Two laptops, only one online

ddda88 · #1 02-01-2010

Please help me!

I have two ThinkPad laptops, one is newer than the other one. The new one works just fine and the old one was good too, but for some reason I cannot connect it to the Net for a few months. I have no idea what has happened as it was working just fine until I got the new Thinkpad.

Now, when I am in need for a few Stealth accounts and I could use that old laptop I cannot connect it to the Internet.

I rang my ISP to help me, but other then giving me TCP/IP properties they didn't help much.

So I hope somebody here could help.

Do I need to create a Internet connection shearing on my newer laptop to be able to use the old laptop, or could I just connect the old one to my Internet directly, once I figure out what the issue is? Do I need a router to establish Internet connection shearing?

Please help, or otherwise the obvious solution would be a dongle, but is that going to work?

Thanks a lot

**aspkin** · #2 02-01-2010

It would probably help to know how you are connecting now.

I'm guessing you have a router though. You may need to direct connect for awhile. And I recommend upgrading to Windows 7 if you can. It'll make things so much easier.

ddda88 · #3 02-01-2010

Thank you Aspkin.

I don't have a router, but having read eBay Stealth I would like to get one fast. However, i don't know if that will resolve the problem with my old laptop, which yes, still runs on Windows XP, in fact both of them are on Win XP.

Both my new laptop and my flatmate's laptop are connected to the internet directly. I didn't create LAN for it, neither my flatmate did (she is even worse than me in understanding computers). Do you think I should connect them- LAN? For LAN I'd need a router.

Many thanks

**aspkin** · #4 02-02-2010

What kind of internet service do you have now? And do you just have a modem to direct connect to? There are multiple slots for more then one computer? OR do you take turns with the internet?

You should probably get a router, it makes things much easier when connecting; they're pretty cheap too.

ddda88 · #5 02-02-2010

hi

My ISP is bethere.co.uk ( I recommend them by the way, I have a dynamic IP). Yes, I connect to the modem directly, both my laptop and my flatmate's laptop and we can use net simultaneously.

I got a 3 dongle today. It works so so on my newer laptop, but it doesn't work at all on the old one so I think I need to reinstall Windows and all the drivers on the old one as there is clearly something wrong with the laptop.

And yes, I'll get a router. But how to reinstall Windows, I have never done it? I learn something new every day...

Many thanks

ddda88 · #6 02-02-2010

It's DSL broadband and wireless connection.

**aspkin** · #7 02-02-2010

Well, at least you figure it's a windows problem now.

If you can afford it, I recommend upgrading to Windows 7; it's very easy to install. Just pop in the CD; answer a few questions, and wait a couple hours will it installs. It will make your old laptop run like new. If you just want to reinstall XP; look for your backup CD that came with the laptop and reinstall. That shall be fun.

Good luck,

**aspkin** · #8 02-02-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddda88

It's DSL broadband and wireless connection.

Oh I see; then you don't need a router then.

ddda88 · #9 02-02-2010

Thanks

but I could use a router with DSL? I need it for switching between IP addresses!!!

Another cracking question from me

, in order to save money could I upgrade to Win 7 using US version instead of UK one?

**aspkin** · #10 02-02-2010

Not sure about that ddda88, those DSL modems that are routers as well, usually don't work well with other routers. Instead all you need to do is reset your DSL modem and hope for a new IP.

About Windows 7 upgrade, I don't see why you couldn't. If it's cheaper then go for it.

ddda88 · #11 02-02-2010

Hm I've just thought that if I upgrade to Win 7 I'll also have to upgrade 75% of other software I have installed

**aspkin** · #12 02-02-2010

No way, if you're on Windows XP already, upgrading to Windows 7 shouldn't make you update any of your software. And trust me I have a mighty software collection, that was the main concern I had when buying a new computer.

I bought a laptop with Windows 7 already installed, it's awesome.

Then I updated my other laptop (work laptop) with my dozens of programs I run a day without any compatibility issues.

ddda88 · #13 02-02-2010

well, if someone has million software installed it has to be you: Sony Movie Studio 9, Dreamweaver CS4, Photoshop CS3, SEO Elite?

If I buy Win 7 can I install it on two or more PCs or would all-mighty-Microsoft licence allow me only one installation on one PC?

Many, many thanks

**aspkin** · #14 02-02-2010

Hehe, those and more.

Yes you can.

ddda88 · #15 02-02-2010

Thank you. It looks like I have no excuse

ddda88 · #16 02-05-2010

From other post: I change the screen resolution on different Windows user accounts.With Windows you can change the screen resolution for each user account and Windows will remember the settings for each user.

I hope this is available on Windows 7 ???