[SOLVED] Cannot detect a supported wireless adapter

[Dandy152]

''Driver is not installed''
Alright hey all, i have this Advent 6301 Laptop which is refurbished i decided to reformat it to XP - SP2 because i didn't like Vista so then i reformatted its all good except on Device manager there is an unknown device ''802.11 bg WLAN'' and this is probably the thing that is not allowing me to connect to my router.
I found some extra information on EVEREST on the laptop dont know if its anyhelp, so on everest i highlight 'USB Devices'' and theres quite a lot of things that come up but i also see something that triggers my eye and under 'USB 2.0 Root Hub it says '[Port 3] Ralink 802.11 bg WLAN (802.11 bg WLAN) i cant find the driver? hmm you guys are actually my last chance.

[Done_Fishin]

http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/laptop/6301.htm

There are some possible useful images and links that are not shown here

Advent 6301 Laptop
Specification
CPU Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2370 (1.73GHz)
Chipset Intel PM965 Express
BIOS Phoenix BIOS. Press F2 to enter
Memory 2GB 200pin DDR2 PC2-4200 SODIMM (2 Memory Slots. Max 2GB)
Hard Drive 120GB SATA
CD Drive DVD±RW
Screen 17" TFT (1440x900)
Video Card Integrated Intel 965 Graphics Media Accelerator (up to 256MB)
Sound Card Realtek High Definition Audio
Modem Not installed
Network Card Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Ethernet
RaLink Wireless Lan *
PC Card 1 x ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
Ports 1x Microphone
1x Headphone
3x USB 2.0
1x Kensington lock
1x ExpressCard slot
1x 4-in-1 card reader (Supports SD, MS, MS Pro, and MMC cards)
1x LAN
1x S-Video Out
1x VGA
Battery Gallopwire L51-4S2200-G1L3
Dimensions 44.4 x 285.5 x 402 (HxWxD in mm)
Weight 3.6kg
Colour Silver / Black
Made By Uniwill L75II8

* Wireless Lan on/off switch on front of laptop (next to headphone socket)

Drivers

The laptop should have been supplied with a Utility CD which contains a copy of the user manual and all the drivers. As well as this your laptop should have a backup copy of all the drivers, you can find this by browsing to the c:\applications\drivers folder. You can also download some of them from The Tech Guys website.

The 6301 is basically a rebadged Uniwill L75II8 (you should see L75II8 printed on the underside of the laptop) so you can also get the drivers, along with the user manual, from the Uniwill website.

Memory Upgrades

This laptop has two memory sockets, one is reached by removing the keyboard and the other by removing the cover underneath the laptop.

To access the slot underneath the laptop do the following -

1. Power OFF the notebook. Unplug the AC cord and all cables/devices attached to the notebook. Remove the battery
2. Place your hand on a large metal object momentarily to discharge any static electricity. Place the notebook on a flat surface and fully close the LCD lid
3. Locate and remove 6 Screw A’s on the System Device Cover

9117mem1 image

4. Remove the System Device Cover. The DIMM socket should now be visible
5. If you need to remove an old DIMM from the socket, press out on the latches located on both edges of the socket at the same time. The DIMM should pop up to an angle of 30 degree. Pull the DIMM module out of the memory socket. Store away the DIMM for the future use
6. Install the new DIMM module into the memory socket. The DIMM will only fit in one orientation. Insert the DIMM at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the empty memory socket. Then press it firmly so that the contact edge is driven into the receiving socket.
7. Pivot the DIMM until the latches on both sides of the socket snap into place
8. Put the System Device Cover back and tighten the 6 screws



To install the DIMM underneath the keyboard do the following -

1. Follow Steps 1~4 from the previous section and remove Screw D

9117mem2 image

2. Find the keyboard latches near the edges of the keyboard. The latch is spring-loaded, it will retract when pressed and revert back to its original position when released. Use a small blade to press the latch inward, the keyboard tray should pop up slightly over the latch. If the keyboard tray does not pop up, try to gently lift it up just over the latch. Repeat the step for the other keyboard latches

