Ubuntu - WPA2 can't connect!

[vass0922]

Ok so I have a Dell C400, believe it has an orinoco chipset
I know the wireless adapter works, I'm connected to a random non-secure network now
I can also connect to my WEP network at the house

I can not connect to a WPA2 network however

So I've put the ubuntu live cd in my personal laptop and I CAN connect to WPA2 with no problem!

Unfortunately the C400 does not have a CDROm so I have no way to test my live cd on that device.

So
1. Wireless on the c400 does work in Ubuntu for WEP and insecure - Not WPA2
2. WPA2 is confirmed to work ok with Ubuntu (both 8.10) on my laptop
3. I can not create a NEW connection on WPA2 on the C400
--- On my laptop I can create a new one - this appears to be the clue to how to resolve the issue

Ideas on how I can get this resolved?
I only have the laptop for a day.

I have internet access and root rights to install packages if necessary.

as noted both machines are Ubuntu 8.10
I dont know what different packages are installed between the two.

[GroundZero3]

Have you done an apt-get dist-upgrade on the laptop?

HOWTO: Wireless Security - WPA1, WPA2, LEAP, etc. - Ubuntu Forums

WPA2 is still a new thing, did the laptop ever connect to a WPA2 network before? My guess is it just supports WPA

[vass0922]

ya I went through that, but same results
I'm still tinkering

What's odd is on my laptop I have the Live CD - Exact same version of Ubuntu as this C400, and my laptop works no problem to the WPA2 device.. but this laptop doesn't work
I know the C400 is working because I can connect to my WEP router

Not sure on the C400 connecting to a WPA2.. is that a hardware support, or Software support?
I'm not sure

oh and I ran the updater utility - its all up to date
apt-get dist-upgrade also says no new packages available

[vass0922]

I'm leaning towards this thing not supporting WPA2
I maybe able to get it to work with ndiswraper and the dell driver, but no idea how long that would take

maybe she can get a USB wireless thing

[GroundZero3]

Its a mixture of hardware/software that support WPA2. If the network card doesn't, but the os does it wont work.

What is she trying to connect to that is WPA2?

[vass0922]

living in a Hostel in DC
Just moved to the area trying to get her foot in the door from AZ, so she doesn't have much of a say in what kind of encryption they use :-/

I'm also trying to get a blackberry tether working, but that presents all new and exciting issues

[vass0922]

The good thing is with barry-util I was able to tether my blackberry and connect to the net
slow as hell, but its better than nothing I guess

SO I at least accomplished SOMETHING!

now to see if it works from her pearl... back to DC