Setting up Wireless Internet, geeks needed

[nametakennow]

I'm a computer geek, but I've gotten behind the times lately because of my car obsession (that and my utter failure when I tried to build my own PC, but that's another story for another day). Anyway, my dad decided that since I often have homework that requires the internet, and because my mom often takes 20min+ to write an email, that we should get a router setup and share the connection. Cool. Anyway, the router is across this room from me (and my PC), and I'm hardwired into it. It is connected to an external-type modem which is connected to the line in my brother's old room (he's in college). He is currently here (leaving Sunday to go back to college), and has a wirless network card in his laptop, which is how he connects to this setup. My mom and dad's PC is utter crap and needs a complete cleaning (reformat or something drastic at this point, since because they've NEVER done it, it took me 10 minutes to clear out their temporary internet files, just from the Internet Options tab, not like I was doing it the hard way). Their computer refused to work with the Wireless G (the newer, faster version) network card. It would not work hardwired either. So we got a wireless B USB adapter, as there is no G adapter. After about 20 minutes I managed to get Outlook Express (God, I hate that program) to connect and get their email. However, I still cannot get Internet Explorer to go anywhere (I tried Google and MSN.com, two sites that ALWAYS work). What's up? Should the B adapter connect to the G network just fine, except slower? Why is the email working but not IE, as they have the same settings? TIA

edit: Oh, my and my brother's computers are XP, my parents have '98 2nd Ed. (Special Ed, if you ask me).

[90lkn4swp]

Is your router a Linksys or a Microsoft?I know that the Linksys has different install cds for different Operating Systems, might be your problem but it doesnt make sense that you can write-recieve emails but not browse the internet.The wireless B cards can connect to the Wireless G router but not the other way around.

[nametakennow]

I figured they worked that way. Yes, I'm sure I used the '98 install cd. The router is Linksys (why don't they just call it Cisco anyway?) I think it's just their computer, I'll get my brother to help me mess with it tomorrow, not that that will help, but more cussing will make it more fun .

[90lkn4swp]

Have you tried making some adjustments on the routers settings page? the 192.168.1.1

[Cold_Zero]

Are the network cards compatable with a Computer running Win98 or Win98 SE? I had a problem with a wireless card and Win98. Had to upgrade the O/S. This is much easeier to trouble shoot when you are there in person. I am sure the whole lot of us can figure this out.

[90lkn4swp]

now that i think about it i had the same problem with a laptop using 98 had to get xpbut if there desktops do you have the wireless pci card?

[nametakennow]

I've tried turning off "block anonymous internet requests" on the security page, other than that, no. The adapter has drivers for Win98, so I would assume it is compatible... Not sure what you're saying, 90lkn. My brother's laptop connects wirelessly. My desktop is hardwired and connects. My parents desktop would not connect hardwired and will not wirelessly anymore either.I could have sworn that I checked my parents email last night and recieved 3-4 messages wirelessly, but now that is not working...

[lessthanjakejohn]

Just reformat and try again

[nametakennow]

Haha, I'd love to, but even though my parents now seem to recognize that their computer is crap, they still seem to refuse the idea of actually doing something. We have other OSs too, installing those would be quite simple, though I'm not sure they're 600mhz-ish Celeron and 64mb (I think) of RAM could take any XP, and ME isn't really an improvement over '98.

[lessthanjakejohn]

They definately need to pick up one of the $499 specials from Dell then

[Cold_Zero]

I am trying to get my mother in law to give up her 300mhz Celeron and move up. Her Gateway has been loaded down with all kinds of crap shareware that clogs up the system resources. She calls me to work on it an it takes forever just to boot up the machine.

[Cold_Zero]

I'm not sure they're 600mhz-ish Celeron and 64mb (I think) of RAM could take any XP, and ME isn't really an improvement over '98.

ME is a step back from Win98SE. I have had success with XP for some strange reason.

[lessthanjakejohn]

heh, it'd probaly be 2x faster if someone would just format and install windows 98 on it.