Nintendo DS WIFI problem

[RuneLouie]

Hi

I seriously need help.

Let's see. I can use the WIFI. There aren't any technical problems with it.

However, when I get connected it looses the connection after just seconds (but it still shows it's connected).

I checked with the Nintendo site and it says that I should do 1 of these things:

1. Stop the firewall.

2. Check the ICP/UDP and enter several numbers they offer.

The problem is: I've no idea of computers. I need help so I can find these things and do as told.


Please, help step by step.

Thanks

[Stormfalcon]

Ummm...first off, are you connecting through a wireless router, or through Nintendo's WiFi USB adapter?

[RuneLouie]

I use the Nintendo USB adapter; and everything's fine with it.

[Stormfalcon]

Okay, so you're using the adapter. Do you happen to know what firewall software you're using with your PC? Is it the one that comes with Windows XP Service Pack 2? Is it ZoneAlarm, Norton, Kerio, or any of the other third-party ones?

[RuneLouie]

I've no idea.

I think that's the one that comes with Mozilla (firefox).

Other than that... I have no clue.

[Stormfalcon]

Sounds like this'll be a lot tougher than thought. Well, we can elminate Mozilla/Firefox since they don't come with a firewall. Go to Windows Control Panel and bring up the Security Center. It should tell you under the Firewall heading which one you're using. You might have to click on the little round icon with two arrowheads pointing down by the word "Firewall" to give you more information.

[RuneLouie]

Ok, so the one I have is Windows Firewall; and it was actually off.

... I just turned it ON.

What's next?

[Stormfalcon]

Now I'm pretty stumped, to be honest. If it was just Windows Firewall and it was off (which usually isn't the case when there's no third-party firewall in use), then your WiFi adapter should've worked since there wouldn't have been anything to block it.

(Sorry for the late reply...had to go to work and all that!)

[RuneLouie]

Then it has to to with the ICP/UDP.

How do I access that?

[Stormfalcon]

I was hoping someone who might know more would pick this up in regards to ICP/UDP. It's basically opening ports in the firewall to allow traffic in those specific ports. However, that's going to vary from firewall to firewall, and I'm not sure if Windows Firewall will allow for opening up such ports to begin with.

[stfram]

Then it has to to with the ICP/UDP.


Have you tried putting the nintendo adapter in another usb port?

It could be some oddball issue with the port it's in.

Also, how do you connect to the internet?

I would be surprised if it's directly through a dsl or cable modem, since without a firewall you would be getting all sorts of nasty hack attempts on your system.

At least, that's been my experience.

Anyway, it's likely through some kind of router that's attached to, or part of, the cable/dsl modem.

One way to see if that's the case is to go to start, run, and type "cmd" and hit enter.

Then at the command prompt, you type "ipconfig /all" and let us know what it says for "IP Address"...

If it says something like "192.168.x.x" you're on a router.

If it says something like "60.105.22.14" you're connected directly to the internet via the dsl/cable modem, and that can be dangerous. I personally doubt that, since if you were, the ports should be open.

If you're on a router (and it could be integrated with the modem), we need to know which one. If the cable/dsl company installed it for you, they should have left documentation on it...you'll need to find that.

This is because the configuration settings for the router are password protected.

Given the brand name, it's easy to find the default password, and if that was changed by whoever installed it, it can be reset easily enough.

[RuneLouie]

Found it....


IP Add: 85.239.....

Mi Internet connection is a wireless modem. By this I mean that it's just a plug in modem (doesn't use telephone line).

What now?

PS

I never had problems with virus or stuff (until now; that I'll have it fixed... but that was because I had a problem with the antivirus).

[stfram]

Found it....
IP Add: 85.239.....


Well, you're connected directly to the internet. No router, nada. :)


Mi Internet connection is a wireless modem. By this I mean that it's just a plug in modem.


*confused*

The way my cable modem is hooked up is that it's attached to the cable outlet/line, and I've got an ethernet cable going to the router's "cable modem" or WAN port.

Is an ethernet cable (looks like a thick phone cable, with a similar connector), attached to your computer? One end should be attached the cable modem, the other to your computer.


What now?


Indeed. :)

If your computer is attached directly to the cable modem, you really, really, really should go buy a router right now. It's just good security.

Get a linksys. They're easy to configure and generally on sale. Get a wireless model with ethernet ports (costs a bit more, but worth it), so you can continue to attach your computer via ethernet.

Me or somebody else can assist with the wireless configuration, so you aren't sharing out your internet connection to surrounding homes/apartments.


I never had problems with virus or stuff (until now; that I'll have it fixed... but that was because I had a problem with the antivirus).

Since you turned on the firewall, it should prevent a bunch of crap right there, which is good.

The fact that it's not been on this entire time is bad. However, if you had kept up with the windows updates (like setting windows to auto-update), it would have offered protection against exploits.

[Stormfalcon]

I'm wondering if, by "wireless modem", he means one of those PC cards that lets the laptop access the net through a cell phone network?

[RuneLouie]

Ok...

Thanks a LOT guys.


Let me explain...

My modem isn't connected through a telephone line.

You just plug it in, anywhere you want in your house and connect the Ethernet cable to the laptop.

But why would I need a router anyways if I already have the Nintendo USB WIFI Connector?

I don't get it. Before I had a similar connection and had no problems whatsoever.

As I said... it does connect. The thing is that it disconnects seconds later...

Can't the problem be solved in any other way?

But if you say I neet it... I'll look for one and once I have it I'll come back here.

[stfram]

Let me explain...

My modem isn't connected through a telephone line.

You just plug it in, anywhere you want in your house and connect the Ethernet cable to the laptop.


You aren't explaining enough, because at this point I have NO idea what you have, and I'm not even sure if a router would work in your situation.


But if you say I neet it... I'll look for one and once I have it I'll come back here.

No, what you need to do at this point is take a picture of what you have, because what you are describing makes zero sense.

Unless you're taking the cable modem, unscrewing the cable from the wall, and taking it to a different part of the house...which is...really, really...bizarre. :)

But even then, I'm not sure.

Who is your internet provider? It may be that there is no solution to your problem.

Edit: or you may have to give them a call and describe the problem, and see if they can resolve it from their end....

[RuneLouie]

Can't take a picture right now....



....but better yet! I found a video from my server; check it out so you can finally understand the modem I have:


http://www.clearwire.es/index.php?section=126

[SilverLuz]

OK, Clearwire. It's a wireless broadband service. If your computer(s) haven't had trouble accessing the internet, I'd guess it's a problem at the interaction of the computer software with the wifi-USB dongle, rather than a problem with the modem. (Unless the DS uses unusual ports for its traffic, but I don't think it does?)

[RuneLouie]

So, what to do now?

It is a first for me, since before I had a similar connection and no problems at all.

[stfram]

So, what to do now?


You're best bet is to call Clearwire, IMO.

Interesting way to connect to the internet. I'm guessing you're not in the US?

[RuneLouie]

Nope... I live in Spain now.


I'll call them ASAP to see what they tell me.


PS

I'll let you know.

[stfram]

I suspect we would all be interested in hearing what they say. :)