I have an old, Windows based Compaq laptop. When I try to connect with the internet, the laptop "sees" the wi fi network created by my Time Capsule(which I use for my iPad) but it won't connect. Does anyone know what I need to do?

How old is the laptop?

If its too old, its wireless card may simply not be able to connect using the security protocols the time Capsule is set to. i.e WPA2 vs WEP

i.e older wireless cards do not support the WPA2 security protocol and cannot connect to devices that require it.

You can turn off password requirements for the Time Capsule for testing, set Security to none and see if it will connect.

You'll need to use the AirPort Utility, either on your iPad or a computer, to manage the Time Capsule's Wifi network as shown in the above image.

Then you can set the security to WEP or probably even "None" just to test.

Then you can set the security to WEP

You do know that there is no setting for WEP in AirPort Utility on an iPhone or iPad, correct?

And, that there is no setting for WEP on any version of AirPort Utility that has been introduced in the last 3 years, correct?

Bob Timmons wrote:

Then you can set the security to WEP

You do know that there is no setting for WEP in AirPort Utility on an iPhone or iPad, correct?

And, that there is no setting for WEP on any version of AirPort Utility that has been introduced in the last 3 years, correct?

No, I was not aware of that. If no WEP was available in the utility, then "None" would be the only logical choice to see if the laptop can connect to the network.

With that said, I do not believe there is any way to check on the laptop itself whether it supports WPA or not.

Bob, I did go into TC Utility but I'm loathe to change anything there as that's how I connect my Ipad to the internet.

I did not suggest that you change anything. I believe that you have responses confused here.

I understand from Phil's comment that the laptop may not have the capacity to switch from WEP to WPA2 but would you have a clue to see where I might find the Setting on the Compaq to check?

Sorry to be blunt, but you will likely need to connect the old laptop to the Time Capsule using a wired Ethernet cable connection. The laptop is just too old to be able to handle modern security settings.

If you must use wireless, then it might be possible to add a USB wireless adapter to the laptop.....assuming the laptop has a USB port. Something like this, for example:

USB Wireless Adapters: USB WIFI Adapters - Best Buy

it would be a good idea to understand the store's return policy before you buy, since you will not know if something like this will work until you try it out.