Unable to find a wireless network.

Question

Hello,After opening my laptop one day, i realise i can't find any networks. There are usually multiple connections available, be they my neighbours' or mine, but i'm unable to even find them. I'm not given the option to connect wirelessly, but only via cable. I'm not sure whether it's a hardware problem or there's something up with my software.I'm using a Dell Inspiron 1525 which is running on Windows 7 - 32bit.This is the first time my computer's done this, and looking for any help. (:

PudgyOne · Accepted Answer

einKolner,

Places to look to see if your Connection is enabled

Start, control panel, device manager, network adapter, right click on Dell Wireless 1395 WLAN Mini-Card, left click advanced. Look and see if this adapter has Antenna Diversity. If it does, change the Antenna Diversity from Auto to Aux. Click on power management, uncheck the box, allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Restart your computer and try to connect.

DELL-Nat M · Answer

If your product is in warranty, you can easily reach out to tech support right here. Just click the Get Help Now button at the bottom right corner of the page. If you'd like to troubleshoot this issue on your own, here are some steps you can try: Check Airplane Mode: Ensure that Airplane Mode is turned off. You can do this by clicking on the network icon in the system tray and confirming that Airplane Mode is disabled. Enable Wi-Fi: Make sure that Wi-Fi is enabled on your laptop. Click on the network icon in the system tray, and ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on. Restart Your Devices: Sometimes, simply restarting your laptop and router can resolve connectivity issues. Update Wi-Fi Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause connectivity problems. Update your Wi-Fi drivers through the Device Manager: Open Device Manager. Expand the 'Network adapters' section. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select 'Update driver' Run Network Troubleshooter: Use the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix issues: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Click on 'Network troubleshooter' and follow the prompts. Reset Network Settings: Resetting your network settings can sometimes resolve persistent issues: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Scroll down and click on 'Network reset'.

DELL-Priyanka_S · Answer

Hi,

Please follow the steps below to troubleshoot the wireless issue:

Check for Wireless Radio switch - You can turn the wireless on or off with the wireless switch. If the wireless LED is solid blue it means the system has detected a wireless signal and has good strength.
If wireless network are detected try to connect and go online.
If the issue persists check Device Manager for wireless card and update Wireless card drivers and BIOS from Dell’s support site using wired connection. Please use this link : http://dell.to/Od8W2F

Please reply with the results.

Thanks and Regards
Priyanka S
#iworkfordell

einKolner · Answer

Hello Priyanka (:

Thank you for your response, however i wish it was as simple as that. p:

I tried using that switch again, but the only thing it seems to be doing is turning on and off my bluetooth. That WiFi LED remains unlit, and i can't find any other switch that would turn it on.

I checked whether i needed an update for my wireless card driver, but it's running on the latest update, so it seems to be fine there as well.

Do you reckon there's something wrong with the hardware rather than the software?

PudgyOne · Answer

einKolner,   Can you run Finding System Information REMOVE YOUR PRODUCT ID and post the information back here.   Rick

einKolner · Answer

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7600]

C:\Windows\system32>systeminfo

Host Name: MINE-PC

OS Name: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate

OS Version: 6.1.7600 N/A Build 7600

OS Manufacturer: Microsoft Corporation

OS Configuration: Standalone Workstation

OS Build Type: Multiprocessor Free

Registered Owner: mine

Registered Organization:

Original Install Date: 27/12/2011, 03:45:10

System Boot Time: 23/09/2012, 15:24:22

System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.

System Model: Inspiron 1525

System Type: X86-based PC

Processor(s): 1 Processor(s) Installed.

[01]: x64 Family 6 Model 15 Stepping 13 GenuineIntel

~2000 Mhz

BIOS Version: Dell Inc. A13, 20/06/2008

Windows Directory: C:\Windows

System Directory: C:\Windows\system32

Boot Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume1

System Locale: en-us;English (United States)

Input Locale: en-us;English (United States)

Time Zone: (UTC+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Total Physical Memory: 2,038 MB

Available Physical Memory: 740 MB

Virtual Memory: Max Size: 4,076 MB

Virtual Memory: Available: 2,263 MB

Virtual Memory: In Use: 1,813 MB

Page File Location(s): C:\pagefile.sys

Domain: WORKGROUP

Logon Server: \\MINE-PC

Hotfix(s): 2 Hotfix(s) Installed.

[01]: KB971033

[02]: KB958488

Network Card(s): 3 NIC(s) Installed.

[01]: Marvell Yukon 88E8040 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Contr

oller

Connection Name: Local Area Connection

DHCP Enabled: Yes

DHCP Server: 94.205.197.1

IP address(es)

[01]: 94.205.197.49

[02]: fe80::45fb:42e5:575c:5913

[02]: Dell Wireless 1395 WLAN Mini-Card

Connection Name: Wireless Network Connection

Status: Media disconnected

[03]: Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)

Connection Name: Bluetooth Network Connection

Status: Media disconnected

C:\Windows\system32>

John Jiang · Answer

Hi Rick,

Under network adapter, I cannot see Dell Wireless 1395 WLAN Mini-Card.

Only have:

Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)

Bluetooth Device (RFCOMM Protocol TDI)

Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller

How can I do? Now I have Drivers and Utilities DVD disc. Need to install whitch one for Dell Wireless 1395 WLAN Mini-Card?

My e-mail: <ADMIN NOTE: Email id removed per privacy policy>

PudgyOne · Answer

John Jiang,   Can you run Finding System Information REMOVE YOUR PRODUCT ID, if using XP, run an ipconfig /all log and post it back here.   Rick

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Unable to find a wireless network.

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