Two, two, two computer questions in one!

February 23, 2008 4:06 PM

I have DSL but am continually prompted to dial-up for a connection. Plus, how do I learn to manage my wireless home network myself?

I'm running XP Home on two computers with a DSL modem and a Trendnet wireless router. Internet works on the computer physically wired to the router, but, XP constantly prompts me to dial up for any new page I access. I'm sure it's an easy fix but this stuff still mystifies and frustrates me.

Secondly, I'm having problems keeping the upstairs wirelessly connected computer on the network. I lose access to the downstairs computer and thus, the internet. I would like to be able to share files, pictures, music and printers between the two.

Where could I find a simple "how-to" guide? Microsoft.com is written in Gaelic to me, many sites seem to assume I have more knowledge than I really do. A book or on-line site would be great.

posted by Northwest to computers & internet (5 comments total)

For issue numero uno -- from Internet Explorer try going to Tools > Internet Options > Connections > and selecting 'Never dial a connection.'

If this option is not available, than you may have another piece of software attempting to make that connection.
posted by B(oYo)BIES at 4:14 PM on February 23

I should have noted that I'm using Firefox as a browser... I checked its' settings and it is Tools>Options>Network>Connection>Direct Connection to the Internet. I haven't located any dialing options in Firefox. But the speed with which answers appear om MeFi still amazes me, many thanks.
posted by Northwest at 4:41 PM on February 23

The option you're looking for is not in Firefox. It's baked into Windows, and accessible both as Internet Explorer's Tools->Options menu and under Control Panel->Internet Options. Look in the Connections tab.
posted by flabdablet at 5:04 PM on February 23

Also: sounds like you might have Internet Connection Sharing turned on downstairs. Turn it off. Your wireless router is what's supposed to be doing the connection sharing (aka Network Address Translation) for both your computers.
posted by flabdablet at 5:06 PM on February 23 [1 favorite]

For #2, it's possible there is network interference. Try checking the connection while you're on a cordless phone, or while you're using the microwave.
posted by rhizome at 6:33 PM on February 23