First you need to open up your router configuration page, usually the URL is something like http://192.168.1.1/ (192 are teh LAN address), consult manual to see if this is indeed the address.

Then find out where to input the ISP login details. There will be a status page where you can see if the router is connected to ISP or not.

If that is all done, your laptop should pick up the new WiFI signal.

Edit: Connect router to PC with Lan cable first, then access the router configuration page mentioned.

Wow this stuff is confusing.

Ya i've been in the ISP config page... i'll have a look for the ISP login details.... and it's not the Wifi signal thatis the problem, I can pick that up fine and make me a nice wireless LAN between 3 laptops.... just can't connect to the outside world.

I emailed a friend and he got me into the modems config page.... I had tried using the wrong gateway IP before when routsou also said this (possibly when I am connected to the modem directly it lists the gatway ip as the hardware device that is at Virgin Medias end rather than my end)

I am not of course going to change anything in the modem as I believe that will get me banned or sued or something.... the modem is still classed as property of Virgin isn't it.... but on one of the pages it stated that the maximum number of CPEs is set to 1... does this refer to connected at one time? or at any time?

It could be that the modem is just not giving any other devices than this laptop it's gateway ip address... similarly it doesn't give any DNS addresses.

If I release and renew my IP address whilst connected directly to the modem.... would that be a breach of contract with Virgin? I don't want to do that to find out that it constitutes as changing modem settings. But I also don't want to call up Virgin because I am pretty sure it will be a pain in the arse (especially because we don't have a portable landline phone so I might have to be up and downstairs all the time.... though they sometimes will call you back if you need help yes? so I could do it on a mobile)





Edit: @Scruffy bunny.... LAN cable? isn't that like an old phone cable..... I guess you meant ethernet/cat-5 yes?

Hmm this is tough ... and yes by Lan cable I mean the cat-5 cable :p  Also I am not familiar with your ISP.

- The modem is connected to the Router?
- Are the modem lights blinking correctly?

I have a router / modem all in one type device, so thats why i said connect to the modem :p ... but before this, I had 2 separate devices, modem + seperate router. I remember connecting my pc to the router via cat-5, and then going to the router's config page to set up the login/password and ip gateway to the ISP. You should use "bridge mode".

Also the security settings on the router may be set to not allow connections for mac addresses not in its list? Can other laptops connect to router via cat-5, can they get on the local network that way? If youc can do wired connection and just not WiFi, then it must be the WiFi settings area/ISP connection area that needs work.

There should be nothing in the modem specifically stamped with your account info that you can't just re-enter manually, I remember resetting the modem countless times when I was learning how to set it up lol, it did nothing at all, it was the settings in the router.

You should call or visit the ISP's website/call center, they usually have a troubleshooting walk through for Lan setup.

Yes all the lights are fine.... and I can use the router just fine, I can connect all three laptops to it via cable or wireless. But cannot connect to the ISP unless I connect this laptop directly to the modem.

I am going to have another go now... but I still think it is a modem problem that I think should be easy enough to fix by my ISP... so if this doesn't work I am calling them today.

1. Type ipconfig /all and see if it says DHCP enabled.
2. Does it say your IP begins with 169.?.?.?

I got it working.

Turns out I had done everything right, but forgot to turn the modem off before connecting everything up. *embarrassed* It's always the simple things. (although to be honest I can't see why something like that is necessary)

I remember the first time I set up a wireless net connection, I did everything fine but couldn't figure out why I couldn't connect, I hadn't turned the wireless card on for the laptop

Ok... one more... probably simple question.

I think in messing about with it I have disabled DHCP for the wireless connection on my parents laptop. Does anyone know how to enable it?

I can get the internet now from any laptop when wired into one of the switch ports on the router, and on my laptops I can connect wirelessly.... but my parents can only connect via ethernet.

Typing ipconfig/all gives tells me DHCP is enabled for the wired network card but not for the wireless one.

AH nevermind people found it.

Everything working perfectly.... just need to connect the Wii and I am done.