Shining Mew
Jess
A. Foreword
Please read all of these or anything that pertains to your problem. A lot of your questions can be answered in this guide.
1. Requirements to play online
Unfortunately the USB Wi-Fi connector is no longer available. You can attempt to buy it online or elsewhere that may have it. But don't ask where you can find it, that's what Google's for.
2. Using a Router
Setting up the router
These instructions are assuming you have just purchased a router and are setting it up for the first time.
Configuring your router
If you already have a router and you want to configure it, it requires you going into the router's firmware and setting its options. Before you configure your router, you need the following information
If you cannot find your router's default login, which can be found on its label or in the instruction manual, Nintendo has Wireless a list of Routers that have their default information, you just need the model of the router.
3. Using the Nintendo USB Wi-Fi Connector
Refer to IGN's Hand's On article, they tell you how to install and use the USB Wi-Fi connector. Otherwise:
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
3. Connecting your DS
At Home
The best way for your DS to connect to the internet is if the router is as defaulted as possible. This will allow for everything to configure itself half the time. Access your router's firmware, if you're having trouble, use Nintendo's list of Wi-Fi routers. However you shouldn't really have to change anything unless you really needed to. Also port forwarding does not affect the DS's connectivity, and you should not have to port forward. In the options, you should note the wireless network's SSID (Name) and WEP key if security is enabled. Note: The DS is incompatible with WPA.
Every game capable of internet play will have a setup wizard, usually in the game's main menu. For the fastest way to set up:
If you're connecting using the USB Conencter.
At a hotspot
Remember, Wi-Fi usually isn't free in the sense you can pull up to the parking lot and start using the Wi-Fi, or just go in the shop, sit down, and play. You have to buy something at the commercial establishment if you want to use their Wi-Fi. For hotspots, just use the easy method. If you cannot connect after a few tries, then there's nothing you can really do.
4. Connecting your Wii
Again, it helps if your router is defaulted. Anyway:
If you're connecting using a wireless router.
If you're using the LAN adapter...
And if you're using the USB Connector
5. Troubleshooting your connection
Do NOT just turn your firewall and anti-virus software off!
Using a USB connector
Properly installing the USB connector
1. DO NOT insert the USB connector if you do not have the software/drivers installed! If you insert the USB connector and then install drivers, it may not work as Windows XP's attempt at auto-installing drivers may screw everything up.
2. Step-by-step installations can be found at this link
You're trying to install the USB connector using Windows Vista
1. The latest version of the USB connector drivers supports Vista. You must download them off Nintendo's website as I believe connectors don't come with them.
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqTEFFEB3hA
I need a replacement
1. eBay, Amazon.com, or some other website may carry them.
2. Buy a wireless router. They're relatively cheap these days, and with most people buying laptops instead of full desktops, it might be a good idea to invest in one.
3. My ad-hoc trick doesn't work. I've actually tested it. It tests with zero bars. Although the DS may connect to the internet while testing, which my network didn't have.
The USB connector doesn't work
1. Firewall may be blocking service. Usually when you run the Wi-Fi connection software the first time, a pop-up will ask you to allow the program. Make sure you pay attention to this.
2. Nintendo has listed Zone Alarm to be incompatible with the Wii and DS.
3. http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/sys...neFirewall.jsp has a lot of information regarding software incompatibility and firewall problems.
5. Your ISP may be incompatible or may not work. For a list: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/sys...compatible.jsp
Using a Router
Your wireless router isn't being seen
1. Make sure that your router is broadcasting
2. If your router isn't broadcasting its SSID, then it will not show up.
3. Ensure that your router is broadcasting an 802.11b signal.
4. Your router may not be compatible.
You can connect to the router and the signal is fine, but suddenly drops
1. There might be an IP conflict.
3. Router may be malfunctioning. Check to make sure that other computers are fine.
There's no access to the internet
1. Make sure the other computers are able to access the internet. If not, turn off (unplug) the modem and then router. Leave them off for 10 seconds. Plug the modem back in and wait for the status light (if there is one) to go green. Then plug the router back in.
2. You may have an incompatible router. http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wfc...routerInfo.jsp has a list of all compatible routers. If your router is on the list, it should work. If not, it may not work.
3. Settings on the router may prevent connection. MAC filtering or static IP are the most common culprits. You shouldn't have to port forward. Normally routers do not have either setting on. Thus, if it is on and you didn't set them, find out who did.
You have issues with security.
1. Ensure the router is protected under a security type that is compatible.
2. Make sure you know the key. You may think you know it, but you may have written something wrong.
3. If you're typing in the same password as the router generated (make sure you know which one the router is using as well), first open the network (no security), then re-establish security.
How do I change security?
1. If your router is listed at http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wfc...routerInfo.jsp it has all the login information on how to access your router. This is assuming nobody changed the login information. If someone did, ask them what it is.
2. Go to your Wireless Security settings. This can be in the Wireless settings.
3. Look for a security options section, change this to what you want.
General
On Pokemon Diamond and Pearl's GTS system, connection drops after some time
Because this is a global service, and probably one of major demand, one of two things may happen.
