecting to your existing WLAN.

If you'd like a hand when the new router arrives, let me know and PM me your phone number. We'll arrange a time to hookup on the phone (I have unlimited long distance in north America so I'll call you) and I can walk you through it if you need help. I suspect you won't, you're pretty tech savvy and a SOHO router isn't that complex. Just remember to use WPA2 - personal encryption when configuring your WLAN. I would suggest using the same SSID and password just for the sake of simplicity.

[Eville]

Thank god they are bringing the start button back. I just ordered a new latop ( http://www.woot.com/offers/asus-17-3...-gaming-laptop ) due to my 2.5 year old Lenovo Ideapad going psycho ex girlfriend on me. I'm just glad I still have my "student copy" of windows 7 from college backed up and ready to go.

[badwhale]

Microsoft is supposed to have either released, or is about to release an update for Windows 8 that brings back the Windows 7 start button and menu's so you may want to look into that. Here's a link to some info on the update:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100844998

The wireless issue could be several things. Before doing anything else, I would look for newer drivers for the wireless device. If there are newer, definitely update them on the laptop and try again.



That's not too likely to be the issue. Encryption should not affect a wireless devices ability to connect to a wireless network. All it does is encrypt the wireless network to prevent intrusion or theft of data. WEP is old enough that it's easily penetrated with the right software. Maybe 10 minutes if you know what you're doing. WPA2 on the other hand is still a whole lot harder to crack. But I digress.....the problem is connecting to the network itself and encryption should no be able to prevent that if you know the correct encryption key (WLAN password).

If you're buying a new router, be aware that all your devices will have to connect manually (the first time) to the new WLAN (wireless local area network) even if you use the same SSID and encryption key. It's a new router and will not be aware of existing wireless devices (like smart phones, pads etc) that have been connecting to your existing WLAN.

If you'd like a hand when the new router arrives, let me know and PM me your phone number. We'll arrange a time to hookup on the phone (I have unlimited long distance in north America so I'll call you) and I can walk you through it if you need help. I suspect you won't, you're pretty tech savvy and a SOHO router isn't that complex. Just remember to use WPA2 - personal encryption when configuring your WLAN. I would suggest using the same SSID and password just for the sake of simplicity.

Thanks for the "savvy" remark I prefer to refer to myself as "knows enough to be dangerous"

Anyway, got the new router today, and you're right, it didn't resolve the problem. Called Sony back, and in the end, they want to send it on an all expense paid trip for service.

I'm thinking I'll just return it for a refund, and try something else WITH a touch screen.

[CptnBlues63]

Thanks for the "savvy" remark I prefer to refer to myself as "knows enough to be dangerous"

Anyway, got the new router today, and you're right, it didn't resolve the problem. Called Sony back, and in the end, they want to send it on an all expense paid trip for service.

I'm thinking I'll just return it for a refund, and try something else WITH a touch screen.

LOL Will

I'm glad you're getting it figured out.

[Mangyrat]

I just love windows 7.

6 months ago win 7 decided it no longer liked my old mouse "Logitech G5" so randomly its stopped working.
After trying it in ever usb port I replaced the main board thinking it was the ports due to the mouse working fine on a back up sys.

Well after replacing the main board and still having the problem I picked up a cheap gaming mouse and problem fixed.

Now its time for Win 7 to take a dislike to my Microsoft gaming keyboard.

Same exact problem randomly disconnects with every usb port but works on the back up computer.

[badwhale]

What a saga...

Sony's tech support systems were down this weekend, and they said I'd have to call back on Tuesday to log the return. Ok, whatever.

So, in the meantime, lots of stuff came up for me, and wifey says "is there anything I can do to help" to which I reply "get this brick back to the factory for repair." Ok, she spends about 2 hours cumulative on the phone with them. Gets a ref. number for the case and they say "we have a deal with UPS, just take it to a UPS store."

She takes it to a UPS drop, no dice. Takes it to a UPS distribution center. No dice. I get the brick from her with a pissy "take this to the UPS store tomorrow" No biggie. I just wanted her to experience the frustration.

I go to the UPS store today with the brick, and they are going through the motions to send it back, and it's just not feeling right when the counter monkey says "what is the shipping address?" to which I reply "I don't know, I guess the return label?" Got a label made for $30, and I just didn't feel right...had lunch next door, and I said to my co-worker "this thing is going to timbukto...I have to get it back"

I cancel the order, and call Newegg who thought the whole incident was very weird that I had no RMA or return addy, which they prompty gave me.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow it'll get in the mail back to them.

Yeah. All this new shit is so "great" gimme analog everything.