wireless connection quit

Question

After 6 months of working perfectly, my wireless connection quit working. Initially, there was intermittent connection, but about 80% of the time it would say wireless connection unavailable. Now it is 100% unavailable and even the wireless icons in the bottom right hand corner have disappeared. I have powered down and back up with no results and everything is connected properly. Any thoughts?

volcano11 · Answer

First you need to determine if the problem is with the wireless network adapter in the computer or with the wireless router.  Do you have any other computers on the network that have also lost their connection?  If you go to a free wireless hot spot, can you connect there?  If you post a reply, please include the model of your computer, model of the wireless card, and version of Windows.   Steve

mmiller43 · Answer

My computer is an Inspiron 8600 with windows XP professional.  The network adapter card and the router are Linksys wireless-G 2.4 GHz.  I have no other computers using this wireless connection. i have not tried to connect through any other connections. Message Edited by mmiller43 on 03-14-2005 09:07 PM

volcano11 · Answer

Without the ability to test the network card on another network or test the router with another computer, it is going to be very difficult to decide which device is causing the problem.  Does the wireless adapter show up in Device Manager?  In Network Connections, is the wireless connection icon present?   Steve

mmiller43 · Answer

In network connections there are 2 icons.  One is '1394 Connection Net Adapter', the other is 'Local Area Connection Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller'.  Both say enabled.  How do I get to device manager?

volcano11 · Answer

It looks like your ethernet adapter (Broadcom Integrated Controller) is properly install, but if there is no wireless connection listed there, then it looks like the wireless adapter is not installed or is imporperly configured.  To get into Device Manager, go to Start > Control Panel > Perfomance and Maintenance > System, click on the Hardware tab, then on the Device Manager button.   Expand the list by clicking on the + sign next to network adapters.   See if your wireless network adapter is listed or shows as a problem device.  If it is not listed or is showing as a problem device, then you need to install the drivers for the wireless network adapter.   Steve

mmiller43 · Answer

I appreciate your help.  I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere with this.  The wireless-G notebook adapter is listed under device manager and when I click on it , it says the device is working properly.

volcano11 · Answer

Have your tried enabling the wireless device by clicking hitting the Fn F2 key combination? Steve

mmiller43 · Answer

Hitting the Fn F2 did nothing.  I've been looking on the web and it seems my problem may be the adapter as neither of the green lights are on.  I tried to uninstall it so I could reinstall, but discovered I can't find the CD that came with it.  I went to the linksys website to try and find the software and downloaded the driver.  Is that what I need?

volcano11 · Answer

Yes, you need the driver to reinstall it.  Did you find the driver on the Linksys web site?  If not, if you can provide the model of your wireless card, I can probably help you find the driver. Steve

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wireless connection quit

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