I've some important files to email from my work computer....Unfortunately my Internet has been down for two days and I'm waiting for the fix . I've put the files on a memory stick and loaded them onto a laptop and taken them home . We have wireless Internet at home...but no pc...just access it by tablet and phone . I can't put the files on the tablet because it won't recognise my old PC and there's no USB port to transfer the files . The laptop has wireless but I can't work out how to get on the Internet...can anyone sort out my stupidity please
Do you have a wireless icon in the bottom right of you laptop. If so click it, choose your network and enter password
Turn on the wireless adapter. On most laptops there's a function key to do this (it will be on the top row f1, f2 etc there will be a symbol like an antenna on it) Hold down the "fn" key (bottom left hand side of keyboard) and press the wireless function key identified previously. The adapter should scan and show you the available hotspots. Select yours and enter the password. If this doesn't work, it might be an older laptop which could have a physical switch to turn the adapter on. Or you could try an ethernet cable from your wireless router to the laptop. If that doesn't work, go to the top of the highest room in your house and throw the laptop out of the window.
Have you managed OK?. Do as Andytyke says (although you do not say what OS you are using e.g. Win7 or Win10). Win 10 you open Network and sharing Centre ( eitherL click the icon bottom right whicjh will bring up a list of available networks or do same via via Control Panel - Click windows start icon/Control Panel/Network amd Sharing centre icon You will need to enter the network password you or your ISP gave you. (usually on the back of the modem) if you are using a secure network (which you should be) and enter that then you should be connected.
If you get on the t'internet on your laptop, you could just use something like google drive to view it on your tablet / phone.
Also if your internet is down at home, either switch on the wifi hotspot on your mobile phone if it has one and use that data connection or nip somewhere with the laptop that has free wifi like the pub.. plus it's an excuse for a pint multiple birds, single stone n all that.
Just got back in.....Thanks for your replies . The laptop is Vista Home Premium . When I switch on the icon in the bottom right corner tells me I'm currently connected to the Wifi without me prompting , but says " Access : limited connectivity For some reason it doesn't ask for the password .
Sorted now....Cheers to all who replied . Apparently it's a bug in Vista that affects the wireless connection, tried a cable and it worked first time .