Recognition of internet connection

[Keef]

Sounds like a dodgy WiFi device on your laptop to me. Is it internal, or a "plug in"?

If it's internal, try a scan for wireless networks (how you do that depends a bit on the software you're using).

If it's external and you have a different card, try that.

If neither of those works, download Network Stumbler and see what it finds. That's not what it's designed for, but it does quite a good job at it. If that says "No Wireless device detected", you know what's up. If it finds your network and others, then the problem is in the setup of your wireless network.

[gingernut]

Thanks Keef, it's an internal device, when I ask the software to "View available wireless connections" I get a message saying "No wireless networks were found in range."

When I click "Change advanced settings" and "wireless networks" my "BTHomeHub-A8f1 (Automatic)" icon is shown in the "Preferred networks" box, but again, a red cross is through it.

Mrs G's got a "Belkin" network card, but I don't seem to have a "CardBus"slot.

I've downloaded network stumbler, but nothing is shown in the windows.

Interestingly the software says that the card is working ok

cheers, ginge

[Keef]

"No wireless networks" sounds like the WiFi in the laptop is dead or switched off. Is there a function to turn off the onboard WiFi? A bit obvious, but ... been there, done that

If you co to Control Panel - System - Hardware - Device Manager - View: Devices by Connection
and then chase down the + signs, can you find a wireless network device, and what does it say under "properties" or "drivers"?

Otherwise, look in Control Panel - Network Connections. What devices appear? Where it says something like "High Speed Internet", double-click each device, then look at "Support" and see if it says anything useful. You may even see an IP address...

Do you have a separate Wireless device you can plug in - either into a PCMCIA slot if you have one, or otherwise a USB?

[gingernut]

Thanks Keef, control panel/system/hardware/devicemanager/view by connection didn't reveal any wireless network devices.

Control panel/network connections reveals my Wireless LAN card, and it says "not connected"

When I right click on this, and click properties, it tels me that the card is working properly.

I've tried "repair" also, and that doesn't seem to work.

In the past I've clicked properties and let windows automatically connect, but this doesn't seem towork either.

Do you think it's worth just replacing the wireless card?

Or would this work?? http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/359363...s/Product.html

cheers ginge

[Wader2]

I had a similar no wireless connection. I had been at a friend's house and connected through an unsecured wifi without problem. When I got home my laptop could not find the WAP wifi at all. Only one thing worked.

I did a System Restore to the restore point before I had left home. Job done.

I have also had problems where the router has been rebooted but the laptop reports no signal. NetStumbler shows the router transmitting a non-continuous signal say on/off at one second intervals or longer. Gradually the On periods increase and eventually I get a lock. No idea what causes this.

Patience is required, that is all.

[gingernut]

Thanks a lot, bought this http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/359363...s/Product.html from play.com for a tenner, and all seems to be working well.

I think leaving my computer in the conservatory must've cooked something.