Cannot detect any wireless networks

[imported_jediknight]

I have an Inspiron 1520 with a Dell wireless N card, running Vista Home Premium. For some reason, I am unable to connect, or even detect *any* wireless networks (even completely open ones, with the router right in front of me).

I've tried everything I can think of:
- enable/disable the wireless card
- reboot the machine
- restart the router
- reinstall the network card drivers
- other machines (which can successfully see, and connect to the network)
..

And nothing works!

Any ideas on what the problem might be or how to fix it? The wireless was working fine last week, and I can't think of anything I did in the meantime that would cause it to not work..

 

[robisbell]

what is the wireless settings in BIOS? on bootup, is the wifi indicator lit?

 

[Allanv]

Does it have a switch on the front or side of the laptop that turns on the wireless?

 

[corkyg]

My HP has a small slide switch on the front edge of the case. My Lenovo T60 has a key switch Fn+F5. Check your manual for turning Wi-Fi off and on.

 

[Slowlearner]

Call Dell Tech support - there in Ctrl + Fn Key combo to turn the radio on and off plus Dell also includes its own utility for the wireless card and that has an option that has to be checked to allow Windows to control the card.

This tech support is available even if the warranty has expred.

 

[imported_jediknight]

There is a switch, and it's in the ON position (the actual switch fell off a couple of months ago - yeah, Dell build quality! - but it is definately in the ON position, and I have not had any trouble because of this up until this point).

I can confirm this within Windows - if I choose "diagnose this connection" it says there are no networks in range.. while if I flip the switch, it says wireless adaptor is turned off, there may be a switch to turn it on.

The wifi light is also on.

 

[imported_jediknight]

Problem solved.
I had to go and install an updated driver. Dunno why I'd need to do this, but it works now.. meh.

 

[robisbell]

sounds like user error.

 

[J Dragon]

Originally posted by: robisbell
sounds like user error.

LOL

 

[imported_jediknight]

Originally posted by: robisbell
sounds like user error.

???

 

[bwatson283]

instead of using the 3rd software, i find the windows wifi to work well when third party acts up.