Dell Inspiron B130?

[ron350]

I was given an old Dell Inspiron B130 laptop with xp home can it be used for any thing?

[techie]

You could make it a Linux toy. If it's the base memory of 512mb, you aren't going to run any newer MS OS without an upgrade.

Linux is lighter on RAM requirements. You should be able to do basic browsing, documents, etc. not much more without a memory upgrade. There is a bunch of options for Linux Distributions. You can even try a live disk with no install to test most Linux distributions, before installing.

The OS is free, doesn't cost anything to test and feel for a different OS.

[DR M]

You could make it a Linux toy.

That's what I did on my old NEC computer (it was my mother's and surely it's more than 10 years old), and it's not a toy anymore, but a new laptop! I installed Linux Mint (http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php) and it's running really fine. To make it fully compatible with all my computer works, I use Office Online when I want to create or edit Office documents. I'm very happy with it.  :)

[plodr]

It has two memory slots for DDR2 sticks. I've read confusing posts on the maximum amount of memory. Some say 2GB while others say 4GB.

I think I'd try for 2GB to be safe. 1GB stick in each slot. Increased RAM will even help the XP running.

If you don't intend to go online with that notebook then XP is fine. Look over the installed programs and watch DVDs on it.

If you want to use the internal wireless to get online, you'd need a wireless router. Since you are on dialup, if I remember correctly, then getting online except at a hotspot won't work. If you intend to take the laptop to a hotspot, I'd try some linux distros to see what you like then install that to be safe.

[GR@PH;<'S]

plodr,
You can scan your PC memory
It only takes a few seconds and you'll know what your PC is running and if your able to put more in click -->Crucial System Scanner

GR@PH;<'S  

[techie]

512mb is base memory, it may already have more than that installed.

In your start menu, right click run, type msinfo32 then return, It will give you all of the system specifications, cpu, memory, etc.

[ron350]

On the subject of wireless connection a couple of years ago my brother had the B310 on my kitchen table and it got on line.
He did not enter any passwords or any thing for this to happen?

When he dropped it off the B310 I asked him to see if it could get online again and there was a popup window asking for a password.
I asked him what the deal with the password and he said he did not remember seeing that before.

This is most of what the window says-

“Connect to wireless network 

The following networks are available. To access a network, select it from the list, and click Connect.

This network requires the use of a network key [WEP]. To access this network, type the key, and then click Connect.”

[winchester73]

It's looking for your router password in order to make the wireless connection.  If you have forgotten it, you'll need to reset it.  What is the brand and model of your router?

If you hard connect to the router via an Ethernet cable, can you get online?

[ron350]

I don’t have a router I use dialup so how did the B130 get on line before?

[winchester73]

I don’t have a router I use dialup so how did the B130 get on line before?

Best guess is the connection settings within XP have been changed since the last time the computer was used with your set-up.

Let's try the obvious first.

See if this helps:  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/310410

Also see this:  http://www.gn.apc.org/support/setting-dial-connection-windows-xp

[plodr]

plodr,
You can scan your PC memory

It is not my computer. I am telling Ron about the laptop he just received. Since he is on dialup, I don't think scanning his computer is the way to go.

You probably got online piggybacking on one of your neighbor's wireless connections.
People are now locking down connections because it uses up their bandwidth (and is also illegal in the US).
The only way to get online legally is to a) use a free wifi hotspot or b) visit someone with your laptop and they allow you access through their wireless.

My wireless connection would appear open if any of my neighbors clicked on it. They'd need a password to use it. Then after guessing the correct password, they'd receive a message "no working leases available" so they'd still be unable to piggyback on my wireless connection because I've limited the connections from 256 to 8. (We have 6 computers that can go online, a printer and an android tablet so all the slots are taken).

[ron350]

OK so if I was at a free wifi hotspot the Connect to wireless network popup would not ask for a password?

[ron350]

Thanks Winchester73 dialup is now working.

[winchester73]

Glad to hear you got that sorted out  :)

As for the free hotspot question, some 'free' locations are password protected and they will supply you with the information, but most spots will connect without any problems.  Just be careful what business you conduct on an open unsecured network.