Error : No wireless networking were found in range.

Question

Alright, I've been having trouble with my laptop turning wireless. My internet works of course on a ethernet cable, but wireless is a lot more better for me. This is the first time I have dealth with wireless, and from what I hear, you should pick up any router that sends out wireless right away - my laptop is not the case however. I have a Dell Inspiron 700M and have everything necessary - one of the solutions people have told me is to turn the wireless switch on. I don't think there is one availible on this computer however, and I haven't been able to find one nor get another solution so I can surf the net without cables. Any suggestions?

VBdotNet · Answer

@terryshade2 wrote:
... I have a Dell Inspiron 700M and have everything necessary - ....

What is "I have a Dell Inspiron 700M and have everything necessary"? Are you pluggging your 700m directly into your cable or DSL modem?

If yes then you need a wireless router - or both a wired router and a wireless access point - connected to the modem.

To help you, please list the brand model of the wireless router (or wireless access point) that you are using.

terryshade2 · Answer

No, I was a router - I have Verizon DSL, and they included it. I plug the router directed to the DSL modem.

My router is a Webstell Model 327W if that means anything. The wireless light is on, so I don't think it's the routers fault.

VBdotNet · Answer

I don't like DSL. It has awful install software. Here is a user guide from Westell. I suggest you use the manual that came with your modem ( it may by on the install CD in .pdf format) or use the link I gave you AND contact Version for assistance.

jackshack · Answer

From your description, I am assuming that you have set up DSL and that an Ethernet cable between your laptop and the Westell modem/router allows you to access the internet.  If the wireless light on the Westell is lit, its transmitter is enabled.  My Westell came configured as an open system by default.  For your laptop to communicate with it, you must have a wireless card of some sort.  My Inspiron has a Dell 1450, and the software drivers for it were pre-installed.  If you have the same situation, you should be able to click on an icon for the Dell wireless utility.  If it refuses to activate, then you must enable your wireless from the 'Connections' menu reached by way of the 'start' button.  Once you have enabled the connection you should be able to use the Dell utility to see available networks and configure the laptop end of your connection.   If you wish more specific help, I will be happy to assist.   Jack

terryshade2 · Answer

Well, my brother-in-law brought in his laptop - and he's picked up the wireless signal right away. That means, yes, it's my computer, and not the router.

And I do believe the wireless is probably disabled - but I cannot find anyway to turn it on. I have a wireless card installed in my computer, but I just cannot figure out on how to turn it on. Any suggestions?

volcano11 · Answer

Have you tried the Fn-F2 key combination? Steve

jackshack · Answer

Go to 'start', look on the menu for 'Connect To'.  No click yet, just hover.  A sub-menu should appear, one of the choices being 'Show All Connections'; click on that one.  If the computer has properly detected your card, and it has been properly installed, you should see a connection labeled 'Wireless Connection'.  The title may have a number following it, most likely a '1' unless the connection has been deleted and re-configured at some point.  If the card has been enabled already, the title will have a line in it that says so.  If not, it will read disabled and probably have a red 'X' on it.  If it is disabled you should be able to click on it (or double click if one doesn't work) to make it enable.  This usually turns on the card's transmitter also, but if it doesn't, the transmitter can be enabled via the function keys that have been mentioned to you by volcano11, or by using the utility I am about to describe.  Now you have a choice.  The wireless card is usually provided with a utility to help set up the card and to monitor its performance.  A Dell card usually has the Dell wireless WLAN utility, but other cards have similar utilities.  You can chose this or use the WinXP panel to set up the card.  When you bring up the utility provided by the card vendor, there is a box that you click on to tell Win XP you are using the vendor provided utility.  Personally, I like the card utility, but either works.  Among other things, the utility has a box to click that switches the transmitter on or off.  There is also a diagnostic tab that you can click to run tests on the card. I'm going to stop here until you can try this out.  If you don't find the wireless listed in the connections menu, it may not be properly installed.  You will need to use the Device Manager in the Win XP control panel to see the card's status.  Let us know how you're doing. Jack

terryshade2 · Answer

x_x Thank you all - the FN + F2 button did the trick :P Man, now I feel stupid! Thank you all so much, once again :)

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Error : No wireless networking were found in range.

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