Save My Internet!

[Seil]

So I inherited the old family computer, and I've managed to scrape it clean - nearly everything that's on it now is mine. The only trouble is the internet.

We have wireless, and it supports me, my dad and my mums Mac. The actual cable used to be plugged into my machine, afore I got it, but now I'm getting the signal from the Mac. As this computer doesn't have built in wireless, I've got me one of those Belkin G (http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=179211) thingies.

The trouble is that because this computer with family, everyone got on it and screwed around with the settings - once we actually got the wi-fi hook-ups and such, there was trouble setting that up, and right now I'm lucky if I get anything at all. My dad 'n my signal strength is always set at "Low" or "Very Low," and my internet seems to just up and disappear. It does reappear when I take out my USB thingie and plug it back in, though.

What I'm thinking is that something's gone screwy somewhere down the line and I need to completely re-do the internet connections. I'm barely computer lingual, save for one or two things, and my mum won't let me touch her computer, which includes the modem/whatever it is that's broadcasting the internet.

Is there something I can do to start from scratch - internet setting wise - on my computer, or at least something to strengthen the signal?

[Eltargrim]

Best bet, having used one of those things, is to reinstall the drivers for your USB Wireless Adapter.

First, however, consider factors that might impact your signal strength. How far away are you from the wireless router? How many walls are between you and the router? Do your walls contain metal such as chicken wire? Is there a common link between your signal disappearing and an outside stimulus (IE microwave turns on, wireless phone conversations, etc).

Once you have your wireless connection, you might be able to access the router settings. Try typing in 192.168.x.1, where x is usually 0, 1, or 2. If you get to a website through that, let us know!

[Fenris]

This probably belongs in the computers section so it's goin' there!

[Pip Boy]

You know, back when I was having problems getting a wireless signal, I heard you can make an amplifier out of a pringels can and some wire. Y'know, so if drivers don't work, you might look that up and tell me if it works.

[EVILNess]

You know, back when I was having problems getting a wireless signal, I heard you can make an amplifier out of a pringels can and some wire. Y'know, so if drivers don't work, you might look that up and tell me if it works.

It does, it's called a cantenna but it's probably outside the scope of Seil's skills. (No offense)

I'd check the broadcast range of your access point and make sure that it hasn't been fiddled with, but to me it sounds like there is something interfering with your signal. Look for metal between you and the internet.

Depending on what your router looks like and where it is in your house you could slap a parabolic reflector on the antennas and boost your signal that way. You can make one with some stuff you probably got around the house and like 10 minutes of free time. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUTT8wdN_VA)

[Seil]

None taken.

Anyways, atwixt me 'n the router is 4 walls, not a lot of metal beside what's in the walls and the washer/dryer, and the microwave is on the other side of the house. There's nothing really of note to losing my connection that I know of, save for it just... disappearing. It just stops.

[Eltargrim]

Try reinstalling the drivers. That particular adaptor is plenty finicky.

[Seil]

It's gotten worse:

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u59/Poetisch/Internet1.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u59/Poetisch/internet2.jpg

Now it just stops if anything bigger than a fly lands on it. I've updated my drivers - there's still no chance of me touching the router - this thing (http://office.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/airlink101/mimo_xrtm_wireless_broadband_router_model_ar525w.h tml) - or the settings, but it's extremely frustrating to not have a stable signal.

[bluestarultor]

Is it necessary to have the router 4 walls away? That seems like a lot, especially given the likelihood of wiring and pipes being in them.

Aside from that, what might have changed to worsen your problem? Is it consistently worse?

What's in the three rooms between you and the router? Are they bedrooms? Has anyone rearranged anything such as furniture, even so much as a lamp?

[Eltargrim]

WHELP if you can't get at the router to configure it then I'm sorry to say that there's not a lot we can do for you. If two different computers are having similar problems connecting to the same hardware, either both the computers are independently getting the same problem at the same time, or something's wrong with your router. The router is the more likely option.

That being said, you may well be able to access router settings by typing "192.168.1.1" sans quotes into the address bar of your browser when you are connected.

[Seil]

Is it necessary to have the router 4 walls away? That seems like a lot, especially given the likelihood of wiring and pipes being in them.

Yes. It's connected to my mums Mac, and because the internet's working fine for her, it's not her problem and she'd rather not do anything. No one's re-arranged anything that I know of. I thought it was because I was using the WiFi signal on my PS3 at the same time as my PC, while my mum used her computer, but after shutting off the PS3, and mum getting off, there's no difference in signal strength.