9117mem3 image

3. Carefully lift up the top edge and position the keyboard out of the way
4. The memory slot should now be visible. If you can't see it then it may be hidden under a metal plate which is accessed by removing the single retaining screw
5. If you need to remove an old DIMM from the socket, press out on the latches located on both edges of the socket at the same time. The DIMM should pop up to an angle of 30 degree. Pull the DIMM module out of the memory socket. Store away the DIMM for the future use
6. Install the new DIMM module into the memory socket. The DIMM will only fit in one orientation. Insert the DIMM at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the empty memory socket. Then press it firmly so that the contact edge is driven into the receiving socket
7. Pivot the DIMM until the latches on both sides of the socket snap into place.
8. Put the keyboard back to its position. Make sure the edge of the keyboard now resides under the spring-loaded latches. Re-attached Screw D
9. Put the System Device Cover back and tighten 6 Screw A’s


Adding RAM is the most cost effective way to boost your computer's performance. The Crucial Memory Advisor Tool takes the guesswork out of upgrading.

Bottom of Laptop

9117 underneath
Activity Lights

There are 7 activity lights situated in the bottom left-hand corner of the laptop. From left to right they show the following -

* Power Light
o Green light indicates the system is ON
o Blinking green light indicates the notebook is in suspend mode
* Wireless Internet
o Green light indicates the WLAN is active
* Battery Light
o Blinking orange light indicates the battery is being charged
o Blinking red light indicates the battery power is low when the system is turned ON
o Persistent green light indicates the battery is Full
* Hard Drive light - Green light indicates the disk is being accessed
* Caps lock - Green light indicates the caps lock is activated
* Num Lock - Green light indicates the numeric keypad is activated
* Silent mode - Green light indicates that Silent Mode is activated

Function Keys

Fn+F1 - Suspend Mode
Fn+F3 - Mute
Fn+F4 - Toggle the display between LCD, CRT, and LCD+CRT
Fn+F5 - Increase volume
Fn+F6 - Decrease volume
Fn+F7 - Increase brightness
Fn+F8 - Decrease brightness
Fn+Num Lk - Switches the numeric keypad on/off
Fn+Scr Lk - Switches the scroll lock on/off
In the Box

Disks Supplied

* Microsoft Works 8.5
* Notebook Utility CD (includes drivers and user manual)

Items Supplied

* Advent 6301 notebook
* Mains power adapter
* Mains power cable

Documentation Supplied

* Windows Vista Quick Start Guide booklet
* Advent Windows Vista user guide
* Advent recovery guide
* Advent Safety guide
* International Support numbers leaflet
* Important Product Activation Required. Norton Internet Security 2008 with Product key
* Device Manger may report the incorrect processor information leaflet
* Learn more about your 2007 Microsft Office trial

Recovery Disc

Replacement recovery discs can be ordered from a company called "The Tech Guys". More information is available on their website - http://support.thetechguys.com//recoverymedia/.

Hard Drive Recovery

Should your Windows develop serious errors or fail to start, you can restore your computer back to factory settings by using the hard drive recovery located on a hidden partition on the hard drive.

To restore your computer back to factory settings, follow the steps below:

1. Turn on the computer and keep tapping F8 until the advanced options menu is displayed
2. Use the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard to highlight Repair Your Computer and press enter to select it
3. Select the language you wish to install (normally English is the only option)
4. Once you have chosen your language you will be presented with the available recovery options
* Microsoft Repair Environment - after choosing the UK keyboard layout you will be asked to choose the Operating System you wish to repair. If Windows Vista is not listed then you cannot repair the OS without doing the full recovery. After choosing Vista the Microsoft Vista startup repair tool will run and attempt to repair any startup problems you are experiencing
* Reinstall Windows - gives you the options available to reinstall Vista
* Advanced Options - this launches the diagnostic centre allowing you to run chkdsk, launch notepad or bring up a command prompt
* Exit & restart computer - Exits withut running the recovery process
5. To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Reinstall Windows
6. On the next screen you have the ability to launch Vista System Restore and roll back to a date when Vista was last working ok or to run the Full Destructive Recovery. To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Start Full Destructive Recovery
7. After choosing the Full Destructive Recovery option you are presented with the warning screen that all data will be lost. It is important to make sure all data has been backed up to disk if possible and to realise this process deletes all data and reverts the machine back to it's default state. To continue with the recovery program you need to tick the box indicating you are aware of data loss
8. The recovery process will then run through, the computer will restart a couple of times during this. You will also need to go through the Vista "Out of Box Experience", to configure Vista. This is fairly straightforward so just follow the onscreen instructions

