Dell laptop w/ Vista doesn't recognize wireless network

L

liguy257

New Member
I'm still trying to fix my sister's laptop (more out of sheer determination at this point). I gave up on trying to fix the black screen problem and on trying to get to her files, and did a full Factory Restore... Vista booted up perfectly after that...and then I tred to get online.

Here's what I know: The wireless adapter is enabled (when I press "F2" a little icon pops up with an antenna with waves coming off of it, so I know it's on). When I run the connection utility, it says "Windows cannot find any networks", but my network is fully operational and I am connected to it on my computer, laptop, cell phone, playstation, and tivo, so I know the signal is working. I ran a diagnostic on the adapter and it passed everything, so from that I can see that the computer recognizes it and it is functioning. I also tried to update the driver but still had no luck.

Any other ideas? I'm still floating with the idea of wiping vista and using my OEM CD to install XP, but I want to make sure the thing is functioning properly first. Any suggestions are appreciated.
 

My Computer

System One

Hi liguy,

OK, on the laptop:

1. In Network and Sharing Center, is Network Discovery turned on?

2. In Manage Network Connections, are there any other connections shown besides your wireless? Any with a red X; if so, disable it.

3. If the above is all OK, open a command window (Start, Run, type Cmd in Open: Box and click OK). In the command window type ipconfig /all (space between g and /, no space after /), right click on window, click on select all, right click on window icon at top left, select edit > copy, and paste result in your reply.

Please let us know one way or another.

Ed
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5B-E
    Memory
    3006 MB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512MB
    Sound Card
    Motherboard - SoundMax
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm / Dell 17" Generic PnP Anolog
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 x 4294967296 colors / 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    3 x ST3250620AS 250GB SATA IDE 1 x WDC WD1200JD-00GBB0 120 GB SATA IDE
    PSU
    Enerrmax 535W All-in-one SLI 20/24+6+
    Case
    Antec Sonata
    Cooling
    Antec 12cm SmartCool
    Mouse
    Logitech MX100 Laser
    Keyboard
    Logitech LX710
    Internet Speed
    Bell Canada DSL 12MBps (supposedly)
    Other Info
    2 x HP Pavilion 9700v Laptops
I went into Networks and Sharing and saw that "discovery" was turned off. Oddly enough, the computer will not let me turn it on. I selected to turn it on and clicked "apply", then got a warning message, and when I clicked "continue", nothing happened, and it's still showing as off. I don't get it.

No other networks are coming up. I just updated the driver and that didn't help either. But the device is showing in the device manager and the diagnostics say it's fine, so it's not like the computer isn't recognizing it...

Anyway, here are the ipconfig results:

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6001]
Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\Annie>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Annie-PC
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Wireless LAN adapter Wireless Network Connection:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Dell Wireless 1397 WLAN Mini-Card
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-22-5F-6C-09-87
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Marvell Yukon 88E8040 PCI-E Fast Ethernet
Controller
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-23-AE-1B-70-F5
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 6:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.{32B36282-A653-4B2A-8400-8180278BD
7C9}
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 7:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 02-00-54-55-4E-01
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 11:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : 6TO4 Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

Tunnel adapter Local Area Connection* 12:

Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : isatap.{F638B080-03E1-4426-8082-642ABDBD3
7DD}
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-00-00-00-00-00-00-E0
DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

C:\Users\Annie>
 

My Computer

System One

It also shows the "Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:". This shouldn't be there if it's disabled. Go to Network Connections from Network and sharing Center, right click on it, and click Disable. Then do the same for your wireless adapter, but then right click again and click Enable.

