OFF THE WALL QUESTION for a computer

[Point353]

Wireless keyboard.



As I see it, the cheapest and easiest solution would be to just buy a regular wired USB keyboard (and maybe even a wired USB mouse) and use those instead of this wireless unit.  Those will never need new batteries, and the drivers are likely already built-in into Windows 10.

Does he use the dedicated keys for internet and email access (etc.)?
If so, is a regular wired USB keyboard likely to have those extra keys?

[MK]

As I see it, the cheapest and easiest solution would be to just buy a regular wired USB keyboard (and maybe even a wired USB mouse) and use those instead of this wireless unit.  Those will never need new batteries, and the drivers are likely already built-in into Windows 10.

Jerry also sent few screen photos of his WiFi settings.

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The control panel screen photo shows that the WiFi is not connected, while the last 2 screen photos show it connected to network called VISIO.
I'm still confused why he would be using a wired and WiFi Internet connections at the same time. I guess this needs further investigation.

Having built PCs from the days of x386 and Windows 3.1, I concur about the current keyboard/mouse setup.  That USB connection on the lower right is most likely for the wireless keyboard/mouse receiver.  Get rid of that setup and use a wired keyboard and mouse.  The biggest pain about wireless is the battery replacement.  When things go intermittent, is it the batteries or something with the software?  Then you have to find new batteries.

However, if you must have wireless, get a modern setup with a single TINY USB dongle, typically Logitech.

@peteski , it's VIZIO and not VISIO which clued me in on a possibility of the WiFi mystery.  VIZIO is a Best Buy TV house brand.  I wonder if he has a VIZIO Smart TV and is somehow connected to that?  Though it will have to act like a hot spot.  I wonder if that network cable is going to his TV for some really odd reason.

[MK]

Does he use the dedicated keys for internet and email access (etc.)?
If so, is a regular wired USB keyboard likely to have those extra keys?

Those dedicated "smart keys" are a thing of the past.  Just click on the icon on the screen. 

[DKS]

Get rid of that setup and use a wired keyboard and mouse.

^^^ This. ^^^

Unless you have a very compelling reason to have a wireless keyboard/mouse, there is no reason to have them, and every reason to get rid of them. Since you have plenty of USB jacks, just get a cheap USB keyboard/mouse pair from Amazon, or eBay, or even Staples. It'll set you back probably no more than ten bucks.

[wcfn100]

In my experience, flaky USB behavior is due to software/driver issues.  The simplest fix is often just using a different USB port.  The next fix would be to uninstall and reinstall the drivers.

Buying a new USB keyboard would fix the issue, but only because it will likely install a new driver.

As for the Wi-Fi.  What is the ethernet cable for if not the internet?


Jason

[peteski]

Having built PCs from the days of x386 and Windows 3.1, I concur about the current keyboard/mouse setup.  That USB connection on the lower right is most likely for the wireless keyboard/mouse receiver.  Get rid of that setup and use a wired keyboard and mouse.  The biggest pain about wireless is the battery replacement.  When things go intermittent, is it the batteries or something with the software?  Then you have to find new batteries.

However, if you must have wireless, get a modern setup with a single TINY USB dongle, typically Logitech.

My point exactly.

@peteski , it's VIZIO and not VISIO which clued me in on a possibility of the WiFi mystery.  VIZIO is a Best Buy TV house brand.  I wonder if he has a VIZIO Smart TV and is somehow connected to that?  Though it will have to act like a hot spot.  I wonder if that network cable is going to his TV for some really odd reason.

LOL, yes, I made a typo (since I use it at work, my brain automatically changed it into visio).  And I know of VIZIO TVs, just didn't see the connection.  Still, there is a live network cable connected in the back - where does that go?  And wouldn't the VIZIO TV be a client of the PC rather than a hot-spot?  I'm not up on my Smart-TV configuration.

But if the TV is actually providing the network connectivity to the laptop, shouldn't the network cable in the back of the PC unplugged?  Unless it acts as a router providing network connectivity to whatever is on the other end of that cable?

As for the Wi-Fi.  What is the ethernet cable for if not the internet?

That's my question too. We'll have to ask Jerry to trace that cable.

[nickelplate759]

According to the screens hots, the ethernet cable is attached to the Vizio device.  Wifi is active but not connected.

[wcfn100]

According to the screens hots, the ethernet cable is attached to the Vizio device.  Wifi is active but not connected.

Good catch.  This makes no sense to me unless you use your PC as some sort of bridge.  The cable from the TV should be going to a router.

Jason

[peteski]

According to the screens hots, the ethernet cable is attached to the Vizio device.  Wifi is active but not connected.

Why then is the WiFi network called VIZIO?

[wcfn100]

Why then is the WiFi network called VIZIO?

The VISIO wi-fi is likely the same thing as your wireless printer giving a signal (like the 5th signal down).  The connection at the top is an ethernet connection, presumably to the VISIO tv.

I think it's time to start from the beginning - is there a router, wireless or otherwise?


Jason

[peteski]

But if that was the case, why does Jerry lose network connectivity when WiFi goes down?  And if the TV is cabled up to the PC, where does Jerry get his connection to the Internet? I agree, we need more info.   @woodone  ?

[wcfn100]

But if that was the case, why does Jerry lose network connectivity when WiFi goes down?

Without knowing the whole setup, I wouldn't even take a guess. 

Jason

[woodone]

Well guys, first off a BIG THANKS to Peteski—without him you would not be seeming these photos!
I am a dunce when I try to post a photo on RW- Just can’t get the hang of it THANKS PETESKI !
Let me try to describe what you are looking at with the photos.  On the back of tower right next to the Esther plug in is the wireless keyboard/connection. I don’t think any thing else needs explained(if so ask)
Let me clear up something, there is a router in the system, I got that years ago so I could use a computer in my upstairs room.
It is a Visio router.  There is also the cable service providers’ modem. plan to get a hard wired keyboard and mouse,
The only reason for my asking is this worked for years and no problems- Micro-soft did an up-date and things went crazy - I had to call MS-all of a sudden my computer went down and started loading a complete new Windows? They wiped all of my personal contact information- no explanation /you can’t contact MS via phone any more they tell you to go to one of there web pages- the promos never address the questions I have .
New keyboard on the way.

[woodone]

I have to add some thing- Some times when I first power up the computer-it takes you to a sign in page with a place to log in your password- some times when the keyboard is acting up key strokes do not regestur in the password blank- I can log on, but have to us on screen keyboard.

[peteski]

Jerry, I'm glad that I was able to assist ini posting your photos.  we all help each other, right? 

Could you draw a simple diagram (pen and paper) of your home network and how all the devices are connected, then take a photo and email it to me so I can post it here? That will be very helpful to solving the puzzle.  Indicate all the networked devices, and how they are connected (wire or wireless).

As for the sudden reinstall of Windows 10, are you sure you contacted Microsoft, not some scammer's website?  You didn't get any warnings or hints to back up your personal  data?  What happened sounds fishy to me.

And as you already acknowledged, a new wired keyboard/mouse will be much more reliable.