1. Ping time out (DS is taking too long to contact the server)
2. Too many connections
On Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, my friend seems to have trouble connecting
It could be any of the issues above. Also your friend may have pinging issues.
Please read all of these or anything that pertains to your problem. A lot of your questions can be answered in this guide.
1. Requirements to play online
- A broadband Internet connection. This is anything that's advertised to give you a speed of 256Kbps or better. Basically if you still use a phone modem or ISDN, you don't have a broadband connection.
- A compatible router. A list of routers can be found at Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite - Wireless Router Information. The Wii can take a wired router provided you have the Wii LAN adapter
Unfortunately the USB Wi-Fi connector is no longer available. You can attempt to buy it online or elsewhere that may have it. But don't ask where you can find it, that's what Google's for.
2. Using a Router
Setting up the router
These instructions are assuming you have just purchased a router and are setting it up for the first time.
- Most routers can be set up just as is. Plug the power into the router and then connect network cables as necessary. However, read the instructions that your router comes with. In most cases though, you can opt not to install any networking software the router comes with, as your operating system will take care of everything.
- Wireless routers by default do not have their wireless features enabled out of the box. Thus you have to configure them to broadcast. Instructions to do so are with the router. This is also the time when you can set up security features such as WEP or WPA.
- Remember to plug in your modem's network cable to the router's Internet plug, otherwise the internet will not be accessible.
- If you have trouble receiving the internet, a quick fix is to simply restart the computer.
Configuring your router
If you already have a router and you want to configure it, it requires you going into the router's firmware and setting its options. Before you configure your router, you need the following information
- Router's login information. If you haven't touched this, or nobody else has, there's a default login.
- Your network's default gateway address. However the instruction manual of your router may supply an alternate way to access the router's firmware.
- Model of the router. This maybe useful later. To find the model, find the label of your router which is located either at the back or the bottom. Default login information may also be there as well.
If you cannot find your router's default login, which can be found on its label or in the instruction manual, Nintendo has Wireless a list of Routers that have their default information, you just need the model of the router.
3. Using the Nintendo USB Wi-Fi Connector
Refer to IGN's Hand's On article, they tell you how to install and use the USB Wi-Fi connector. Otherwise:
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
- Your connector should come with a CD that contains software, however, read the instructions that comes with the connector first on installation instructions!
- First install the software, then connect the connector. Windows should have a pop up window on the bottom left notifying a device has been connected. If it says Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector, that means Windows successfully recognized it and it will work with some configuring.
- Installation will fail only if Windows does not recognize the Wi Fi Connector. However, Windows will recognize any USB device that's plugged into it, working or not (I have a PS2 port to USB that doesn't work, but Windows recognizes it). This is assuming of course that the device itself actually works.
- If installation has failed, uninstall all Nintendo Wi-Fi related software and just plug in the connector. If you are given a hardware installation wizard, select "Yes, for this time only" and then do a manual search. Select the first option and uncheck "look in removable media". However check "Search in this location" and make it the CD drive if possible.
3. Connecting your DS
At Home
The best way for your DS to connect to the internet is if the router is as defaulted as possible. This will allow for everything to configure itself half the time. Access your router's firmware, if you're having trouble, use Nintendo's list of Wi-Fi routers. However you shouldn't really have to change anything unless you really needed to. Also port forwarding does not affect the DS's connectivity, and you should not have to port forward. In the options, you should note the wireless network's SSID (Name) and WEP key if security is enabled. Note: The DS is incompatible with WPA.
Every game capable of internet play will have a setup wizard, usually in the game's main menu. For the fastest way to set up:
- Select Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings
- Select one of the three boxes named Connection 1, Connection 2, and Connection 3. If you're using the Wi-Fi USB connector, select that and skip the rest of this section.
- Select "Search for an Access Point"
- Select the network with the same SSID as the one your network has. If it does not appear, make sure: the router is broadcasting Wi-Fi, that it's broadcasting 802.11b signal (the signal must be included, it does not have to be exclusive), and that your DS is within range (normally 50 feet indoors).
- When a network is selected, it will display some pertinent information. This is where you enter the WEP key.
- Press A or tap the screen to test the connection. If successful it will save.
If you're connecting using the USB Conencter.
- Using the DS game's Wi-Fi wizard, select Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings, and then "Nintendo USB WiFi Connector". It will tell you that the DS is asking for permission on the PC to connect.
- On the PC, double click on the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right. If it's not visible, and there are arrows pointing to the left, click on that to expand the icons and see if it's there. If it's still not there, take the connector out, and plug it back in, ensuring that it's in and secure.
- Grant permission on the PC for the DS to connect and the connection should work.
At a hotspot
Remember, Wi-Fi usually isn't free in the sense you can pull up to the parking lot and start using the Wi-Fi, or just go in the shop, sit down, and play. You have to buy something at the commercial establishment if you want to use their Wi-Fi. For hotspots, just use the easy method. If you cannot connect after a few tries, then there's nothing you can really do.
4. Connecting your Wii
Again, it helps if your router is defaulted. Anyway:
If you're connecting using a wireless router.
