In most cases, not being able to connect to a wireless network can be fixed easily. If you have a laptop, there may be a on/off switch for your wireless card some where. In a lot of cases, they have a switch so that the wireless card is not taking up power. Make sure that your wireless card is on. Check the edges of the laptop and above the keyboard. There will be a logo for the switch. It will in most cases look like a wireless antenna or radio waves. In some cases, you will have to hold down the FN key and press a button in the function part of your keyboard. F1 through F12.

From there, make sure that you are connected to the correct wireless network. There are a bunch of wireless connection managers out there. However, if you are using the built in windows wireless configuration manager. In Windows XP right click on the little wireless icon in the lower right hand corner next to your time. Left click on view available wireless networks. Click on your wireless network and click connect. In Windows Vista/7 right click on the icon and select connect to network. Make sure that you are connecting to the correct network. You may also be using a Intel wireless connection manager, or something from the manufacturer. Most of the programs are self explanatory and can be found under start, programs.

If your still having trouble, try power cycling your modem and router. Wait several minutes and try again. It won't hurt to try rebooting your computer either. If possible try more then one computer to narrow it down to the computer or wireless router. This is going on the assumption that more then one computer is having the trouble or, at least, that your wireless card is installed and working. To test that you could always go to a public hot spot, such as Starbucks or your local library. The most common cause of wireless interference is 2.4 gigahertz portable phones. Not cell phones, but the phones you use with local phone service. They run on the same frequency and can stop your computer from connecting. If you have one or more, try unpluging the power to the base station all together. Any electronic or radio device can and will cause some interference.

The next thing you will want to check is, if the router is working with a directly connected computer. Hook up a eithernet cable from your router to your computer. Try the internet connection and see if its working. If not, try power cycling the modem and router again. If it is still not working, it may be a good idea to clear out all of the settings on your router and start the fresh install of your router again. Find a paper clip. Press and hold the paper clip in the reset hole of your router for five seconds and release. Power cycle the router and follow the document in my router center for a fresh install at http://www.reliabletechnicians.net/routerinstall . If a directly connected computer works fine. It may be a good idea to move onto trying different wireless channels. Each wireless channel is a slightly different frequency and one may work better then others. There are 11 channels to try on most routers. See my document on troubleshooting wireless interference at http://www.reliabletechnicians.net/interference .

Finally, if it's none of the above, there is a good chance that you may be looking at a defective router. Check the router manufacturer's web site and contact them for warranty information.