Wireless problem?

Question

My laptop says that my wireless antenna is on, but I cant find any networks in the connections thing, including my home network that my other laptop is connected to..... What is the problem?

Answer 1

I just had that exact same problem with my Dell laptop.

I called Dell and the first technician was basically useless. He did a remote access, fiddle around with my computer and told me that if it disconnects again (when it's connect you can see my home-wired desktop as well as 3 of my neighbors wireless connections) to press the "fn" key as well as "f8" and it would reconnect. I thought that was rather strange as I shouldn't have to continue doing that to stay connected, the computer worked fine for the 13 months & then one day it was connected and then poof it wasn't.

So to appease him I said ok. A few days later while my kid was utilizing the laptop right in the middle of being connected on the internet it disconnect and no wireless connection was available. I pressed "fn" and "f8" and a few moments later it was connected and showing all of my neighbors connection. Unfortunately this has continued, which in my opinion it shouldn't have been doing this.

Last night another Dell rep called (it ended up being the first tech's boss) and I told her what was going on and she determined that it was the drivers that they were outdated. So we did the remote access again. My wireless card is by Intel and apparently the laptop was set up to use Window's drivers as the default instead of using Intel's software (she was explaining this to me on the phone as she was performing the remote access). So she updated the Intel drivers to be the most current but did not install them. Then she disconnected the Windows drivers and then installed the up to date Intel drivers. In order to do all this I did a hardwire internet access, meaning instead of using the wireless card, I plug my cable internet directly into the laptop via the router so when the Dell rep had me disconnect the cable internet connection it would still hook up with the router wirelessly.

That was last night and for the past 2 hours my daughter has been utilizing the internet on the laptop and it has not disconnected once.

First I would trying hitting the "fn" and f8" key, wait about 30 seconds or so to see if it brings up your wireless connection and reconnects. If it does, then it probably is the drivers.

Next, if you have warranty on your laptop, call the manufacturer directly, explain to them your problem and have them do a remote access and have them double check your wireless cards drivers. Also have them make sure that if your wireless card has it's own drivers that it is utilizing them (and that they are up to date) and not the Windows default like mine was.

If you don't have any warranty, you can try and do what I just explained above. Or maybe you have a computer savy friend who can help you do this.

It sounds like your problem is exactly what mine was up until last night. Good luck and I hope this works for you!!

Answer 2

Some good suggestions above. Also, I like to start with some simple things as well. Have you rebooted all devices? Just want to make sure. I've seen where some wireless routers need this periodically. How are you "connecting to the network" if you can't connect to the wireless device? You can buy new wireless card for laptop - if that fixes it than you know where your problem was, if it does not, return it (make sure you check the stores "re-stocking" fee agreements, return policy, etc.). Or, try to borrow from a friend or other laptop if you have another card. As suggested above, try to narrow down what is not working.

Answer 3

Have you configured your wireless connection to your home network? We keep ours hidden from other to see.

First, I woudl try restarting the router (uplug it, then plug back in). Otherwise, set up the connection to the SSID again.

Answer 4

sometimes there is too much site traffic and u won`t be able to get a connection.especially when u have a shared internet connection.if there are too many people using it,you have no chance of getting on it.
if that`s not the case and u have a internet provider like comcast etc. just call the customer service.they should be able to help you.

Answer 5

i dont know what kind of router your on but make sure that the wireless antenna and the router is compatible.

Answer 6

Call the company. They could help better =]