Ed
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5B-E
    Memory
    3006 MB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512MB
    Sound Card
    Motherboard - SoundMax
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm / Dell 17" Generic PnP Anolog
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 x 4294967296 colors / 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    3 x ST3250620AS 250GB SATA IDE 1 x WDC WD1200JD-00GBB0 120 GB SATA IDE
    PSU
    Enerrmax 535W All-in-one SLI 20/24+6+
    Case
    Antec Sonata
    Cooling
    Antec 12cm SmartCool
    Mouse
    Logitech MX100 Laser
    Keyboard
    Logitech LX710
    Internet Speed
    Bell Canada DSL 12MBps (supposedly)
    Other Info
    2 x HP Pavilion 9700v Laptops
Ed Canuck said:
It also shows the "Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:". This shouldn't be there if it's disabled. Go to Network Connections from Network and sharing Center, right click on it, and click Disable. Then do the same for your wireless adapter, but then right click again and click Enable.

Ed
Click to expand...

Ok I disabled both, then enabled just the wireless. Still not finding the network... My cell phone is right next to it and it's picking it up, as is all the other stuff in my apartment. Starting to drive me crazy over here...
 

My Computer

System One

What's the model number of the laptop?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5B-E
    Memory
    3006 MB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512MB
    Sound Card
    Motherboard - SoundMax
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm / Dell 17" Generic PnP Anolog
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 x 4294967296 colors / 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    3 x ST3250620AS 250GB SATA IDE 1 x WDC WD1200JD-00GBB0 120 GB SATA IDE
    PSU
    Enerrmax 535W All-in-one SLI 20/24+6+
    Case
    Antec Sonata
    Cooling
    Antec 12cm SmartCool
    Mouse
    Logitech MX100 Laser
    Keyboard
    Logitech LX710
    Internet Speed
    Bell Canada DSL 12MBps (supposedly)
    Other Info
    2 x HP Pavilion 9700v Laptops
A couple more things to try:

1. Right-click on the Network icon in the taskbar (if it's not showing, right click on taskbar, then click on Notification Area, and check Network box under System Icons), then try once more to "Connect to a network". If it doesn't work, click on Diagnose and Repair. Report any error messages.

2. If this doesn't do it, open a command prompt and type

netsh wlan show all

right click on window, click on select all, right click on window icon at top left, select edit > copy, and paste result in your reply.

3. Redo the ipconfig /all described in previous message and copy/paste that as well.

We'll get there yet...

Ed
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5B-E
    Memory
    3006 MB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512MB
    Sound Card
    Motherboard - SoundMax
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm / Dell 17" Generic PnP Anolog
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 x 4294967296 colors / 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    3 x ST3250620AS 250GB SATA IDE 1 x WDC WD1200JD-00GBB0 120 GB SATA IDE
    PSU
    Enerrmax 535W All-in-one SLI 20/24+6+
    Case
    Antec Sonata
    Cooling
    Antec 12cm SmartCool
    Mouse
    Logitech MX100 Laser
    Keyboard
    Logitech LX710
    Internet Speed
    Bell Canada DSL 12MBps (supposedly)
    Other Info
    2 x HP Pavilion 9700v Laptops
Here's what I got this time.... Thanks again

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6001]
Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\Annie>netsh wlan show all
Wireless System Information Summary
(Time: 4/13/2010 1:20:30 AM)


=======================================================================
============================== SHOW DRIVERS ===========================
=======================================================================


Interface name: Wireless Network Connection

Driver : Dell Wireless 1397 WLAN Mini-Card
Vendor : Broadcom
Provider : Broadcom
Date : 10/22/2008
Version : 5.10.38.26
INF file : C:\Windows\INF\oem61.inf
Files : 4 total
C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\BCMWL664.SYS
C:\Windows\system32\bcmihvsrv64.dll
C:\Windows\system32\bcmihvui64.dll
C:\Windows\system32\bcmwlcoi.dll
Type : Native Wi-Fi Driver
Radio types supported : 802.11g 802.11b
FIPS 140-2 mode supported : No
Authentication and cipher supported in infrastructure mode:
Open None
Open WEP
Shared None
Shared WEP
WPA2-Enterprise TKIP
WPA2-Personal TKIP
WPA2-Enterprise CCMP
WPA2-Personal CCMP
WPA2-Enterprise Unknown
WPA2-Enterprise Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown TKIP
Unknown CCMP
WPA-Enterprise TKIP
WPA-Personal TKIP
WPA-Enterprise CCMP
WPA-Personal CCMP
Authentication and cipher supported in ad-hoc mode:
WPA2-Personal CCMP
Open None
Open WEP
IHV Service Present : Yes
IHV Adapter OUI : [00 10 18], type: [00]
IHV Extensibility DLL Path: C:\Windows\System32\bcmihvsrv64.dll
IHV UI extensibility ClSID: {aaa6dee9-31b9-4f18-ab39-82ef9b06eb73}
IHV Diagnostics CLSID : {00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000}


