Where is my Wireless Connection switch?

[blackwidow59]

Hi there,

I have just changed from wired to wireless broadband. I have a WiFi enabled PC and have used it without any problem in other peoples houses. Since changing to wireless at home though, all I get is 'there are no wireless signals in range. Check that your Wireless Connection switch is turned on??????????

Well, I am no PC whizzkid, but I know my way around fairly well, and I can't find any reference to this anywhere on my pc. System says the driver is installed and device is working properly. Also, the PC will not now go on 'stand by' or 'hibernate', I have to shut down all the time. I have a pre-installed Windows XP on a Packard Bell Easynote laptop. (Not the best I know , but it has been ok up till now). Also, with these pre-installed packages, how do I re-install Windows?

It was bound to be needed at some point, or do they just expect you to upgrade constantly? Yours in anticipation...

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hello Blackwidow

 

Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

 

You do have the wireless router configured in the setup yes?

 

Or is some box from BT which is both modem and router?

[BeeCeeBee]

Hi Blackwidow,

 

I just want to follow up on Wolfey's question to you a bit and make a few comments that you may (hopefully) find helpful.

 

It actually may be something as simple as a switch but since I am not familiar with the laptop and easynote is a line of lappys rather than a model it would be hard to look up.

 

But do look around for any button or switch that may be there and if you find one, try it. My own daughter had that very same problem and swore that there was something wrong with hers.

 

Since you say you used it in other homes (and I assume wirelessly) your problem is probably with the router. One basic question is whether any wireless connections have been made in your home with a different PC. But you did say that you just changed to wireless and if it isn't a switch hiding somewhere then best answer Wolfey's question before moving on to other things.

 

With regard to a failure to hibernate or go to standby that usually is a sign of something running in the background (an application or program) again we would need a bit more information, but lets solve the wireless issue first so you can continue with us from the comfort of home.

 

Finally I am going to suggest that you make a point of backing up everything on the PC that you consider important. If you look at the underside you will see a Microsoft label that probably starts with the letters OEM which basically means that it was loaded with the operating system by the Original Equipment Manufacturor who then supplied you with their own disk. It also means that even though your Windows operating system is perfectly legal and licensed you will not be able to reinstall it without reformatting your harddrive with that disk and losing everything you have put on since you first opened the box it came in.

 

If you need help doing that again, please ask, that is what we are here for.

 

Finally, we also want to invite you as a new member to look around, say hello and perhaps visit our off topic and fun stuff areas way at the bottom where we would welcome your thoughts about almost anything.

 

Again, welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help!!:)

[Tony D]

Since you used this machine in other places and the wireless works, then we can conclude that the 'Wireless Connection Switch' is turned on.

 

The problem is probaby with your wireless router. If the router is configured to not broadcast the SSID, your machine may not see the network. The SSID is the network name of the wireless connection that your router broadcasts so that machines can connect. Are you able to verify that SSID broadcast is enabled and that you know what the SSID is?

 

Have you been able to connect to your home system with another machine?

[Seth]

The following wireless image is similar for most laptops:

 

https://wireless.camosun.bc.ca/images/wireless-logo.png

 

Do you see that anywhere on the top, sides, or function keys on the laptop?

 

That Window's error is generic and doesn't by necessity mean that the laptop even has a switch to turn off the wireless.

 

As noted by the other members, if you can currently connect to other routers, then your router needs to be addressed.

[Dalo Harkin]

Since you used this machine in other places and the wireless works, then we can conclude that the 'Wireless Connection Switch' is turned on.

 

Not necessarily - someone could have knocked the switch off - on one of my laptops I have a button at the front of the laptop that turns the wireless off and on, therefore it could have been on at one location and turned off at another

[Seth]

Not necessarily - someone could have knocked the switch off - on one of my laptops I have a button at the front of the laptop that turns the wireless off and on, therefore it could have been on at one location and turned off at another

 

That's exactly what i was getting at in my last post when I said, "If you can currently..."

 

Now the chances of such being the issue in this case, are probably slim. However, it should be considered.

Edited November 11, 2008 by Seth

[Guest Wolfeymole]

No more posts on this until Blackwidow gets back to us.

