Brothers new computer doesnt have internet?

[Matthew_T]

My brother has received a new mini desktop today and after turning it on and doing all the configurations, we have discovered that we cannot install our broadband on it.

On my laptop and the old desktop, there is a small chart in the bottom right which shows the available internet connections (from local devices). All you do it click on ours, and type in the key.
Unfortunately the new PC doesnt have this list. So what my dad tried to do was use the installation CD that came with the broadband to try and install the driver for the USB dongle thing we use. Unfortunately the new PC has Windows 7 and the CD is only for Windows XP and Vista.

This has caused a real problem as there is now no possible was of getting online unless we got a new broadband CD (not going to do that).
I was suprised that the computer didnt have Wifi. Is this normal and how can we get around it?

 

[simon.r]

I was suprised that the computer didnt have Wifi. Is this normal and how can we get around it?

Can you connect it to your router using an ethernet cable?

 

[addictfreak]

Is the wifi enabled?

 

[MrJamie]

Sounds like you either need to wire it to the router with an ethernet cable or get the wifi working by either using an existing dongle if you can find win7 drivers for it via google or buy a wifi dongle for the new pc

 

[Matthew_T]

Can you connect it to your router using an ethernet cable?

The router is based upstairs and the PC is permenantly downstairs. The router is plugged into my dad's PC upstairs as he needs it for work.

 

[Matthew_T]

Is the wifi enabled?

It just doesnt have it.

 

[simon.r]

The router is based upstairs and the PC is permenantly downstairs. The router is plugged into my dad's PC upstairs as he needs it for work.

Most routers have more than one port and long ethernet cables are cheap enough. Or, as MrJamie says, get a wifi dongle.

 

[Matthew_T]

Most routers have more than one port and long ethernet cables are cheap enough. Or, as MrJamie says, get a wifi dongle.

They may be cheap but we dont want wires running from one room to another! (Tripping hazard )
I will tell my dad to look at another dongle.

 

[simon.r]

They may be cheap but we dont want wires running from one room to another! (Tripping hazard )

Point taken, but with moderate DIY skills it's possible to fix an ethernet cable in the corners of rooms, along skirting boards etc. I have an ethernet wire running from my upstairs router, along an external wall, and into my garage (installed in the days before reliable wi-fi)!

 

[shouldbeinbed]

It just doesnt have it.

Either you've been sold something that is wrongly packaged (win 7 with only XP etc disc) or you should have checked the spec out more thoroughly before buying. How much reading of the packaging did you do before purchasing. It sounds like buyer be'ware and you weren't.

My router is upstairs and the kids (old and non wifi) homework PC's are wired into it through long ethernet cables via the loft and work just fine. They cost me a few quid a piece and a matter of moments to run up and over.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

They may be cheap but we dont want wires running from one room to another! (Tripping hazard )
I will tell my dad to look at another dongle.

You could follow the central heating pipes for an easy route down a floor and as said, skirtings and corners are fine & safe.

 

[Oldspice]

What computer model and manufactur is it, and have you got the specs that came with the computer

 

[Gary E]

I use these. Simply plug one in near your router and one near the PC. Internet connection then goes through your existing electrical house wiring. Simples

 

[HovR]

I use these. Simply plug one in near your router and one near the PC. Internet connection then goes through your existing electrical house wiring. Simples

+1 on that, I use these all over the house. Excellent little devices. Only thing is, plug them straight in to the wall - Not in to any powerstrips/adaptors, as this seems to slow the connection down significantly.

 

[Crackle]

I use these. Simply plug one in near your router and one near the PC. Internet connection then goes through your existing electrical house wiring. Simples

I've got the Linksys version. Pretty good and dead easy, just literally plug them in.