- Click on the Wii button in the lower left, then Wii Settings. Next select Internet, the Connection Settings, a connection profile, Wireless Connection, and Search for Access Point.
- When the Wii is done searching for an access point, it will show a list of results. Choose the name that matches your network's SSID.
- Save settings and test the connection.
- If it succeeds, you're good to go, if not try again. If it fails several times, check the router's settings.
If you're using the LAN adapter...
- Click on the Wii button in the lower left, then Wii Settings. Next select Internet, the Connection Settings, a connection profile, Wired Connection.
- That's it, there's no need to test a connection
And if you're using the USB Connector
- Click on the Wii button in the lower left, then Wii Settings. Next select Internet, the Connection Settings, a connection profile, Wireless Connection, and Nntendo Wi-Fi USB connector
- On the PC, double click on the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right. If it's not visible, and there are arrows pointing to the left, click on that to expand the icons and see if it's there. If it's still not there, take the connector out, and plug it back in, ensuring that it's in and secure.
- Grant permission on the PC for the Wii to connect and the connection should work.
5. Troubleshooting your connection
Do NOT just turn your firewall and anti-virus software off!
Using a USB connector
Properly installing the USB connector
1. DO NOT insert the USB connector if you do not have the software/drivers installed! If you insert the USB connector and then install drivers, it may not work as Windows XP's attempt at auto-installing drivers may screw everything up.
2. Step-by-step installations can be found at this link
You're trying to install the USB connector using Windows Vista
1. The latest version of the USB connector drivers supports Vista. You must download them off Nintendo's website as I believe connectors don't come with them.
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqTEFFEB3hA
I need a replacement
1. eBay, Amazon.com, or some other website may carry them.
2. Buy a wireless router. They're relatively cheap these days, and with most people buying laptops instead of full desktops, it might be a good idea to invest in one.
3. My ad-hoc trick doesn't work. I've actually tested it. It tests with zero bars. Although the DS may connect to the internet while testing, which my network didn't have.
The USB connector doesn't work
1. Firewall may be blocking service. Usually when you run the Wi-Fi connection software the first time, a pop-up will ask you to allow the program. Make sure you pay attention to this.
2. Nintendo has listed Zone Alarm to be incompatible with the Wii and DS.
3. http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/sys...neFirewall.jsp has a lot of information regarding software incompatibility and firewall problems.
5. Your ISP may be incompatible or may not work. For a list: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/sys...compatible.jsp
Using a Router
Your wireless router isn't being seen
1. Make sure that your router is broadcasting
2. If your router isn't broadcasting its SSID, then it will not show up.
3. Ensure that your router is broadcasting an 802.11b signal.
4. Your router may not be compatible.
You can connect to the router and the signal is fine, but suddenly drops
1. There might be an IP conflict.
- Click on Start and then Run. Type "cmd" and press OK. If you are using Windows Vista, press CRTL+Shift+Enter instead of pressing OK. If you do not have a Run command, go to Start, then All Programs, then Accessories. Click on "Command Prompt".
- In Command Prompt, type in "ipconfig/all". This will list a bunch of IP addresses.
- Look for an entry called IPv4 Address or IP Address. This should start with 192.168.1.xx
- When you connect your DS to the Wi-Fi network, set its IP 10 higher than the very last number in your PC's IP address. For example, if your IP address is 192.168.1.0, set your DS's to 192.168.1.10
- Find the Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Primary DNS and Secondary DNS values and input them into your DS. DNS values may not be explicitly listed as Primary and Secondary. In this case, if it ends up being a list, enter the first two values.
- Test your connection to see if this worked.
3. Router may be malfunctioning. Check to make sure that other computers are fine.
There's no access to the internet
1. Make sure the other computers are able to access the internet. If not, turn off (unplug) the modem and then router. Leave them off for 10 seconds. Plug the modem back in and wait for the status light (if there is one) to go green. Then plug the router back in.
2. You may have an incompatible router. http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wfc...routerInfo.jsp has a list of all compatible routers. If your router is on the list, it should work. If not, it may not work.
3. Settings on the router may prevent connection. MAC filtering or static IP are the most common culprits. You shouldn't have to port forward. Normally routers do not have either setting on. Thus, if it is on and you didn't set them, find out who did.
You have issues with security.
1. Ensure the router is protected under a security type that is compatible.
2. Make sure you know the key. You may think you know it, but you may have written something wrong.
3. If you're typing in the same password as the router generated (make sure you know which one the router is using as well), first open the network (no security), then re-establish security.
How do I change security?
1. If your router is listed at http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wfc...routerInfo.jsp it has all the login information on how to access your router. This is assuming nobody changed the login information. If someone did, ask them what it is.
2. Go to your Wireless Security settings. This can be in the Wireless settings.
3. Look for a security options section, change this to what you want.
General
On Pokemon Diamond and Pearl's GTS system, connection drops after some time
Because this is a global service, and probably one of major demand, one of two things may happen.
1. Ping time out (DS is taking too long to contact the server)
2. Too many connections
On Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, my friend seems to have trouble connecting
It could be any of the issues above. Also your friend may have pinging issues.