I have a Microsoft MN 700 wireless router that has four computers and
a printer connected to it wirelessly. All of the computers are using
MS windows XP SP2 and all are on the same workgroup. Each can see
each other, share folders and files and each can connect to the
internet through the MN 700 wireless router. The router manages all
of the IP addresses on this local net within the range of 192.168.2.1
- 254 through its DCHP server.
I tried to hook up one of these computers through a wired ethernet
connection to the router (the router can accept up to 4 wired
connections). I disabled the wireless conncetion between the router
and the computer so there would only be a wired connection. When the
cable is connected between the router and the computer, the
corresponding light on the router lights up and the computer icon for
the connection is visible in the system tray on the computer, so the
physical connection is there.
After doing this and re-booting both the computer and router, I was
expecting to be able to connect to the internet, but I could not. I
could not see the other computers on my workgroup either. I tried to
ping the router from the wired computer, but got the message that a
link was not achievable. The IP address of the computer also changed
from 192.168.2.103 to 169.254.190.34. I tried to renew the address,
but got the message "No operation can be performed on Wireless Network
Connection 2 while it has is media disconnected." For some reason the
process is only looking at the wireless connection (which I disabled)
and doesn't look at the wired connection. Why is that and how do I
get it to accept a wired connection between the router and computer?
Enabling the wireless connection on the computer restores the
computer's connectivity to the router, workgroup, and internet.
Any help appreciated.
Doug