=======================================================================
============================= SHOW INTERFACES =========================
=======================================================================


There is 1 interface on the system:

Name : Wireless Network Connection
Description : Dell Wireless 1397 WLAN Mini-Card
GUID : f638b080-03e1-4426-8082-642abdbd37dd
Physical Address : 00:22:5f:6c:09:87
State : disconnected


=======================================================================
============================= SHOW SETTINGS ===========================
=======================================================================


Wireless LAN settings
---------------------
Show blocked networks in visible network list: No.

Only use GP profiles on GP configured networks: No.

Auto configuration logic is enabled on interface "Wireless Network Connectio
n".


=======================================================================
============================== SHOW FILTERS ===========================
=======================================================================


Allow list on the system (group policy)
---------------------------------------
<None>

Allow list on the system (user)
-------------------------------
<None>

Block list on the system (group policy)
---------------------------------------
<None>

Block list on the system (user)
-------------------------------
<None>


=======================================================================
=========================== SHOW CREATEALLUSER ========================
=======================================================================


Everyone is allowed to create all user profiles.


=======================================================================
============================= SHOW PROFILES ===========================
=======================================================================


Profiles on interface Wireless Network Connection:

Group Policy Profiles (read only)
---------------------------------
<None>

User Profiles
-------------
<None>


=======================================================================
========================== SHOW PROFILES NAME=* =======================
=======================================================================

Profile "*" is not found on the system.

=======================================================================
======================= SHOW NETWORKS MODE=BSSID ======================
=======================================================================


Interface Name : Wireless Network Connection
There are 0 networks currently visible.


C:\Users\Annie>
Click to expand...
 

My Computer

System One

Your adapter is shown as disconnected.

Are you absolutely sure that it's turned on? The Setup Guide says that "A confirmation of your selection appears on the screen" when you press F2. Does this confirm it's on?

If yes, and it's still no go, could you try points 1 and 3 in my previous message and report?

Everything points to the adapter not functioning.

Ed
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5B-E
    Memory
    3006 MB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512MB
    Sound Card
    Motherboard - SoundMax
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm / Dell 17" Generic PnP Anolog
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 x 4294967296 colors / 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    3 x ST3250620AS 250GB SATA IDE 1 x WDC WD1200JD-00GBB0 120 GB SATA IDE
    PSU
    Enerrmax 535W All-in-one SLI 20/24+6+
    Case
    Antec Sonata
    Cooling
    Antec 12cm SmartCool
    Mouse
    Logitech MX100 Laser
    Keyboard
    Logitech LX710
    Internet Speed
    Bell Canada DSL 12MBps (supposedly)
    Other Info
    2 x HP Pavilion 9700v Laptops
1. Right-click on the Network icon in the taskbar (if it's not showing, right click on taskbar, then click on Notification Area, and check Network box under System Icons), then try once more to "Connect to a network". If it doesn't work, click on Diagnose and Repair. Report any error messages.
Click to expand...
I get a pop-up saying "There might be a problem with one or more network adapters on this computer" with two options: Plug a cable into the network adapter "Local Area Connection" or "Click for more information on how to find wireless networks in range of this computer" . If I click that it brings up generic helpbox, most suggestions I've tried already.
3. Redo the ipconfig /all described in previous message and copy/paste that as well.
Click to expand...
I can't do this right now because I misplaced my thumb drive. I did run it and it's still saying "Media Disconnected" under the wireless adapter. But when I go into Device Manager, the adapter shows under the Network heading, and when I click properties, it says "This device is working properly". I tried updated the driver again and I get a message saying "This device already has the most up to date driver"...

