My desktop internet is not working, but my laptop internet connection works just fine, what gives?

Question

I have a wireless internet connection set up in my house, and my desktop uses the wireless via a wireless-internet-micro USB adapter, because it doesn't have a wireless card built in. For some reason, it's going slow as heck lately as far as getting online and accessing websites and sometimes says "No Connectivity" and/or "Webpage Unavailable" and shows that little yellow triangle by the wireless internet connectivity icon, while my laptop's internet, which is running off the same internet connection, runs fine. WHY? Do I need a better/stronger micro USB adapter? Or a new computer? Or what?! I have done a virus scan and a malware scan, and I haven't downloaded anything weird onto the desktop. Please help!

Answer 1

First, the other 2 answers presented here so far are not very helpful. The reason it is hard to be helpful is there are still many questions to be answered before any sort of remote diagnosis can be made, and even then it's just guessing. What Operating System (OS)? If you're running Win 7, there is a diagnostic tool that may help - go to Control Panel/Network & Sharing and click on Troubleshoot Problems, and Windows will attempt a fix. However, if it is in fact a hardware problem (USB wireless adapter you mentioned) it could be it is not functioning correctly and an Ethernet cable connection could indeed help. Or perhaps a new network adapter (since it's a desktop, a network card put into an empty slot could work if you want to remain wireless - USB ports can work very well but can also be damaged relatively easily - although you must be comfortable opening the case and putting in the new card, which is actually quite easy, but intimidating if you've never tried it. However, there are video tutorials on Youtube and text instructions all over the internet to help you if you do a search). But if it was working before, what you do NOT need is a new computer. While that could be an effective solution, it is overkill in many ways, not the least of which are cost, and the additional work involved in setting up the new machine and transferring things to it. More detailed info answering these questions would be a start...

Answer 2

go to a command prompt then type ipconfig. If your ip address begins with a 169 then there is an issue. Also if you are using the router then plug your desktop into the modem( not the router). Are you able to surf the net. Go into device manager and check to see if there are any bangs in network adapters.

Answer 3

U need a cable to connet to a wireless conection. If it does not work contact your ip it's free.

Answer 4

it will be simpler if you get an ethernet cable. desktops are used to running off of ethernet, and you will get faster internet that way, plus its less expensive than getting a usb wi-fi device.

Answer 5

I would check the micro wifi first, then try a new computed