Recovery DVD Creator

Your computer comes supplied with a hard drive based recovery allowing you to reinstall Windows Vista very easily should the need arise. You also have the ability to create a recovery DVD which is recommended on all machines. To create a recovery DVD (note - you cannot use CDs) do the following.

1. Double click on the Techguys DVD icon on the desktop or from the start menu
2. The first screen will prompt you to insert a DVD into your drive. Click OK.
3. On the next screen make sure your DVD drive is selected in the 'To' field. To reduce the risk of errors ensure the write speed is set to the lowest value and tick verify recorded data. Click Burn
4. Once the process has completed, label your DVD, keep it in a safe place and in a protective case to avoid damage

DVD Recovery

Should your Windows develop serious errors or fail to start, you can restore your computer back to factory settings by using the Recovery DVD you may have created or been sent.

To restore your computer back to factory settings, follow the steps below.

1. Start the computer with the Recovery DVD in the optical disc drive
2. After the usual startup screen has vanished press a key when prompted to load from the DVD
3. Select the language you wish to install (normally English is the only option)
4. Once you have chosen your language you will be presented with the available recovery options
* Microsoft Repair Environment - after choosing the UK keyboard layout you will be asked to choose the Operating System you wish to repair. If Windows Vista is not listed then you cannot repair the OS without doing the full recovery. After choosing Vista the Microsoft Vista startup repair tool will run and attempt to repair any startup problems you are experiencing
* Reinstall Windows - gives you the options available to reinstall Vista
* Advanced Options - this launches the diagnostic centre allowing you to run chkdsk, launch notepad or bring up a command prompt
* Exit & restart computer - Exits withut running the recovery process
5. To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Reinstall Windows
6. On the next screen you have the ability to launch Vista System Restore and roll back to a date when Vista was last working ok or to run the Full Destructive Recovery. To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Start Full Destructive Recovery
7. After choosing the Full Destructive Recovery option you are presented with the warning screen that all data will be lost. It is important to make sure all data has been backed up to disk if possible and to realise this process deletes all data and reverts the machine back to it's default state. To continue with the recovery program you need to tick the box indicating you are aware of data loss
8. The recovery process will then run through, reinstalling Vista and also recreating the hard drive recovery system for future use.
9. When it has finished copying files it will ask you to remove the DVD and then restart the computer. It will then go through setting up Vista, you will need to go through the Vista "Out of Box Experience". This is fairly straightforward so just follow the onscreen instructions

Useful Links

Repairs and Spares

All official service and support is handled by The Tech Guys (http://www.thetechguys.com/), if you laptop is covered under warranty then you need to contact them for repairs.

If your laptop is out of warranty then there are a number of other companies who do either repairs or supply spare parts, here are a selection -

TechnoMart - http://www.techno-mart.co.uk
Advent Spares - http://www.adventspares.co.uk/
DriveMyLaptop (replacement drives) - http://www.drivemylaptop.co.uk
Laptop Solutions UK - http://www.laptopsolutionsuk.co.uk

Accessories

There are plenty of internet sites that sell power cables, adapters, batteries, etc. for Advent laptops, here are just a selection -

MDS Battery - http://www.mdsbattery.co.uk
PartMaster - http://www.partmaster.co.uk

If you can find what chipset is on your laptop for the wireless this site might be helpful to you

http://www.ralinktech.com/ralink/Home/Products.html

Ralink support USB
http://www.ralinktech.com/ralink/Hom...faces/USB.html

[Dandy152]

