Can't Browse but connected

kilkenny31

I'm having a problem getting online. I purchased a dell desktop PC recently (second hand), its running windows vista. I purchased a USB wifi adapter in Argos to get it online. I set it up and its showing as connected and the wifi signal is full strength. When i used internet explorer or chrome it does not seem to browse at all.
Using firefox i can browse for a couple of minutes and then it seems to stop, a lot of the time i can google something and it returns results but when i try click on the link it just stays loading but never actually loads. Ive disabled the firewall in the control panel. Don't know what to do next? Any help would be appreciated!

jimmycrackcorm

The first thing I always try is a tracert. Eg. Tracert 213.17.32.1 the address is just a random one I always use.

I'd be looking to see if there are any failure points particularly between the WiFi and the isp

kilkenny31

I don't think that is the issues because every other device works fine laptops, phones and tv is all ok it's onot this desktop I picked up the other Day.

stefanovich

kilkenny31 wrote: »

I don't think that is the issues because every other device works fine laptops, phones and tv is all ok it's onot this desktop I picked up the other Day.

Is it a desktop computer? I'd use a wired ethernet connection for highest speed and stability.

As far as the USB device is concerned, I'd update to the latest drivers. Google the device name and see if other had similar problems...

What did you buy exactly?

kilkenny31

stefanovich wrote: »

Is it a desktop computer? I'd use a wired ethernet connection for highest speed and stability.

As far as the USB device is concerned, I'd update to the latest drivers. Google the device name and see if other had similar problems...

What did you buy exactly?

It's a dell dimension e521. it's running windows vista . The usb adaptor is tp-link Tl-Wn823n

5uspect

Running a trace route is still worth checking, this will show you exactly where the connection is breaking down, most likely between your wifi dongle and your modem/router. Of course you could always try to access your router when it won't connect to external sites.

What does the Device Manager say? Are the drivers up to date! Does the wifi dongle support Vista?

stefanovich

http://www.tp-link.com.au/support/download/?model=TL-WN823N&version=V1#tbl_a

Install the latest driver

kilkenny31

stefanovich wrote: »

http://www.tp-link.com.au/support/download/?model=TL-WN823N&version=V1#tbl_a

Install the latest driver

Ok. Do I just dowload this and save it on a memory stick?

stefanovich

kilkenny31 wrote: »

Ok. Do I just dowload this and save it on a memory stick?

It's most likely an installer so just double click and follow the instructions.

kilkenny31

5uspect wrote: »

Running a trace route is still worth checking, this will show you exactly where the connection is breaking down, most likely between your wifi dongle and your modem/router. Of course you could always try to access your router when it won't connect to external sites.

What does the Device Manager say? Are the drivers up to date! Does the wifi dongle support Vista?

Tracert won't open. When I try open it it opens for a split second and closes again. Tried running it as an administrator and it's the same thing.

stefanovich

kilkenny31 wrote: »

Tracert won't open. When I try open it it opens for a split second and closes again. Tried running it as an administrator and it's the same thing.

You probably want to run it from a terminal rather than from the run dialog.

Type "cmd" in the start menu search and open cmd.exe when it comes up.

kilkenny31

stefanovich wrote: »

You probably want to run it from a terminal rather than from the run dialog.

Type "cmd" in the start menu search and open cmd.exe when it comes up.

Ok what am i looking out for on this, i've ran it. Thanks for your help so far.

kilkenny31

stefanovich wrote: »

It's most likely an installer so just double click and follow the instructions.

Iv'e tried to download it onto a memory stick and install it on the desktop but it wont open the file.

5uspect

How computer literate are you? Do you have anyone local that could help you out?

kilkenny31

5uspect wrote: »

How computer literate are you? Do you have anyone local that could help you out?

Im better than average but not fully literate. Is there a reason why it would work for a short time on firefox and not on chrome or ie?

5uspect

Forget about the browsers, we need to make sure you're getting a connection to your router.
Is your wifi dongle Vista compatible?
Have you installed the latest driver?
Have you followed the instructions from the link to the latest driver posted above?
http://www.tp-link.com.au/resources/document/TL-WN823N_V1_QIG.pdf

Polar Ice

tracert google.com steps:

Open Command prompt


At the prompt, type tracert google.com


Press enter on your keyboard