Cannot connect to a wireless network when am not...

Question

i have bought an HP pavilion dv4-1100ea in England and set it up (wireless internet and all). It worked fine at home, but I took it with me to France and i can't connect to my dad's internet at his home. It is available but it just doesn't connect. The reason is unknown.I have noticed that the network location is set to 'public'. Is this the problem? and if yes, how do i go about changing it?any help most welcome, thank you :)