x61 not connecting to unsecured network

[JohnTGWalker]

Hi.

Last weekend I was trying to work at a colleague's house, and was unable to connect to his unsecured 802.11g network. I could see the network, had strong signal, and was able to connect - but the connection timed out on acquiring an IP address. In the Vista network map, I had a connection to the router, but no Internet connection. I tried connecting both from the Vista network connection tool and from Access Networks connection tool. The latter gave me the visibility into the connection process to identify the failure point.

His laptop (Packard Bell of some flavour) is also running Vista, so we went through the various settings with the machines side by side to try to identify any discrepancy. We checked network card settings, IP v4 and IP v6 settings - all identical. DHCP on, DNS automatic, etc. etc.

I did a bit of surfing on this topic, but gave up once it started turning into a major distraction from doing the work I was actually there to do. I tried repairing the connection; I tried re-installing the wireless card drivers. I of course reset the router. I did NOT check for MAC address filtering, but my colleague claims he hadn't enabled it, and pointed out that in the past other visiting computers had successfully connected.

Back home, my machine immediately connected as usual to my 802.11G WPA-secured network. But I'd like to sort this out so I don't have the problem again the next time I'm connecting to an unsecured network. I can think of two possible culprits - something in Windows Firewall (which I didn't think to try disabling); or something inherent in the ISP - Virgin cable in the UK - which limits the number of simultaneous connected computers. Or maybe there is some obscure checkbox buried in some menu somewhere that is designed to save me from foolishly connecting to unsecured networks...

Very frustrating overall - but suggestions welcome!

[rmendoza]

I just thought of something very elemental, but it's something that you didn't mention in your post: It sounds like maybe your friend's router has mac address filtering turned on. The network says "unsecured" and it looks like it's unsecured, but if his computer is the only one allowed to connect, then...

Just a thought.