I got a wireless card for my desktop that is currently hooked up to the router by ethernet. Wireless card installed fine, sees the network, I have all the access information and it claims to connect but my computer can only get an Automatic Private Address via wireless. Same router. I tried disabling the LAN completely (even in the BIOS) in case it was problem with one MAC address asking for an IP twice in one sitting. If anyone has any clues...

It wont be the MAC address because the wireless card and the on-board LAN will each have a different MAC address.

First thing to check is that the router hasn't got MAC filtering turned on. That will stop the wireless card from getting an IP address. If this is the case then you need to add the wireless card MAC address to the allowed connections.

Makes sure the the wireless card is configured for the same protocols as the router. WAP or WPA security. If WPA,TKS or AES security. Do you get asked for a password or pass phrase? If not, there is something more serious wrong.

Stuart

Thank you... that makes sense. I believe the problem is in the router and what devices it's set to allow for connection. I'm working on getting access to the router (roomate). The encryption is WEP and there's a network key that I entered and verified. I'll know more when I get into the router. Thanks again

Be sure dhcp is enabled for the wireless part of the router. Be sure there is enough address's in the pool.

I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

Most like the DHCP feature is not enabled or configured properly on router.

The other way you can do is to assign the IP, netmask, gateway and DNS manually if you know.. Then it can work as well.

Check this KB article out from Microsoft...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928...