We have a wireless network set up in our home. We use a Linksys Wiresless-G Broadband Router with Speed Booster, model # WRT54GS. The internet is working beautifully on our desktop PC (where the router is located), but for some reason, our laptop will not connect. It shows that it is connected to "our network", but another message balloon pops up that says "A Network Cable Is Unplugged". In the past, when I got this message, I would come downstairs and make sure they power cord was plugged into the rotuer. Or, I had to reset the router, or unplug it and plug it back in after 10 seconds. This always worked for me. It's not working this time! I have checked every single cord, and everything is plugged in tightly. What possibly could the problem be?? (Oh yeah, if it helps, our laptop is a Compaq Presario R3000 and the os is Windows XP).

Thanks

Does the laptop have both wireless and wired ports? If it does go to the Device Manager and enter the Properties for the wired NIC. Select disable and restart your computer.

Hi there. Thanks for responding to my cry for help.
My laptop has built in wireless capability AND I can plug the internet cable into it as well. So, if that's what you mean by asking if it has wired and wireless ports, then, yes.
Now I'm about to ask you a painfully stupid question....how do I find the device manager?

Not stupid if you have never needed it and just do not know where it is.
Go to the Conrtrol Panel and slect System. Next select the Hardware tab. When that opens the Device Manager will be the first button on the right side.
the Network adapters will be under Network Adapters (Where else, right?).
When you identify your wired adapter right click on it and select Properties Inside that window at the bottom will be a drop box to enable\disable. Disable the wired NIC.

Hello again,
Thanks for the info. I followed your instructions. It shows that the laptop is connected to our network and the network is sending info to our laptop, but it isn't receiving. Any suggestions???

Thanks

p.s. Our Network is secured.

Check Windows Firewall and see if the Gateway IP address is being blocked. On most routers the gateway by default is 192.168.1.1 If it is then unblock it.

Cool, thanks....How do I check that? I clicked on Windows Firewall (in the security center) and I don't see that option anywhere.....

Open the Firewall Properties from the Control Panel. Under the Exceptions tab see if access has been denied.

I brought my laptop to work and now it's working fine on that wireless network, but it's still not working at home on my wireless network there. I'm so confused because it just stopped working so abruptly!

Well, the internet works on my desktop pc (at home), but I still cant get my laptop to connect to the wireless network at home. It will connect to the wireless network at work! I'm sure I have overlooked something. The answer seems so like it should be right infront of my face, and I'm probably missing it by a hair!

Have you checked for firmware updates for your Wifi card and router? They will be located under Support & Downloads on the devices home page.

I'll take my laptop with me when I go back to work tomorrow and check that....thanks

Have you tried creating a second LOC (Local Area Connection) for the network at home?

Hmmm, I'm not sure I know how to do that. I tried to reinstall the wireless network at home but it still wont connect....