Laptop suddenly can't find wireless networks

cailinmcd · 11-04-2009, 02:03 AM

I uninstalled and reinstalled the Intel Pro/wireless driver, but it still cannot detect wireless networks.

What happened was, I took my laptop to our new house where there are no networks and when I brought it back it could detect nothing. This has never happened before so I'm wondering if I knocked or bumped my laptop and this somehow damaged or messed up the wireless detector hardware? (the software was not touched and has been reinstalled and seems OK.)

what have I done? how can I try to fix it? I'm having to use my husband's laptop to online.

Thanks!

I251 · 11-04-2009, 02:28 AM

Is the wireless on or off? I mean the button...

steveb1234 · 11-04-2009, 02:30 AM

There is always a means of swithcing the wifi adapter on/off. There may be a switch on the laptop (near keyboard or on the side) or a function key that does this. Check this first.

cailinmcd · 11-04-2009, 09:20 AM

It is the function key!!!!! I cannot thank you enough, Steve. Thank you thank you thank you for responding!! Thank you both, but especially Steve. I didn't even know there was a function key for turning on and off wifi.
I will say a special prayer for you tonight.

11-04-2009, 02:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
cailinmcd Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2 OS: windows xp Media Centre service pack 3	Laptop suddenly can't find wireless networks I uninstalled and reinstalled the Intel Pro/wireless driver, but it still cannot detect wireless networks. What happened was, I took my laptop to our new house where there are no networks and when I brought it back it could detect nothing. This has never happened before so I'm wondering if I knocked or bumped my laptop and this somehow damaged or messed up the wireless detector hardware? (the software was not touched and has been reinstalled and seems OK.) what have I done? how can I try to fix it? I'm having to use my husband's laptop to online. Thanks!

11-04-2009, 02:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
I251 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 5 OS: XP	Re: Laptop suddenly can't find wireless networks Is the wireless on or off? I mean the button...

11-04-2009, 02:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
steveb1234 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 374 OS: xp, windows 7	Re: Laptop suddenly can't find wireless networks There is always a means of swithcing the wifi adapter on/off. There may be a switch on the laptop (near keyboard or on the side) or a function key that does this. Check this first.

11-04-2009, 09:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
cailinmcd Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 2 OS: windows xp Media Centre service pack 3	Re: Laptop suddenly can't find wireless networks It is the function key!!!!! I cannot thank you enough, Steve. Thank you thank you thank you for responding!! Thank you both, but especially Steve. I didn't even know there was a function key for turning on and off wifi. I will say a special prayer for you tonight.