Love my new computer, but wireless is weak

Debra,

Start, control Panel, Devioce Manager. Click the + sign at network adapters.

Right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties. Advanced. Look for Antenna Diversity and change it to Aux.

Then try to reconnect to your network.

Rick

Thanks, Rick!  I'm not at home right now, but I will try it this evening.  I hope it works.  I really don't want to return the computer, but its wireless range is about 5 feet.  I have 21 days, and I ordered on August 7, so I have awhile.  Thank you, Debra

Unfortunately, this option is not available.  I see from the sticky it is for the dell mini 10 - I have an inspiron 14, and an intel 5100 agn card.  All I can figure is the card is bad.  I don't know what to do.  Should I return the computer?  Do I have any options for getting some tech help?  This is just not working.  I am 2 feet from the router, otherwise the connection goes to Local Only.

Well, I have been trying out a number of different things, but I am back down next to the router.  Nothing is working.

We have one of the newer routers - it has 802.11n.  It is fast, and every other computer gets a signal, usually pretty good.  I can see three out of five bars when I look at the wireless networks available, but it won't connect.  Here are my options under Advanced:

80211n Channel Width for band 2.4              20MHz Only

802.11n Channel With for band 5.2                20 MHz Only

802.11n Mode                                                     Enabled

Ad Hoc Channell 802.11 b/g                            1

Ad Hoc Default Wireless Mode                         0.802.11b/g

Ad Hoc Power Management                              Disabled

Ad Hoc QoS Mode                                                WMM Disabled

Fat Channel Tolerant                                           Disabled

Mixed Mode Protection                                         CTS-to-self Enabled

Roaming Agressiveness                                     3. Medium

Throughput Enhancement                                  Disabled

Transmit Power                                                     5. Highest

Wireless Mode                                                       6.802.11a/b/g

I would really appreciate some direction on this.  A laptop is worthless to me if I have to have it on the desk next to the desktop.  If this weren't a brand new computer, I would take it to MicroCenter for service.  But that would surely void my warranty.  Since this computer is 2 days old, and since the wireless card never worked, I will be returning the computer if I cannot figure this out.  I will try and leave the same message on the Tech Board.  This is quite distressing, since I paid extra for the Intel 5100 wireless card.  I love everything else about this computer.

Debra,

First make sure the switch is turned on and you see the WiFi lit above the number pad.

All my settings match except...

802.11n Channel With for band 5.2                Auto

I downloaded the latest drivers for the 5100n card from Intel's Website.

Rick

Debra,

Let Dell Chat take control of your computer. Also tell them about Windows Defender.

Rick

Well, they decided for me.  My session was just ended, even though I was still 4 in the queue.  I downloaded the drivers, and will try again tomorrow.  Thanks, Debra

Thanks, Rick.  I am on Dell Chat right now.  I have been on for the last hour, was disconnected when they tried to transfer me, and now I am number 4 in the queue.  Don't know how much longer I can keep my eyes open (it is 1:40 am in Chicago).  There is a driver and softwear on the page you pointed me to.  Should I download both?

Great idea, Rick, but they keep disconecting me from Dell Chat.  I finally gave up and went to bed.  Now I am 15 in the queue.  I will try this again, but I am afraid the computer will have to go back if I cannot get someone to look at it this time.  I really love this computer, and love Dell products, but having to wait a week and then not being able to use the computer is a bummer.  I have been without a laptop for 4 weeks, and it is getting old.  I don't want to get an HP, but I can't wait for delivery and have something that doesn't work, again.

Fixed, fixed, fixed!!!!  It took awhile, but Dell Chat was able to get Windows Defender working again, but I had to call the wireless group.  I was on hold for a long time, and then someone answered, and I accidently discounected!  Well, I was angry, but that wasn't Dell's fault.  I called again, and waited, and finally got a tech.  She told me to open my computer (I absolutely hate doing that!!!).  She had me discounect the antenas, and then reseat the wireless card and reconnect the annetenas.  Well, it works like a charm!  She said something must have come loose during shipping.  I guess that can always happen.  I am so pleased it was fixable. 

I absolutely love my new computer!:emotion-2:

Debra,

ALRIGHT! :emotion-21:

Can you now tell me what type of virus protaction you're using?

Rick

Debra,

Just checking to make sure you're protected.

Take care,

Rick

Right now I'm using the 30-day McAfee.  I will add it on to our subscription.  Wouldn't go out without it!

Thanks for all your help!  Debra