Cannot enable Wireless adapter

Question

I have a fairly new (2 months) Inspiron 600m. I can't enable the wireless adapter (it always has the red 'X' on the icon). I tried a couple suggestions I found in this forum (tried using the Fn-F2 key combo, and I also tried enabling it via the Properites option from Network COnnections, but there is no WIRELESS tab to click on. I then attempted to get the wireless tab to display by going into Computer Management/Services/Wireless Zero Config/Startup type and setting that to Automatic (the value was already on automatic).

The wireless card is a Dell Wireless 1370 WLAN Mini-PCI Card. What can I do to enable this card?

Thanks for the help in advance!

Phil

tonebalone · Answer

Be sure it's turned on in BIOS.

daotrinhn · Answer

Hi Did you check Drive network card install or still yellow question mark Regards

pjhorton21 · Answer

It was turned OFF in the BIOS, I changed it to ON, re-booted but it made no difference. The Device Manager says that it is working properly (no yellow exclamation point).

tonebalone · Answer

Sorry for the obvious question, but do you have a wireless access point or wireless router in your home, and is it functioning correctly?

Open the cover on the laptop and make sure the antenna cables are properly connected to the card.

pjhorton21 · Answer

Actually I'm at work where there is a wireless network (thanks for asking that question though; there are probably a number of people who would assume that there is a wireless network "out there" for them to use). The antenna wires appear to be connected to the card.

I just got off the phone with Dell Support - Even though Device Manager says the card is functioning properly, the driver was updated just last week - so I'm going to donwload that and try it again.

Thanks for your help so far...

Trevly · Answer

for what it's worth, i think if you have the icon with the red x in the system, that *usually means that the adapter is enabled, but is not connected to a wireless network. or it could mean that your wired ethernet adapter isn't connected, the icons are similar (the wired network icon looks like two computers, the wireless one looks like one). if the adapter is disabled, there is no icon in the system tray. probably doensn't help you but there you go.

pjhorton21 · Answer

Downloaded updated drivers and it works! Never assume something from the factory has the latest drivers installed.

Trevly · Answer

ditto that with firmware on name-brand networking products these days. too much rush to get product on shelves, not enough debugging.

tonebalone · Answer

Now that it's working, is probably a good time to quit troubleshooting.

daotrinhn · Answer

Hi

when you double click icon redX did you see any wireless range available at view wireless network or not. if you don't see any wireless range available ,your wireless card faulty or anttena.if you can see wireless range available but can't connect.

check router wireless card access turn on

service pack 2 up date will help

don't use third party network software to connect ,use from windows only

This idea work when I have problem,if some one think not correct please fix

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Cannot enable Wireless adapter

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