Laptop can't find wireless networks anymore?

Question

I bought my Gateway laptop new from BestBuy about a year and a half ago. Up until about 6 months ago, my computer would automatically connect to any wireless networks that were available. Now, it won't show any wireless networks available even when I know there is at least one, such as at a public place with Wifi. I've tried to repair the wireless connection and it displays this message: "Windows could not finish repairing the problem because the followinng action cannot be completed: Connecting to the wireless network."

The part before this was a copy of another question on here but it was never answered and now one of the people at work has the same problem any ideas?

I've also uninstalled the device and let windows pick it up on startup and I still get the same error.

I didn't see and external switch at all. I did look originally because I thought that might be the issue.

Answer 1

Sounds about right to me. If you can't even SEE any networks, I would suspect a radio issue as the other user suggested.
Depends on the laptop model, and what sort of card as well. I know that on some laptops, there are certain situations where the card/laptop will disable the wireless radio to conserve battery power. And then you have to actually re-enable the radio function for it to work again!
Try looking around for an actual switch on the outside of the laptop somewhere with a tiny antennae on it. Some models use one of the F keys on your top row, so you would look at the F keys for an antennae, hold your Function key down and then press the F key with the Antennae.
If still no go, some wireless cards themselves have a setting in their Properties That can be used to turn the antennae on/off as well.

Other than the suggestions above, try tech support, and if STILL no go, you may simply have a problematic wireless card. Which unfortunately means replacing it.

Hope you find something useful here in my ramblings...

Cheers

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Laptop can't find wireless networks anymore?
I bought my Gateway laptop new from BestBuy about a year and a half ago. Up until about 6 months ago, my computer would automatically connect to any wireless networks that were available. Now, it won't show any wireless networks available even when I know there is at least one, such as at a...

Answer 3

Your internal wireless adaptor has possibly taken a dump on you. This is an easy component to replace however, if you know a bit about laptops, and some even have a removable plate that exposes the adaptor under the laptop. I would have to say that the fact that you restored it from the OEM restore disk and updated drivers indicates that it is not a settings or software problem. Go to control panel (in the Start menu) and click on device manager. Under "network adapters", you should see an 802.11 device that indicates that it sees your adaptor. If you don't see it, check and see if device manager shows any devices with an exclamation mark next to it. This might possibly be the adaptor that just hasn't been installed properly (i.e. drivers). Or... as everyone else suggested, there's a switch that turns off the adaptor. Even after a full restore, it would remain off if the switch is in the "off" position.

Answer 4

Can T Find Wireless Network

Answer 5

Get your own wireless router.

Then, in My network Places, run the Set up a wireless network for a home or small office Wizard (on the Sidebar).

Last resort, back up your personal data and Use the Restore CDs to reset your laptop to factory settings.

Answer 6

do you have a wifi switch that maybe got turned off? i have an HP with an external switch that can turn on/off the wireless capability. maybe you bumped it.

Answer 7

Your comp is still under warranty. Try calling gateway and explaining the problem. Its very simple to walk through and fix.