I just got a new laptop and I connected my internet cable to it and opened up internet explorer fine. but when I took out the cable it first showed up that I was unpluged and then it connected me to my wireless internet. I tried opening up internet explorer and it wouldnt open even though in the system tray it shows up that I am connected to my wireless network. are there settings i need to change in order to run internet explorer from a wireless connection. I just got the computer and I dont know if there is any programs i need to install first. I am just confused why it shows i am connected to the network but it wont let me open up internet explorer

You need to run the network setup wizard in "My Network Places"/"Network Connections" When you go through the wizard, make sure it sees that you connect to the internet through the wireless card. When the wizard completes. Reboot your PC and try to connect.

I tried that but it still wont open up internet explorer but it shows that I am connected to the network and that the connection is good

Try: START, All Programs - Accessories - Command Prompt, type ipconfig /release - then ipconfig /renew. (thats a space between the g and /. If this doesn't work, shut down the computer, router, and modem. Then power up each in the reverse order being sure that the modem and router first sync up before turning on the next device. Still no luck! Apparently XP has the capability of configuring wireless networks on its own ( Wireless Zero Configuration feature). This can sometimes lead to conflicts with the drivers that are installed from the manufacturers of the wireless devices. Therefore, try disabling the Windows auto wireless connection: Double click the Wireless Network Connection icon in the Network Connections window – Select Properties – in the Wireless Properties dialog box, click “Wireless Networks – uncheck Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings and click OK. You may have to re-install the manufactures drivers. L L

You may have to manually configure it then. Here is a comprehensive guide. www.homenethelp.com