Unfortunately i don't know which chipset :( i dont have any of the driver cd's i luckily found this link http://www.uniwill.com/UserDownload/l75ii/l75ii.php which installed my smbus controller ethernet sounds etc its just this ''802.11 bg WLAN'' thing that is still unknown but not yet found the driver for the unknown device

[Done_Fishin]

according to the link you gave above and the user manual that I downloaded the Wireless Specs are

Wireless LAN
Intel 3945/Billiton
MiniCard Interface IEEE802.11 A&B&G

[Done_Fishin]

have you tried this one at tech guys

http://support.thetechguys.com/layout.aspx?ID={254604e1-f890-43a3-9f83-2f362d4617c5}&CatID={df7825e5-08d5-42dc-bc9e-4ed66b851182}

ralink.zip

[Dandy152]

Alright install completed successfully and now when i go on Device Manager there is no more unknown devices, instead 'RT73 USB Wireless LAN Card' is has a ''!'' on it. I Tried clicking Intel PROSet/Wireless but its still telling me Driver is not installed.

[Done_Fishin]

I did a search for

Intel 3945 Billiton

and came up with this in a Fedora Linux Forum

http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showthread.php?t=165674

which in turn brought me to

http://rt2x00.serialmonkey.com/wiki/index.php/Downloads

which lists

rt2570 (USB)
rt73 (USB)

however both these are for Linux and not Windows

I did however find this for the Intel

http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/NET...1-1-1-11.shtml

which leads to a zip download

[Done_Fishin]

I did a search for

Intel 3945 Billiton

and came up with this in a Fedora Linux Forum

http://forums.fedoraforum.org/showthread.php?t=165674

which in turn brought me to

http://rt2x00.serialmonkey.com/wiki/index.php/Downloads

which lists

rt2570 (USB)
rt73 (USB)

however both these are for Linux and not Windows

I did however find this for the Intel

http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/NET...1-1-1-11.shtml

which leads to a zip download

inside which is an html file which says

Release Notes for
Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Software
Version 11.1.1 for Windows 2000*
and Windows XP*

Supported Adapters

Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless software is compatible with the following adapters:

* Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
* Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG_
* Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
* Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945BG Network Connection
* Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection
* Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection

Operating Systems

This release of Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless software runs on Microsoft Windows XP* and Windows 2000*.
Viewing User Documentation

To access user documentation, load the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless CD. Click View User Guide on the Intel PROSet/Wireless Installer screen.

[Dandy152]

ill go ahead and risk it, it seemed to have installed something but at the moment everything is the same, device manager is still the same.

[Done_Fishin]

I have the impression that they are the same thing just for different OS's .. don't use the stuff in Linux .. that is a Linux version of the Drivers .. The Windows version should be the one you are after. It should install those drivers that you say are "not installed"

Good luck & hope to hear good news from you shortly.

[Dandy152]

Everything in Device Manager is now NORMAL because of installing this: http://support.packardbell.com/uk/it...ppn=PB60B00101

And now what's happening is: This thing called 'RaUI' is giving me a list of available access points which is good news!

The normal 'Wireless Network Connection' wizard is telling me 'Windows cannot configure this wireless connection If you have enabled another program to manage this wireless connection use that software (ok ill just use RaUI)

Intel PROSet/Wireless still keeps telling me it cant find the driver (Ah well like i said im gonna use RaUI) but now since i dont need Intel PROSet/Wireless is there anyway i can uninstall it? disable it from msconfig or something? a safe way?

[Done_Fishin]

look inside add / remove programs in your control panel
You may even see an uninstall in the control panel for whatever you have added

as for the intel adapter that it says it can't find drivers for .. try disabling it if you're not going to be using it

I am assuming that we are talking about two different interfaces and not the same one .

[Dandy152]

Intel Proset UNINSTALLED
RaUI disabled from startup (The interface is quite complicated to understand)
Im now using the nice and normal Wireless Network Connection wizard

I think that's all tbh

And my god... Thankyou for the help!!!!!!!

[Done_Fishin]

glad you got it fixed .. but you did ll the work .. so no rason to thank me

if you feel your problem is solved, please mark it so from the thread tools pull down menu at the top of the page, on the bar immediately above your first post