Do i need a network adapter to plug in to a new compaq f765 laptop to enable a wireless internet connection?

Connect to the internet by connecting a Ethernet Cable to the Laptop and the Wireless Access Point/router. Open the Device Manager, Network Adapters, Click on the wireless adapter, is it enabled? yes or no? Yes, update driver. reboot laptop. Is your Wireless Access Point securied? unplug the wireless access point , wait for 30 seconds or so, plug in, wait for selftest, reboot laptop. You didn't supply the Laptop Make, Model or the OS you are using?

Wireless Internet has become increasingly popular as a means of connecting to the Internet. Wireless networking allows for users to connect to the Internet without having to physically plug anything into the computer. If you are not able to connect to any wireless Internet connections, it is important to take a few simple troubleshooting steps on your own to understand the cause of the issue and resolve it.

1.Try connecting to multiple wireless networks. The first step in diagnosing a lack of wireless connectivity is to try more than one wireless network. This will give you an idea of whether the problem is with your laptop or just with the single wireless network to which you are trying to connect. Take your Dell D600 to one or more free public wifi hotspots and try connecting wirelessly there. If you are able to connect to other wireless networks, the issue is more likely with the single wireless network you first tried to connect to; contact the person that manages that network to resolve the connectivity issue.
2.Verify that your wireless card is enabled. If you are not able to connect to any wireless network, it is important to make sure that your laptop's wireless components are enabled. All modern laptops come with what is called a radio button, a way to enable or disable your laptop's wireless card with the touch of a button. The Dell D600 has the radio button assigned to the F2 key. To make sure it is enabled, hold down the Fn key on the bottom row of the keyboard and press the F2 key. A pop-up window on the laptop should now indicate whether your wireless card is enabled or disabled; make sure it is set to enabled.
3.Verify your wireless card drivers. Navigate to your computer's Device Manager by clicking "Start," right clicking on "My Computer," choosing "Properties," clicking the "Hardware" tab and clicking "Device Manager." Locate "Network Adapters" from the list of hardware devices and click the "+" icon next to it to expand its contents. Among the contents, locate anything with "Wireless adapter" in the name and check to see if it shows a "?" "X" or "!" over the name. If it does, or if there is no wireless adapter showing under network adapters, your wireless card may need to be replaced or may need a software-driver update. Contact the manufacturer of your computer or take the laptop to a computer-repair store for further assistance.

I hope you find it very helpful. Best regards.

Connect the Laptop and TV with a *CROSSOVER* ethernet cable and then enable "Internet Connection Sharing" on the Laptop's "Wireless Network Connection".

To enable "Internet Connection Sharing", open the Network Connections folder ("Start > Run" type NCPA.CPL and click OK). Right click the Wireless Network Connection, select Properties and then the Advanced tab [XP] or Sharing tab [Vista]. Tick the box "Allow other network users to connect through through this computer's internet connection.

Based on the fact this is a few years old... can I just assume we fixed this one already?

Try to enable through network connections.
I have a compaq laptop that was like yours, now it has stopped working, i have to use a usb dongle.
Google your model number to see if its a common problem for you laptop.
Your adapter can be found here
Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network Connections
right click on the adapter and enable

install the wireless network driver and try .. if not working let me know your compaq model and your os.

Try this....

Windows WiFi Fix,

Windows Zero Wireless Configuration is one of the best programs to run a WiFi in Windows XP or Vista. Most of the other software packages that come with the different adapters have been poor at best in keeping a connection through Windows. Here is the best guide to get you back up and connected.

Windows XP:

Click Start
Right click on My Computer
When a window pops up click on properties
Click on the Hardware tab
Click Device Manager
Click the [+] next to Network Adapters
Find your wireless card and right click on it.
Click Disable
Windows may warn you that disabling the device may make it stop functioning.
Continue disabling the device.
Wait 30 seconds or so.
Right click on your wireless again and click Enable.
Exit the device manager.
Reconnect to your router.
You should now be able to connect to the internet.

Windows Vista:

Click Start Logo
Right Click Computer
Click Device Manager
Windows will ask you about opening Device Manager Click Continue
Click the [+] next to Network Adapters
Find your wireless card and right click on it.
Click Disable
Windows may warn you that disabling the device may make it stop functioning.
Continue disabling the device.
Wait 30 seconds or so.
Right click on your wireless again and click Enable.
Exit the device manager.
Reconnect to your router.
You should now be able to connect to the internet.

First you will need a router which will enable you to create a wireless network for your internet connection. I recommend, if you're purchasing online, to use Tigerdirect. Then you would need a USB wireless adapter for your laptop which will enable it to communicate with the wireless router and establish an internet connection.
Below are some links for the most affordable and best rated products you need.
USB wireless adapter.
Wireless router

Just connect the lan cable from the modem port saying "DataIn" to your laptop, select Automaticaly detect IP setting and let it assign via DHCP. Once it gains the ip (usually 3-4 minutes) use any java enabled browser (like ie,mozilla firefox) and go to any site it will automatically redirect you to Tata Indicom login terminal and fill in the required blanks and you are connected to the internet.

1. Check the wireless adapter of your laptop. To do that, go to control panel then go click on System then go to Device manager.
2. On Device Manager window, look for Network adapter. Check all the Network adapters installed to your laptop.
   
3. Look for the wireless adapter installed in your laptop. Once you found it, right click on it and then click properties.
   
4. Under the general tab, look for Device status.
5. Make sure that the wi-fi button of your laptop is enabled.
   

Hope this helps!