[blackwidow59]

Thank you

 

...for your swift responses. I can confirm that SSID code and WPA number were entered correctly. I can't see any physical 'switch' on my pc. I used to be able to pick up 4 or 5 neighbours wireless signals, (but not connect obviously), - now it doesn't pick up anything. I went through it all over the phone with the Post Office helpline guy, and he said there was no problem with them, the problem must be with my pc. The system works fine with the ethernet cable, otherwise I wouldn't be here:).

Also, I didn't get any CD when I bought the laptop.

[BeeCeeBee]

Hi Blackwidow, welcome back.

 

When you say you used to be able to pick up 4 or 5 neighbors. Was that with this PC or another? Have you changed your router since then?

 

We need to try to isolate where the problem is occuring.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Have you installed the software that came with the wireless router?

[Seth]

Since you used to be able to see the neighbors routers and you can't now, definitely means the issue is on your computer.

 

Go into Device Manager and click on the plus sign beside Network Adapters. You'll see the wireless card. Does it show as disabled or not installed? Now right click on the wireless entry and choose Uninstall. When it's uninstalled, restart the computer and it will reinstall.

 

BTW-Did you check if any of the function keys have the wireless icon?

[blackwidow59]

Hello again.

 

It is the same PC. Before I had a wired modem connection.

This is my first attempt at wireless here at home.

 

Seth - I can't see that symbol anywhere on my pc.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Have you installed the software that came with the wireless router?

 

 

Can you let us know this please Blackwidow.

[blackwidow59]

Sorry

 

I missed those last two replies. No CD with the router. The router is self-installing, but I did put in SSID and WPA manually. I will try what you suggest Seth. Give me a minute or two.

[blackwidow59]

Seth

 

Tried uninstalling the Atheros Wireless Network Adaptor, but it wasn't having it!

 

System stopped responding.

 

I think I just have a ****e PC with a ****e operating system. (Difficult to get away from the latter).:(

 

Maybe I should just get a new laptop? Any suggestions?

I don't want to spend more than £400-500!

[Dalo Harkin]

Can you please post a link or a picture of your router - and tell us the make and model of the laptop please

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Blackwidow

 

This is a really stupid question but can I ask if you actually do have a wireless router or a non-wireless router or even any router whatsoever?

 

You said it worked ok when it was hard wired, does this mean that you hard wired it to the router or to the modem?

 

Do you have cable or ADSL?

 

Please be specific in your reply please.

[blackwidow59]

Well,

 

I have a Packard Bell Easynote R1004. P/N:PB42B00701

 

I have had it for two years approx.

 

I have a Wireless Router supplied by the Post Office, which is currently connected to my PC with the ethernet cable, because, strangely, I can't get a wireless connection.

 

The router is:

 

NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Router DG834GSPv3.

 

And lastly, I may be female, but I am not stupid, thank you!

[RandyL]

Hi black;

This is a difficult issue and we thank you for your patience and apoligise for all the questions. The information you just supplied has given us some minor insight.

 

The team has been researching this for you but like I said it is a difficult issue.

 

Can you take a look at this Netgear page and see if there is something you can try please?

 

No Internet Using a DG632 or DG834 Series Router with Internal Modem

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Blackwidow

 

Allow me to draw your attention to Rule 2 in the forum rules;

 

2: No intentionally offensive language, racism, sexism or other rudeness will be tolerated whatsoever.

Can you please enlighten us with regard to where any examples of sexism or inferences of you being stupid are please?

 

We are simply trying to glean information from you so we can help you to the best of our ability.

 

On several occasion you have not replied to direct questions from ourselves and therefore this leads to confusion all round.

 

Please follow the instructions supplied by Randy and get back to us if this does not resolve your predicament.

[Tootech]

Have a look at this Packard Bell page re: wireless adapters in your machine.

 

Communication, Internet and Networking - Wireless LAN not working on EasyNote R series - topic_02471 - Information and Instructions - EASYNOTE R1004 - PB42B00701 - EasyNote R1 series - platform_rhea_c - Notebook

 

All things considered it is worth updating the drivers before going any further.

[Seth]

It is the same PC. Before I had a wired modem connection.

This is my first attempt at wireless here at home.

 

Seth - I can't see that symbol anywhere on my pc.

 

Noted.

 

Given the other problems that the computer is experiencing, I suggest you back up your data and re-install the operating system.

 

Do you need assistance in doing such?