In regards to your other question, when I press F2 I see a small box in the bottom right corner showing an Antenna with waves coming out of it. If the waves are white, that means wireless is toggled "on" and if they're grayed out, then it's off. Either way, it doesn't work.

Ed[/QUOTE]

my3cents Reply to liguy257:
Have you tried reinstalling wireless from the Web interface?
Click to expand...
Not sure how to do that. If it requires going online I can't try it because I don't have physical access to the router to hook up an ethernet cable.
 

My Computer

System One

I'm running out of ideas, liguy.

Only other thing I can suggest is to delete the adapter in Device Manager, reboot, and let Windows reinstall it.

Otherwise, I'm stumped.

How come you don't have physical access to the router, anyway?

Ed
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5B-E
    Memory
    3006 MB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512MB
    Sound Card
    Motherboard - SoundMax
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm / Dell 17" Generic PnP Anolog
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 x 4294967296 colors / 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    3 x ST3250620AS 250GB SATA IDE 1 x WDC WD1200JD-00GBB0 120 GB SATA IDE
    PSU
    Enerrmax 535W All-in-one SLI 20/24+6+
    Case
    Antec Sonata
    Cooling
    Antec 12cm SmartCool
    Mouse
    Logitech MX100 Laser
    Keyboard
    Logitech LX710
    Internet Speed
    Bell Canada DSL 12MBps (supposedly)
    Other Info
    2 x HP Pavilion 9700v Laptops
Ed Canuck said:
I'm running out of ideas, liguy.

Only other thing I can suggest is to delete the adapter in Device Manager, reboot, and let Windows reinstall it.

Otherwise, I'm stumped.

How come you don't have physical access to the router, anyway?

Ed
Click to expand...

Tried it, didn't work. Unfortunately the power supply I'm using is for a different dell so it's working but only when plugged in (it's not actually charging), so I can't even bring it to starbucks to test the wifi or something.

I live in a basement apartment and the router is upstairs with my landlords. If I really needed to I could, but it's a pain... I will likely bring it to a friend's house this weekend to see if I can hardwire it.

I'm also wondering if I should try physically taking out the adapter and putting it back in. If it's something similar to memory where it pops out and pops back in, I might try it. Won't try if it looks involved though.

Thanks again for trying.
 

My Computer

System One

NP; sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Ed
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5B-E
    Memory
    3006 MB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512MB
    Sound Card
    Motherboard - SoundMax
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2235wm / Dell 17" Generic PnP Anolog
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050 x 4294967296 colors / 1024 x 768
    Hard Drives
    3 x ST3250620AS 250GB SATA IDE 1 x WDC WD1200JD-00GBB0 120 GB SATA IDE
    PSU
    Enerrmax 535W All-in-one SLI 20/24+6+
    Case
    Antec Sonata
    Cooling
    Antec 12cm SmartCool
    Mouse
    Logitech MX100 Laser
    Keyboard
    Logitech LX710
    Internet Speed
    Bell Canada DSL 12MBps (supposedly)
    Other Info
    2 x HP Pavilion 9700v Laptops
please help me!
I have some problem, too!:confused:
has your problem been fixed ??
my laptop model is "Dell inspiron 1564".
I installed "Kubuntu" last night, installed driver for my wireless. but when I returned to windows 7, it didn't work. I installed Windows and linux again, but problem not fixed! :sleepy:
sorry, for my English.
 

My Computer

System One

:p
my problem has been solved!
i installed ubuntu again, install broadcom driver. after 4 hours. when i turn on my computer and start windows. i saw my wireless is worked! :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

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