Netbook won't connect to the internet

[BMFR6]

Okay, so I have a Dell netbook that won't connect to the internet. I've tried my wireless home network as well as going straight from my router to the netbook via an ethernet cable. Every time I get a status of "limited or no connectivity" WTF?
My desktop was connected from the router via ethernet this morning, no issues. Now it is hooked up wireless, no issues. This netbook has not been online for me at all.

so, i'm running a motorola sb5101 modem into an airport express router version 7.4.2.

the netbook is running windows xp. we've tried ipconfig (/all, /release, /renew) and the furthest i've gotten aws a 169. IP address.

what's going on? (try to keep it simple, i'm not an engineer).

[BMFR6]

additionally, my airport extreme has a 169 IP address as well. not sure if that makes a difference.

[TheIglu]

The 169 is an autoconfiguration address. It is what the machine gives itself when it is connected to a network but no DHCP server is there to give out an IP.

Make sure the DHCP service is started on the Netbook and TCP/IP is enabled as a protocol in the adaptor.

[BMFR6]

The 169 is an autoconfiguration address. It is what the machine gives itself when it is connected to a network but no DHCP server is there to give out an IP.

Make sure the DHCP service is started on the Netbook and TCP/IP is enabled as a protocol in the adaptor.

and for the dumb people among us? how would you explain it to them?

[noodles44]

Here is how to do what Iglu called for (I'm not saying it will work or not, too many possibilities. It is for sure the right place to start!)

Control Panel > Network connections > Right click on Wireless/Local Area > Properties:
General Tab - Make sure TCP/IP has a check next to it

Highlight TCP/IP and hit the properties button - chances are you want auto IP and auto DNS selected

Hit the advanced button - under IP address it should say DHCP enabled

[BMFR6]

Here is how to do what Iglu called for (I'm not saying it will work or not, too many possibilities. It is for sure the right place to start!)

Control Panel > Network connections > Right click on Wireless/Local Area > Properties:
General Tab - Make sure TCP/IP has a check next to it

Highlight TCP/IP and hit the properties button - chances are you want auto IP and auto DNS selected

Hit the advanced button - under IP address it should say DHCP enabled

done.
still getting the "limited or no connectivity"

[noodles44]

Has this ever worked? Or is it a new set up? Can you get the netbook to connect on another network? You can compare the networking settings to the desktop that works. You also need to verify the settings on your router/switch/wireless access point.

[BMFR6]

okay, i just went to my parents house and i was able to get on their network no problem. this makes me think it is a router issue on my side given the fact i can't get online wireless or when i plug the ethernet directly into the netbook. what do i do now?

[butcher bergs]

Have you entered the security code for your router into your laptop?

[BMFR6]

Have you entered the security code for your router into your laptop?

all i've been asked is the "network key" which apparently = password. is there somewhere else i should be looking?

[rice_rocket]

Have you ever setup wireless encryption on your router?

Turn it off, see if you have the same problem. Sounds like your key isn't right.

[Paul_E_D]

Yeah, the key is some ridiculous long code, I think 10 digits/numbers. If you don't have it written down, you'll need to access the modem/router and turn it off. That's likely the wireless problem, but when you plug in to the wire, you shouldn't have a problem connecting. Something else is at play there.

[TheIglu]

Unless his router is set to MAC based reservations only and not to give out IP's via the DHCP server to unknown hosts.....

[Quigs]

It's also possible (and very likely) that your router has MAC access control enabled. If so, you need to add the MAC of your netbook's network card into the allowed hosts list on your router.

'ipconfig /all' in a command prompt will get you the MAC. (I'm on an actual Apple Mac, otherwise I'd tell you the exact line to look for)

[BMFR6]

Iglu and Quigs are on the right path here I think. Since it doesn't work plugged in or via wireless, it's not a wireless issue (or at least not just a wireless issue). Check the router to make sure DHCP is enabled, has enough addresses in the pool to handle every node on your network, and doesn't have MAC address restrictions enabled.

agreed on all counts.

now just tell me how to do it.